ANALYTICAL SKILLS

What Do You Mean By Analytical Skills

Analytical skill is the ability to visualize, articulate, and solve both complex and uncomplicated problems and concepts and make decisions that are sensible and based on available information. Such skills include demonstration of the ability to apply logical thinking to gathering and analyzing information, designing and testing solutions to problems, and formulating plans.

WHY ANALYZE INFORMATION ?

The political decisions we make can change the course of legislation locally, regionally and globally

The economic decisions we make impact how we live and the future of companies and markets

The economic decisions we make impact how we live and the future of companies and markets

The business decisions we make can enhance the quality of our work and even open doors to new opportunities

What Do You Really Do To Have Those

Skills ?Problem solvingFormulate, Solve, and Interpret�ModelsFormulate, analyze, predict�EstimationReasonableness of results, checking answers�Reading Comprehend and analyze mathematical text

WritingExpress quantitative ideas and facts effectively in writing �SpeakingExpress quantitative ideas and facts effectively orally �Information literacyAccess and make effective use of quantitative information

This Is How You Go About It

.Make no assumptions

Turn information into knowledge

Ask the right questions

5 TIPS TO BETTER ANALYTICAL SKILLS

Realize what you don’t know

Don’t take what you see at face value

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

What do we know already?

What do we need to know?

What are the expected results?

How will we act on this once we have the data?

How much time am I allotted on this research?

When is the information needed?

REALIZE WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW

Don’t be embarrassed to ask simple questions

Start from the bottom to ensure you cover all the bases

Allow your research to guide you into different directions

MAKE NO ASSUMPTIONS

Does the requestor really know what they want?

Are you sure that the information will be easily found?

Is it possible that someone may have gathered similar information?

Do you have enough time to complete the task?

If in doubt about the results or the format of the report…ask.

DON’T TAKE THINGS AT FACE VALUE

Errors occur by both man and machine

Cross-reference statistics and research when possible

Look deeper to determine the real value in the information

Validate sources to ensure their credibility, especially those online

Turn Information into Knowledge

After collecting information, review and assemble it

Create categories that help organize it

Look for patterns of recurring data

Add your perspective to what you’ve uncovered

Summarize analysis to crystallize the findings

Bring value to the information by keeping your requestor in mind

Thank you