Description: These modules explore the role of insight analysts, and the scientific method, in shaping decisions, generating measurable improvement, and engaging key stakeholders. The modules include practical exercises to help you identify gaps and opportunity in your current approaches.
 
Instructions for students:

1. Watch the 3 opening modules about the role of analysts and how to make a difference.
2. Then watch one or two of the videos from our Best Practice Showcase, before starting the learning modules that explore key analysis tools and the scientific method.
3. Continue to watch both learning modules/exercises and the best practice videos, so that you complete both sets by the end of this learning series.
4. Take time as you watch, to make notes and to share your ideas and learning with others
5. Finally, send us some brief information about your learning journey to gain your Professional Accreditation.

Introduction Modules:  What is the role of an analyst?

1. How do we add value as insight analysts? Focus on how you can enable better decisions and generate measurable improvement. What are the key factors that set you up for success?   
2. The role of analysts as improvement champions. Explore the three phases of improvement and identify how you can make the most difference.
3. Shaping the future: the 4 stages of insight. Learn how to move from hindsight to foresight and help prepare our organisations for whatever happens in a fast-changing world.

Core Modules: Analysis Tools and the Scientific Method

1. The Scientific Method: become a trusted source of information. Understand how to create an operating rhythm for analysis, which builds trust and confidence in your conclusions. This includes the first of our exercises to help you identify gaps and opportunity in your current approaches. Download the Exercise. Download the Completed Example.
2. Using problem statements to generate fruitful hypotheses. Explore how to focus in the right way, becoming clear about the questions and problems you need to address. Download the Exercise. Download the Completed Example.
3. Using the Scientific method to drive improvement. In this module we link the scientific method to the three phases of improvement, and get you started on the next of the practical exercises. Download the Exercise. Download the Completed Example.
4. Prioritising opportunities for improvement. Explore how to focus on the right issues, how to create time to learn and how to balance proactive and reactive work, as analysts. 
5. Accuracy and confidence: an introduction. Understand the key statistical considerations that will ensure your conclusions are well founded and can drive confidence. The separate Statistical Confidence box set is an opportunity to drive this further.

How to Drive Improvement with Data & Insight: Best Practice Showcase

Best Practice Showcase, from our Awards and Network Groups at The Forum 

1. Dunhumby. See how analysts took a proactive approach to insight to support Tesco through the pandemic (2022 Insight Team of the Year Winner).
2. Three Ireland. See how a clear use of problem statements and rigorously prioritising workload drove improvement (2021 Insight Team of the Year Winner). 
3. Openreach. See how the innovation team set up and tested their new Machine Learning algorithm on historic data (2020 Transformation Award Winner).
4. Capita. See how the Knowledge Management team used pilot and control groups to measure the impact of change (2022 Knowledge Management Awards).
5. Anglian Water. See how they worked with AIMI to embed the use of data science across their whole operation (2022 Partnership Award winner).
6. BT/EE/PlusNet. See how Customer Insight drove transformation across the different BT Group brands (2022 Transformation Award Winner).