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
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
Story telling elements
The current situation
Difficulties in making the situation better
Possible paths to resolution
Presenting to senior management
Schedule & Fees
2026 Schedule & Fees
There are no public sessions remaining for the course this year. Please contact us if you wish to have a customized in-house session, or to find out how an additional public session can be scheduled.