Learning aim C: Carry out analysis of statistical data to meet the needs of an organisation C1 Selecting data for analysis The selection of a suitable data set to produce information to support an organisational
decision.
The process will involve:
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identifying the objectives of the analysis and framing a clear, specific,
well-defined question to identify what you want to know
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defining the system requirements
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defining other factors to be considered, e.g. constraints, access, security issues,
e.g. data protection and reliability
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identifying valid, accurate, current, relevant and sufficient big data.
C2 Evaluating a data set and presenting the outcomes Software techniques used to analyse data sets for a defined audience or purpose.
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Preparation of the data for analysis, where data should be:
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‘clean’ – the data is consistent, accurate and complete
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‘formatted’ – the data is in a standard format that most commercial software is
capable of interpreting, and suitable for data interchange and transformation.
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Selecting appropriate programming and scripting languages for manipulating
structured and unstructured data (e.g. SQL, Python, R).
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Use of industry-standard software and cloud-based resources (e.g. MS Azure
Data Services, Amazon Web Services) to analyse the structured and
unstructured data to produce appropriate reports for different audiences
and purposes.
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The need for the outcomes of the analysis to be:
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valid: conclusions and recommendations correctly drawn from the analysis of
the data set
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accurate: values are exact and correct
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relevant: conclusions and recommendations address the initial question(s).
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Presentation of the outcomes from the data set analysis in an appropriate
format for the audience and purpose, including:
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the ability to convey intended meaning, e.g. written and verbal
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graphical and numerical data, e.g. tables, charts, dashboards
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recording documentation, reports, visual aids for presentation use; verbal
communication requirements (one-to-one and group informal and formal
situations)
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use of tone and language for verbal and written communications to convey
intended meaning and make a positive and constructive impact on audience,
e.g. positive and engaging tone, technical/vocational language suitable for
intended audience, and avoidance of jargon
o
responding constructively to the contributions of others,
e.g. supportive, managing.