Stages of data analysis

Stages of data analysis

1. Identify the need

   • Define scope
     • Identify potential sources
       • Source and select information
         • Select the most apporiate tools
           • Process of data analysis
             • Record and store information
               • Share results
                 • The final stage makes sure that the results are published so the stakeholders can inspect them.
                   • Example – Results can be presented on a webpage, a printed report or in a written form.
               • This is the stage at which any report into the findings is written.
                 • This includes all of the results that have been processed.
             • At this stage data has been collected and entered into a software to be analysed.
               • Example – Data could be entered in a spreadsheet or in a graph to show the information visually.
           • At this stage the most suitable tool will be chosen to represent the data.
             • It will make sure that the data will be easy to read, to understand and also that patterns can be identified easily.
             • Example – Graphs, charts or spreadsheets.
         • Best information is selected.
           • It will automatically exclude unsuitable information
           • Example – the negative attitude of an interviewer might affect the answer of the interviewees, which will make the information inaccurate and unreliable.
       • At this stage it will be ensured that a wide range of source will be available and that the information is suitable and it will be unbiased.
         • The actual source of data depends on the project.
         • Example – customer surveys about how well the organisation is providing them with their needs.
     • This stage defines the restrictions on the project.
       • Example – the overall budget, times by which the information should be available and identified.
   • At this stage the objectives of any data analysis will be set.
     • At the end of this stage, it should be clear what is hoped to be learnt from the project.
     • This includes the information that is needed from the completed project.