Analytical Reports

1. Analytical Reports Analysis and Illustrating Report Data

2. Analysis: Results/Findings • Report the results of each data collection method (don’t forget your client interview) You’re looking for • Meanings • Relationships • Answers!

3. Analysis: Results/Findings • Don’t just regurgitate data, make connections • To the challenge • Between data sources (do they correlate? conflict? reinforce each other?)

4. Analysis: Results/Findings • To clarify, condense, simplify, or emphasize data use: • Headings • Enumerations • Lists • Tables • Graphics • When you use graphics, remember to also explain themin words.

5. Analysis: Evaluation When applicable: • Establish criteria to evaluate alternatives. • Discuss the pros and cons of each alternative. • Place the recommended alternative last.

6. Illustrating Report Data

7. Discussion • Bad graphs: Don McMillan

8. Illustrating Report Data • Functions of graphics • To clarify data • To condense and simplify data • To emphasize data

9. Illustrating Report Data • Forms and objectives of graphics • Table - to show exact figures and values

10. Illustrating Report Data • Forms and objectives of graphics • Bar chart - compare one item with others

11. Illustrating Report Data • Forms and objectives of graphics • Line chart - demonstrate changes in quantitative data over time

12. Illustrating Report Data • Forms and objectives of graphics • Pie chart - visualize a whole unit and the proportion of its components

13. Repair Receive Test Re-stock Re-box Floor Shelves Ship Illustrating Report Data • Forms and objectives of graphics • Flow chart - display a process or procedure

14. Illustrating Report Data • Forms and objectives of graphics • Organization chart - define a hierarchy

15. Illustrating Report Data • Forms and objectives of graphics • Theoretical model – highlight variables and their relationships Figure 1 Factors Influencing Cognitive Moral Development in Undergraduate Business Students

16. Illustrating Report Data • Forms and objectives of graphics • Photograph, map, illustration - create authenticity, spotlight a location, show use

17. Pie Chart N= 100

18. Pie Chart • Use pie charts to show a whole and the proportion of its components. • Generally begin at the 12 o’clock position, drawing the largest wedge first. Computer software programs, however, may vary in placement of wedges. • Include the label and percentage or absolute value for each wedge. Avoid legends.

19. Pie Chart • Use four to eight segments for best results; if necessary, group small portions into one wedge called “Other.” • Distinguish wedges with color, shading, or crosshatching. • Keep all labels horizontal.

20. Figure 2 Figure number 2001 MPM INCOME BY DIVISION Figure title 40 Scale value $32.2 30 $24.3 $22.0 20 Millions of Dollars 10 0 Theme Parks Motion Pictures Videos Scale captions Source note Source: Industry Profiles (New York: DataPro, 2002), 225. Vertical Bar Chart

21. Bar Charts • Bar charts make visual comparisons. They can compare related items, illustrate changes in data over time, and show segments as parts of wholes. • Bar charts may be vertical, horizontal, grouped, or segmented. • Avoid showing too much information, clutter, and confusion • Avoid 3-D graphics (hard to read)

22. Bar Charts • The length of each bar and segment should be proportional. • Dollar or percentage amounts should start at zero. • Set background to clear. • Include figure#, chart, and axis titles • Avoid legends where possible to include labels on the graph • Use simple color or pattern differentiations that can be copied in black & white and still understood.

23. Stacked Bar with Group Comparisons Figure 2 Cognitive Moral Development Stage By Group

24. Stacked Bar with Group and Time Comparisons

25. End