Analytics maturity level

Question 1

What does “Analytics Maturity Level” refer to?

Answer 1

Analytics Maturity Level refers to the stages an organization goes through in its use of data and analytics, from basic data reporting to advanced predictive and prescriptive analytics. As organizations advance in maturity, they gain greater insights and can make more informed, strategic decisions based on data.

Question 2

What is descriptive statistics?

Answer 2

• Descriptive statistics is about summarizing and understanding datasets.
• It focuses on measures of central tendency (like the mean, median, and mode) and measures of spread (like range, variance, and standard deviation).
• Descriptive statistics help us make sense of large datasets by providing simple numerical and graphical summaries.

Question 3

What are the stages of analytics maturity?

Answer 3

1. Descriptive Analytics – “This is what happened” (Basic reporting of data).
2. Diagnostic Analytics – “This is why it happened” (Understanding root causes).
3. Predictive Analytics – “This is what will happen” (Using data to predict future trends).
4. Prescriptive Analytics – “This is what we should do” (Using data to recommend decisions).

Question 4

What is the significance of these stages?

Answer 4

Each stage adds more value to the organization. Descriptive and operational analytics focus on understanding past performance, while predictive and prescriptive analytics enable forward-looking insights and proactive decision-making.

Question 5

What is Stage 1 of analytics maturity?

Answer 5

Stage 1 is Descriptive Analytics, where:

• Data is often raw and uncoordinated.
• Reports are created in response to ad hoc requests.
• Minimal analysis is done, with the burden left on the person requesting the data.

Question 6

What characterizes Operational Analytics?

Answer 6

• Regular, structured reports tailored for different stakeholders.
• Summaries and trends are provided along with intelligent analysis.
• Metrics are chosen strategically, and data sources are more coordinated.

Question 7

What is Stage 2, Diagnostic Analytics?

Answer 7

• Making connections between metrics.
• Conducting root cause analysis and diagnosing issues.
• Engaging in proactive initiatives, such as improving HR processes.

Question 8

Why is this stage (2) important?

Answer 8

Stage 2 allows organizations to understand why certain trends occurred, helping them identify underlying issues and address them effectively.

Question 9

What happens at Stage 3, Predictive Analytics?

Answer 9

• Hypothesis testing.
• Forecasting future outcomes based on correlations and trends.
• Predicting the financial effects of forecasts.

Question 10

What is the benefit of predictive analytics?

Answer 10

It allows organizations to anticipate what will happen in the future and make data-driven decisions to prepare for those outcomes.

Question 11

What is Stage 4, Prescriptive Analytics?

Answer 11

• Making recommendations based on data.
• Planning interventions with business managers.
• Using advanced technologies like artificial intelligence for scenario testing and decision-making.

Question 12

How does prescriptive analytics add value?

Answer 12

It provides actionable steps for decision-making, helping organizations optimize their strategies and improve ROI by making precise recommendations on what actions to take.

Question 13

What are descriptive measures for numerical variables?

Answer 13

• Central tendency: Measures that summarize the “typical” values (e.g., mean, median, mode).
• Spread: How dispersed the data is (e.g., variance, standard deviation).
• Shape: Whether the data is symmetrical or skewed.

values in median must be sorted from smallest to largest

Question 14

What does IQR reveal?

Answer 14

The Interquartile Range is Q3-Q1; it is the range of the middle 50% of the data.

Question 15

Characteristics of a normal distribution:

Answer 15

• Shape: The graph is bell-shaped and symmetric around the center.
• Mean, Median, Mode: All three measures of central tendency (mean, median, and mode) are equal and located at the center.
• Spread: The spread of the data is measured by the standard deviation (σ). A smaller σ means the data is closer to the mean, while a larger σ means it is more spread out.
• Total Area: The total area under the curve equals 1, representing 100% probability.

Question 16

When is data skewed to the right or left?

Answer 16

• If mean/ average is higher than the median= right/ positive skewness
• If mean/ average is lower than the median= left/ negative skewness