Descriptive Analytics
Descriptive Analytics is the interpretation of historical data from multiple sources to detect patterns, correlations, and trends. In the context of Business Intelligence/Data Analysis, this involves understanding past behaviors to influence future outcomes. The ability to accurately interpret and synthesise this historical information directly impacts effective decision-making processes.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are able to gather basic historical data and identify simple patterns or trends from reports or dashboards. You use these insights to inform your daily tasks and contribute to routine decision-making. This helps you support your team with accurate information and develop greater confidence in data-driven work.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are beginning to use historical data from different sources to identify simple patterns and trends. You can interpret basic reports and summarise key insights for your team, supporting routine business decisions. Your work helps others start to understand how past data informs future choices.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level, you are able to independently analyze historical data from various sources to identify meaningful patterns, trends, and correlations. You regularly translate these insights into clear, actionable recommendations that support informed business decisions. Your work helps teams understand emerging issues or opportunities, improving the accuracy and impact of decision-making.
Statistical modeling
Statistical modeling is the ability to use mathematical equations to predict business behaviors based off historical data. This capability requires adept comprehension of statistical techniques and analytical forecasting. The impact facilitates informed, data-drive business decisions, thus improving operational efficiency.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are able to recognize and apply basic statistical concepts, such as averages and trends, to interpret business data. You use simple models to identify patterns and support straightforward analysis tasks within your team. This helps ensure decisions are guided by clear, factual insights from business data.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are able to apply basic statistical models to analyze historical data and produce simple business forecasts. You use established techniques with guidance and begin to interpret your findings to inform team decisions. Your work supports improved understanding of trends and helps identify opportunities for better business outcomes.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to develop and apply statistical models to analyze complex business data and accurately forecast trends. You confidently interpret results to support decision-making, ensuring recommendations are based on solid evidence. This enables your team to make informed, data-driven choices that improve business outcomes.
Root Cause Analysis
Root Cause Analysis is the aptitude to discern and scrutinise the underlying origins of business complications leveraging data analysis tools. Within the Business Intelligence context, it facilitates comprehensive understanding of data implications, correlation and deviation. This capability is critical in identifying redundancies, mitigating future risks and improving overall business performance.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are able to recognize when a business issue needs further exploration and use basic data analysis tools to look for straightforward patterns or causes. You rely on guidance to interpret results and often consult more experienced colleagues when drawing conclusions. This helps you contribute to simple problem-solving and support the team’s understanding of key data trends.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are beginning to use data analysis tools to investigate the causes of business issues, identifying basic trends and possible links between factors. You need some guidance to draw accurate conclusions, but you can contribute insights that help your team understand where problems may be starting. This builds a foundation for stronger risk reduction and process improvement.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to systematically investigate business issues using data analysis tools to identify and explain their root causes. You confidently interpret trends and relationships in data, testing your assumptions and considering wider business impacts. Your insights help teams resolve recurring problems and drive more effective decision-making.
Problem Definition (Analytics)
Problem Definition (Analytics) is the ability to identify, articulate and frame complex business issues. It involves utilising analytical tools and methods to understand business problems within a broader context. Mastery in this area impacts the quality of insights generated, improving business decision making and problem-solving capabilities.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are able to recognize when a business question or issue needs analysis, and can describe it in clear, simple terms. You use basic analytical tools to gather relevant information, helping you understand the problem's context. Your work helps ensure problems are clearly defined before analysis begins.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are able to recognize and describe straightforward business problems using available data and basic analytical methods. You can begin to separate core issues from symptoms, seeking support when needed to frame these within the broader business context. This helps your team focus on the key aspects of each challenge, supporting clearer analysis and recommendations.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to clearly define complex business problems by gathering relevant data and consulting key stakeholders. You use analytical frameworks to break down issues and identify root causes, ensuring your problem statements are accurate and actionable. This enables teams to focus their analysis and deliver insights that directly support business objectives.
Predictive Analytics
Predictive Analytics is the capability to use data, statistical algorithms, and machine learning to identify future outcomes based on historical data. In the context of Business Intelligence/Data Analysis, it allows businesses to move beyond raw data analysis and forecast future possibilities. This capability has the potential to drive efficient decision-making, risk minimisation, and opportunity maximisation.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are aware of how predictive analytics can help anticipate business trends and outcomes using historical data. You understand basic concepts and can interpret simple forecasts or model results created by others. This knowledge helps you support informed decisions within your team and recognize opportunities for further analysis.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are able to use straightforward predictive analytics tools to identify basic trends and patterns in business data. You work with guidance to apply statistical methods or simple models, using historical information to forecast general outcomes. Your contributed insights help your team begin to consider future possibilities beyond the current data.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to build, validate, and interpret predictive models using historical business data, selecting suitable methods for different scenarios. You independently apply predictive analytics to uncover trends and forecast outcomes that support business planning. Your work helps your team make better decisions by reliably identifying risks and opportunities ahead of time.
Metric Design
Metric Design is the proficiency to establish meaningful and quantifiable measures in business intelligence and data analysis. It involves discerning important variables, mapping out their associations, and presenting them in a clear, interpretable way. Proper metric design improves data governance, enables insightful decision making, and maximizes the value of data assets.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are able to identify basic business needs and recognize which data might be important for measuring progress. You follow established metric templates and seek guidance when choosing or defining measures. Your contribution helps ensure that data work is aligned with clear business questions and supports reliable, entry-level reporting.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are able to help define straightforward metrics using clear business questions and available data. You work with guidance to select relevant variables and ensure measures are understandable to stakeholders. This supports basic reporting and begins to link data with decision making in your team.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to define and build metrics that align with business priorities and clearly show performance or trends. You identify the right data to use, map relationships between variables, and present results in a way that guides decision making. Your metric design helps teams focus on what matters and supports reliable, informed choices.
KPI Development and Reporting
KPI Development and Reporting is the capacity to formulate and communicate key performance indicators. It underpins effective data analysis, enabling strategic direction and data-driven decisions. Professionals demonstrate an ability to identify relevant metrics, synthesise complex data, and create insightful reports. This capability drives informed, intelligent business planning and improvement.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are able to recognize and record basic key performance indicators relevant to your team’s objectives. You accurately enter and organize data for routine reports, following clear instructions. Your attention to detail helps others access reliable information to support their business decisions.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are able to identify straightforward KPIs and assist in collecting and presenting basic data insights. You follow established processes to prepare reports, gaining experience in interpreting trends and results within a business context. Your work supports more informed decisions by helping teams see clear links between data and business goals.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to independently design, select, and report on KPIs that align with business goals and data strategy. You use reliable data sources to produce clear, accurate reports that inform decisions at team or department level. Your work ensures stakeholders can track performance and identify key opportunities for improvement.
Insight Communication
Insight Communication is the expertise of articulating complex data findings in a simplified, understandable format. It encompasses the ability to translate data-driven conclusions into actionable business strategy. Utilising visuals, storytelling, and data translation, this capability optimizes the impact of business intelligence, maximizing benefits for strategic planning and decision-making.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are able to convey basic data findings to colleagues in clear, simple terms. You use straightforward visuals or examples to help others understand what the data means. Your clear communication helps your team recognize the relevance of information in everyday business decisions.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are able to explain key data findings to others using basic visuals and clear language. You can summarise insights in ways that support simple business decisions, though you may still need guidance to communicate more complex analysis. Your input helps others understand data, but impact is focused on straightforward actions.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to clearly communicate complex data insights to non-technical audiences, using visuals and storytelling to make your message resonate. You adapt your approach to fit the needs of stakeholders, ensuring your insights drive business decisions. Your work helps your team turn analysis into practical actions that improve outcomes.
Exploratory Data Analysis
Exploratory Data Analysis is the capability to comprehend trends, patterns, or abnormalities through data investigation. This involves understanding key statistical attributes. In the business intelligence realm, effective exploratory analysis can catalyse productive decisions by revealing unexpected insights. It is critical in driving innovation and fostering proactive business approaches.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are able to use basic tools to explore data, identify simple patterns, and recognize obvious anomalies. You can summarise your findings to support routine business decisions, while knowing when to seek help for more complex analysis. Your work helps build confidence in using data as a regular part of your role.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are able to identify simple trends and patterns in data sets with some guidance. You use basic statistical tools to explore business data, recognizing when something looks unusual or stands out. Your work contributes to understanding business performance, helping your team spot opportunities or issues sooner.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to independently explore business data to identify patterns, trends, and outliers. You confidently use statistical techniques to investigate the data and communicate findings in a clear, actionable way. Your analysis supports strategic decisions by uncovering insights that drive positive business outcomes.
Diagnostic Analytics
Diagnostic Analytics is the precise examination of data to understand the root cause of an event or trend in a business context. Anchored in deductive reasoning, it encompasses skills in data investigation, isolating key variables, and rigorous data-driven fact-checking. Proficient use of this analytical capability drives informed decision-making, enabling strategic interventions and potential process improvements.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are able to identify basic patterns or issues in business data with guidance. You use simple questioning to explore reasons behind trends, seeking help to confirm causes. This helps your team address straightforward problems and build confidence in making sense of data.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are able to investigate data to help identify possible causes behind business trends or issues, with some guidance. You begin to recognize and explore key variables, drawing on available data to support your reasoning. Your analysis helps your team better understand what’s driving outcomes, enabling more targeted discussions and improvements.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to systematically investigate data to uncover the root causes behind business events or trends, validating findings with a logical, evidence-based approach. You independently isolate key variables and test your assumptions, applying diagnostic techniques to real business scenarios. Your insights directly inform strategic decisions and help drive meaningful improvements across teams or processes.
Decision Support
Decision Support is a critical aspect of Business Intelligence which leverages data analysis to enable informed decision-making. It encompasses the comprehensive understanding of data trends, adept management of multiple information sources and effective communication of findings. This capability is transformative, equipping businesses with strategic insights, driving efficiency and yielding sustainable business growth.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are able to recognize basic data trends and provide simple summaries that help others understand key points. You gather information from standard sources and can present your findings clearly to your team. Your contribution helps support routine decisions and builds confidence in the use of data for everyday business issues.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are beginning to use data analysis tools to support decision-making, identifying key trends and bringing in findings from different sources. You can present basic insights clearly to your team and contribute to discussions about decisions. Your input helps your team make more informed choices, though you still seek guidance for complex decisions.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to analyze complex data sets from various sources to provide clear and relevant insights that directly inform business decisions. You confidently present your recommendations to stakeholders, making connections between data and real-world outcomes. Your work leads to practical actions that improve efficiency and support strategic goals.
Data Visualisation
Data Visualisation is the proficient usage of graphical representation techniques to showcase data findings. Individuals adept in this capability discern relevant insights from data sets, translating complex quantitative information into easily digestible visual formats. This capability effectively enhances data comprehension, decision-making and strategy development across business operations.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are able to create simple charts or graphs to present basic data findings using common tools. You follow guidelines to select appropriate visuals for straightforward datasets, ensuring information is clear and correct. Your visualisations support others in understanding essential trends without requiring expert input.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are able to create basic charts and graphs that show key data trends, with some guidance. You use standard visualisation tools to present information clearly, but may need support to choose the best ways to display complex findings. Your work helps team members begin to understand and use business data in their decisions.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to create clear, accurate, and impactful data visualisations that reveal key patterns and trends to business users. You select suitable charts and visuals for varied data types and audiences, ensuring information is presented simply and effectively. Your visualisations support better business decisions and drive meaningful insights across teams.
Business Data Understanding
Business Data Understanding is the ability to interpret and analyze business-related information. This capability involves deciphering data trends, patterns, and insights relevant to business strategy and operations. Appealing to strategic decision-making, it enhances clarity, promotes progressive action, and directly contributes to business growth and success.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are able to recognize and describe basic business data types, such as sales figures or customer numbers, and can identify simple patterns or trends when guided. You use clear instructions to help you make sense of straightforward information that supports everyday business decisions. This helps you contribute to discussions and build your confidence with data.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are starting to recognize basic patterns and trends in business data with some guidance. You interpret straightforward information to support reporting and contribute to team discussions. Your growing understanding helps you identify simple insights that improve daily decisions and actions in your area.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to confidently interpret complex business data, drawing clear connections between data trends and organizational goals. You apply analytical thinking to identify relevant patterns and provide insights that inform day-to-day and longer-term business decisions. Your understanding helps teams act strategically and deliver measurable business value.
Data Storytelling
Data Storytelling is the strategic process of translating complex data insights into a clear, accessible narrative. This ability necessitates advanced analytics skills, a solid understanding of business intelligence objectives and a knack for effective communication. It empowers organizations to make data-driven decisions by making data understandable, meaningful, and actionable to diverse audiences.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are beginning to explain basic data findings in a simple, clear way to others. You take straightforward charts or reports and describe what they mean, focusing on key points without technical detail. By doing this, you help your team start to see how data can support everyday business decisions.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are able to present basic data findings in a clear and logical way, using simple visuals or examples to support your message. You explain what the data shows to colleagues, though you may need support to link insights directly to business needs. Your contributions help others understand key trends and prompt initial discussion.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to translate analytical findings into clear, compelling stories tailored to your audience’s needs. You link insights to business objectives and use visuals and narrative to help others easily grasp what the data means. This enables more informed decisions and improves engagement across the organization.
Data Interpretation
Data Interpretation is the ability to extract meaningful insights from raw, unprocessed data. In the context of Business Intelligence and Data Analysis, it encompasses the ability to identify patterns, trends and anomalies. The impact of effective data interpretation drives informed decision making, enhancing business performance and strategic planning.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are able to recognize simple patterns or trends in data and summarise basic findings within standard business reports or visuals. You use clear instructions or guidance to interpret straightforward datasets in common formats. Your efforts support team discussions and routine business decisions by providing reliable data summaries.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are able to recognize basic patterns, trends, and anomalies in data with some guidance. You use standard tools to interpret straightforward data sets, beginning to suggest simple insights to inform team decisions. Your developing skills support your team’s understanding of business information and contribute to more informed choices.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to analyze complex datasets to uncover clear patterns, trends and anomalies that may not be immediately obvious. You confidently interpret results and explain their significance to others, helping teams make well-informed business decisions. Your insights directly support better performance and sharper strategic planning.
Data Cleansing
Data Cleansing is the process of identifying incorrect, incomplete, or irrelevant data in a database and amending or removing it. It is a crucial capability for ensuring data integrity, facilitating accurate analysis, and yielding more reliable business intelligence. Good data cleansing enhances the quality of data, aiding decision-making and streamlining operational efficiency.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are able to recognize simple errors or inconsistencies in data sets and follow standard procedures to correct them. You use straightforward tools or templates provided by your team to support basic data cleansing tasks for business intelligence purposes. This helps improve data quality and ensures your team can rely on accurate information for their analysis.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are able to follow set procedures to identify and correct obvious errors or gaps in business data. You work with guidance to clean simple datasets, supporting more accurate analysis and reporting. Your contribution helps maintain data quality, making information clearer and more useful for decision-making.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to independently identify, correct, and manage inaccurate or inconsistent data in business intelligence systems. You apply established data cleansing techniques to ensure reliable datasets for analysis across multiple projects or areas. Your work improves data quality, supporting better decisions and enhancing the overall value of intelligence outputs.
Dashboard Development
Dashboard Development is the capability of crafting interactive, data-driven interfaces for better business decision-making. It involves designing and implementing dashboards that effectively translate raw data into accessible visual information. The proficiency rests not only with technical mastery, but also a keen understanding of user needs to provide actionable insights.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are able to create basic dashboards using standard tools and templates, displaying key data clearly for others. You follow set instructions to build and share simple visual reports that help users see essential business information. Your work supports day-to-day decisions by making important data more accessible.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are beginning to create basic dashboards that present accurate data in a clear way for users. You follow set guidelines and use standard tools, focusing on turning data into simple visuals rather than complex insights. Your dashboards help others find key information, but still need refining for deeper analysis and user needs.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to design and build dashboards that clearly turn data into practical insights for users across the business. You gather and apply feedback to make sure the dashboards meet real decision-making needs, supporting better choices at all levels. Your work leads to dashboards that are trusted, easy to use, and drive improved performance.
Continuous Insight Improvement
Continuous Insight Improvement is the progressive enhancement of business intelligence and data analysis abilities. It involves consistently refining analytical strategies, embracing emerging technologies, and enhancing data-driven decision-making processes. The impact is measured by the increased accuracy of insights and resultant business growth.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are open to learning new business intelligence and data analysis approaches. You seek feedback on your work and look for simple ways to make your analysis clearer or more useful. By doing this, you help your team make small improvements in insight quality and support better everyday decisions.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are building your ability to identify opportunities for refining data analysis methods and adopting basic new tools. You contribute to improving the accuracy of reports and insights by learning from feedback and sharing ideas within your team. This helps lay the groundwork for more reliable decision-making and supports steady business growth.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are actively refining your data analysis methods, regularly seeking feedback and updating approaches based on results. You stay current with new tools and techniques, applying them thoughtfully to improve the accuracy and usefulness of your insights. Your continuous improvements help the business make more informed, data-driven decisions.
Business Intelligence Tool Use
Business Intelligence Tool Use is the meaningful application of data analysis applications in a business context. This entails the capabilityed exploration of data sets, converting raw data into actionable insights. Impact arises from improving efficiency, recognizing trends and informing strategic decision-making.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are able to navigate basic business intelligence tools to locate, view and understand simple data sets. You follow clear instructions to generate standard reports or charts, helping you and your team answer straightforward business questions. Your contribution supports everyday operations by making reliable information easier to access.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are able to use business intelligence tools to run basic reports and explore simple data sets with some guidance. You can identify key figures or trends and share straightforward findings with your team. Your efforts help others access useful information and support everyday decision-making.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to confidently use business intelligence tools to explore and interpret data sets relevant to your area. You identify trends, generate clear reports, and share insights that support informed decisions. Your analysis helps your team improve efficiency and respond effectively to changing business needs.
