3.4

• Data analysis tools


  Tools used to analyse collected data
• Selecting data analysis tools


  1. Determine the type of project and established objectives

  2. Select the most appropriate tools to analyse the collected data
• Data tables


  Databases are often split into tables to be easier to update, view and manipulate
• Data tables


  • Allow for simple pattern discovery
  • Good for speedy, short-term data analysis
  • Present data in current format
  • Cannot show change or trends over time
• Data visualisation

  Producing charts or graphs of collected data to make it easier for an audience to see trends and patterns
• Visualising data


  Makes it easier to understand and quicker to interpret
• Trend and pattern identification


  Allows trends and patterns to be viewed in a visual format, such as line graphs
• Statistical analysis


  Examines numerical data to highlight relationships between different data elements, such as regression analysis
• Data cleaning

  Ensures stored data is up-to-date and accurate, in accordance with the Data Protection Act (2018)
• Data cleaning

  • Reduces the size of data tables by removing redundant, incorrect or unnecessary data
  • Improves data quality by removing erroneous and irrelevant data
• GIS / Location mapping

  Geographic Information Systems can be used to add geographic data to any analysis, such as tracking the location of items or staff
• GIS can be used for real-time tracking, such as for courier services to see delays and delivery times
• Using data analysis tools to determine and present the most profitable stores across the country in the past year

  1. Data tables

  2. Visualisation of data

  3. Trend and pattern identification

  4. Data cleaning

  5. GIS / Location mapping