Analytical Thinking and Evidence Based Decision Making

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Why Attend

In today’s complex business world, effective analytical skills are essential for professionals who are looking to add long-term strategic value to their organization. While problems differ in complexity, almost all of them can be approached in a structured manner that increases the chances of finding a successful solution. By attending this course, you can master the art and science of dealing with complex data using solid analytical skills.

However, analyzing the data and reaching the right conclusion is only half of the problem. The other half is ensuring that decision-makers understand and support your conclusion. Therefore, this course will also include a section on how to effectively persuade others of the appropriate course of action using evidence-based analytics to ensure that the organization is making the right decision.

Course Methodology

The course uses a mix of interactive techniques, such as analytical tools, case studies, presentation development, presentation delivery, and individual feedback.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Apply recognized problem-solving techniques and approaches
  • Analyze problems and find factual data to support decisions
  • Distinguish, evaluate and summarize relevant information
  • Generate a broader and more unique range of solutions
  • Arrive at objective and well-reasoned decisions consistent with the available information
  • Present results in a structured manner for maximum impact and influence

Target Audience

Analysts, managers, and professionals who are looking to build their analytical skills as well as those who are interested in improving their decision-making capabilities based on analytical evidence.

Target Competencies

  • Analytical thinking
  • Analysis of data
  • Assessing data patterns
  • Structuring data
  • Evidence-based research
  • Results orientation

Location:

South Africa

Training Dates:

Each course starts every Monday of each week. Please book your training on a date that is a Monday.

Course Duration:

Unit Standard:

NQF Level:

Number of Credits:


Course Fees

Note: Please fill in the online application form on the left or bottom if this page to receive a quotation with detailed pricing from AATICD.

How to Apply:

To Apply Simply Fill in the Online Enquiries / Applications form on the Right Sidebar or Bottom of this website https://www.aaticd.co.za

NB:

When filling the online application form; please take note of your desired Training Month, Duration in Weeks and Training Session. This will give us the exact dates you will be attending your classes.

Also note that Tuition Fees must be paid upfront on or before training start date. This is to ensure that all resources are made availabe for you before you start. You will not be allowed into training if fees are not paid and verified.

Also note that Tuition Fees Cancellations must be made 14 business working days before the starting date of training. This will allow us to do a 50% refund of the total amount paid. If cancellations are made thereafter note that no refund will be made to delegates.

Tuition Fees include teas and lunch as well as either a laptop or tablet which a delegate will take home free of charge.

Tuition Fee DOES NOT include Accommodation, Dinners and other Extra Curricular Activities or Incidentals. Delegates are expected to fund this on their own. AATICD will not be held accountable for any incidents to delegates.

In-House Trainings are also available for 3 or more delegates for any duration. Please consult with our Administration for such In-House training bookings.

Course Outline

  • Analytical thinking skills
    • Understanding how we think and reason
    • Adding value to your organization
    • Balancing multiple conditions impacting a business situation
    • Moving from pieces to the big picture
    • Generating creative solutions
  • Structuring problems
    • The importance of structuring
    • Dividing issues into manageable sections
    • The use of logic trees in problem-solving
    • Foundations of conditional logic
    • Foundations of disjunctive logic
    • Using conditional logic versus disjunctive logic
    • Challenges in effectively using different kinds of logic
  • Collecting data
    • Getting the right data
    • Types of research
    • Primary research development
    • Secondary research development
    • Conducting informational interviews
    • Asking ‘so what?’
    • Summary versus synthesis
    • Assessing the value of information
    • Focusing on facts
    • Eliminating extraneous information
  • Analyzing and transforming data
    • Structuring data
    • Transforming data
    • The power of visual representation
    • Guidelines for business graphs
    • Using Excel for data analysis
    • The power of pivot tables
    • Using pivot tables for analysis
    • Seeking patterns
    • Studying trends
    • Questioning results
    • Developing possible solutions
  • Communicating and convincing
    • Turning data into findings
    • Building effective arguments
    • Communicating findings by telling a story
    • Storytelling elements
      • The current situation
      • Difficulties in making the situation better
      • Possible paths to resolution
    • Presenting to senior management