Data Analytics is turning observation and information into insight. Data is all around us-financial data, workforce data, demographic data, geographic data; there’s even data about data. And it’s often messy, complicated, and incomplete. Data Analytics is the process of taking all of these data points and presenting your findings effectively to tell a story; a story that examines why something happened in the past, a story that justifies a decision to be made in the present, or a story that forecasts the future. From predicting terrorism patterns to driving diversity recruitment strategies, Data Analytics is here to stay as a vital tool in an increasingly connected world.
The best part about working with data is seeing the impact it can have in an organization.
Data Strategies
There are a variety of strategies for quantitative and qualitative analyses, many of which go well beyond the scope of an introductory Handbook. Different strategies provide data analysts with an organized approach to working with data; they enable the analyst to create a “logical sequence” for the use of different procedures
we offer four examples of strategies for quantitative analysis that you may consider as
you work with and develop your skills in data analysis as well as reasons why you may
consider using the strategy. Some of these strategies are used when looking
at particular content area data.
Strategy: Visualizing the Data
Involves: Creating a visual “picture” or graphic display of the data.
Reason(s): a way to begin the analysis process; or as an aid to the reporting/
presentation of findings.
Strategy: Exploratory Analyses
Involves: Looking at data to identify or describe “what’s going on”? – creating an
initial starting point (baseline) for future analysis.
Reason(s): Like you have a choice?
Strategy: Trend Analysis
Involves: Looking at data collected at different periods of time.
Reason(s): to identify and interpret (and, potentially, estimate) change.
Strategy: Estimation
Involves: Using actual data values to predict a future value.
Reason(s): to combat boredom after you have mastered all the previous strategies.
What do you think?