Post by Stacey Fraser on Jul 20, 2021 10:52:07 GMT
Metrics – Lesson # 1
B. Post on the Board:
What are two thoughts that stood out for you in each of the readings?
In reading the first article (Using data), I was intrigued by two major points. First, the fact that “data” itself is really very simple to understand, it does not have to be a long and complicated measurement process to get to the end, but simple everyday things like a temperature, the number of hits on a web page, etc. Secondly, the fact that data gathered could easily be “incorrect” data and one can learn just as much from analyzing the “wrong” data as getting the right data.
Regarding the second article, I was struck by the breakdown, essentially, of past, future and present regarding data and its’ usages. Data was once collected to look back at success or failure, then to have a more general present-day status, and Analytics 3.0 is more the kind of data that has the ability to change future processes for the better. Additionally, the detail in which data must be stored in many instances, the programs, servers, warehouses, and “sandboxes” created seems intimidating on a basic level.
How might you apply these learnings to your everyday work? Please give a specific example.
For my everyday work, data is collected as a basis for real-time budgeting and policy adherence needs and data is collected to support the bigger company needs. Knowing there is sometimes a big difference between the two sets of data I collect, this information did provide a bit more clarity, a more openness to seeing the bigger picture. It also makes me really think I need to find a better “data geek” than doing it myself!!
When have metrics mattered in your professional experience?
As I referenced above, I am no stranger to gathering data, whether I felt it was useful or not. I can analyze current information to make sure my programs are on track and use the information for future needs, like budgeting, closing programs, expanding programs, etc. I also am starting to see the bigger picture, the picture outside my normal everyday work in which the information/data I gather is used for the same purpose I gather it for, but on a much bigger scale.
How do you use data in your current role—would you describe your team as data driven?
Asking if my team is data driven, my first instinct was to say no. After really thinking it through, my program is a fee for services program, therefore, everything we do is based on numbers. The number of clients we have (data collected) justifies the number of staff, the monthly billing ability (data collected) determines if we meet budget, the number of “non-billables” (data collected) determines how far below or above budget we are. The number of meetings per month (data collected) determines if we are meeting policy guidelines, the number of days between a meeting and paperwork completion (data collected) also determines our ability to be successful during our audits. I could go on and on with all the information or data collected that is tracked and analyzed in my program. All this is to say, my initial instinct or gut reaction was very wrong!