AMA2162 Developing Your Analytical Skills: How to Research and Present Information

Analytical Skills and Data Analysis

• Identifying core analytical skills
• Exploring the challenges of collecting, evaluating, and presenting information
• Describing the steps in the analytical process: plan, analyze, conclude
• The Planning Phase

Defining the purpose of the analysis

• Improving your analytical skills by clarifying relevant issues: Why? Who? What are the options, benefits, and risks?
• Identifying issues that are essential for comprehensive understanding
• Deciding on an approach for an analysis project
• Creating a data collection plan for obtaining information

The Analysis Phase

• Organizing, collecting, and evaluating data via graphic tools
• Performing affinity grouping to aggregate unstructured data into categories
• Using a 2x2 grid and SWOT analysis to evaluate ideas and analyze strategies
• Determining risks and performing cost-benefit analysis
• Evaluating data and addressing information gaps

The Conclusion and Reporting Process

• Understanding the characteristics of valid conclusions
• Getting from conclusions to recommendations
• Presenting conclusions graphically

Telling Your Story

• Utilizing tools, tips, and techniques to present your story to multiple audiences
• Creating and delivering a brief presentation that inspires and persuades