#102 - Understanding the Iceberg Model as a Systems Thinking Tool for Analyst Teams
Lisema Matsietsi CDFA, PD(SA), M.Inst.D, MCom
2x Author || Charperson of Board || Independent Trustee || Founder & Managing Director: Being An Analyst || Senior Advisor and Chartered Development Finance Analyst ||
Words of Gratitude
Editor's Note by Lisema Matsietsi
The system approach and systems thinking are often touted for enhancing understanding. The inability to always perceive the core elements of our projects compels us to explore various tools for deeper insight. The Iceberg Model provides a structured method for managing and comprehending the intricate challenges faced by analyst teams. By revealing the concealed layers of abstraction that propel events, teams can devise strategies that tackle the fundamental causes of issues, resulting in more effective and enduring resolutions. For analysts, proficiency in this tool is crucial for steering through and refining complex systems, ensuring their efforts fulfill immediate requirements and foster sustained achievement. I trust you will find this edition of our newsletter enjoyable. Let's reconvene later this week for another engaging issue.
Understanding the Iceberg Model as a Systems Thinking Tool for Analyst Teams
Understanding the root causes of problems is key to providing valuable insights and solutions. The Iceberg Model is a tool that helps analysts dig deeper into the reasons behind events, rather than just addressing the surface-level symptoms. Think of it as an iceberg: what you see above the waterline is only a small part of the whole story. The larger, more significant parts are hidden beneath the surface. This model is particularly useful in understanding the repeated issues we observe within analyst teams, such as project delays or the underestimation of analysis complexity. By using the Iceberg Model, we can uncover the root causes that drive these recurring challenges and develop strategies to address them more effectively... Read More
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Are you Seeking Guidance with the Data Analysis Journey?
ALX and NYDA Team Up for Youth Skills
In response to South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis, tech trainers?ALX?and the?National Youth Development Agency?(NYDA) have announced a collaboration to help equip youth with digital and entrepreneurial skills. The?partnership was announced this week to coincide with World Entrepreneurship Day today, 21 August 2024. Youth unemployment in South Africa has reached a critical point, with over 66.5% of the 15-34 age group currently unemployed – the highest rate globally and nearly double the national unemployment rate of 34.5%. According to the latest?Statistics SA Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS), youth aged 15-24 years and 25-34 years continue to experience the highest unemployment rates, at 60.8% and 41.7%, respectively... Read More
ChatGPT vs. Claude vs. Gemini for Data Analysis (Part 2): Who’s the Best at EDA?
Welcome back to the second installment of my series, ChatGPT vs. Claude vs. Gemini for Data Analysis! In this series, I aim to compare these AI tools across various data science and analytics tasks to help fellow data enthusiasts and professionals choose the best AI assistant for their needs. If you missed the first article, I compared their performance in writing and optimising SQL queries — be sure to check it out!
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1. Data Analytics Short Course (CareerFoundry)
CareerFoundry’s free, five-tutorial data analytics short course is ideal if you want a light-touch introduction to data analytics. Sign up and you’ll get access to five hands-on, 15-minute lessons from Dr. Humera Noor, Director of Engineering at Eyeo.
The course provides a broad view of data analytics, setting you up to explore the topic further if you choose. Check out the following video to get an idea of how the short course fares:
- Unlike many of the courses on our list, there are no hidden costs, making this an ideal, no-pressure option for complete beginners.
- The course covers everything from the different types of data analytics roles to a summary of tools and skills you’ll need to develop if you pursue a career in the field, and you can expect to get hands-on with the basics of data analysis.
2. Understanding Data Science
What is data science, why is it so popular, and why did the Harvard Business Review hail it as the “sexiest job of the 21st century� In this non-technical course, you’ll be introduced to everything you were ever too afraid to ask about this fast-growing and exciting field, without needing to write a single line of code. Through hands-on exercises, you’ll learn about the different data scientist roles, foundational topics like A/B testing, time series analysis, and machine learning, and how data scientists extract knowledge and insights from real-world data. So don’t be put off by the buzzwords. Start learning, gain skills in this hugely in-demand field, and discover why data science is for everyone!
领英推è
3. Intelligence Analyst Certification
Although anyone can claim the title of “intelligence analyst,†there are currently?few commonly understood, standardized certifications available to confirm analytic skill and proficiency.?Some may argue that each analytic assessment should be judged on its content and not on the certification or reputation of the author.?However, an analytic product can often read well even though its analytic underpinnings are flawed.?Also, it would be beneficial to have some objective measure of an analyst’s skill before selecting him for a task, rather than to discover afterwards that the analyst was unable to meet the task.?Having addressed why certifications are needed and assuming certifications would provide a worthwhile benefit, the discussion then turns to how and in what areas should one attain certification.?Through an analysis of the concept of analysis, the author proposes that three basic divisions should be created to train and certify one as either a descriptive, explanatory, or predictive analyst.?This course?provides level 1 certification?as a?descriptive intelligence analyst.
Are you Working From Home or Remotely?
As analysts, we can customise our work environments to fit our preferences, which fosters a sense of autonomy and independence. Additionally, the expansion of access to a global talent pool allows organisations to recruit top talent without the limitations of geography. In essence, remote and hybrid work models enable analysts to structure their workdays more effectively, mitigate burnout, and promote a healthier balance between work and life, enhancing their overall well-being and job satisfaction.
Here are some resources you could use to search for your next analyst job.
Senior Business Analyst
The business analyst will collaborate with architects and developers to ascertain the technical solution designs and analyse trade-offs between business needs and system constraints. Communicates with external and internal parties to analyse information needs and functional requirements and deliver the necessary artefacts as needed or agreed upon: Business Requirements Specification, Use Cases, Screen and Interface designs, System flows/ Sequence flows and Context views. Work with the quality assurance team to develop acceptance criteria, by providing support and input into the development of test cases.
Senior SEO Strategist & Analyst
Are you passionate about SEO? Do you live and breathe search engine optimisation? Our client is on the hunt for a dynamic SEO Strategist with a killer mindset and entrepreneurial spirit to revolutionise their organic search performance. This young, fast-paced organization manages nearly 20 brands and serves several agency clients. They're looking for someone who doesn't just do SEO - they embody it. The ideal candidate will be a trendsetter, always one step ahead of the game, bringing fresh ideas and data-driven strategies to the table. While this is intended to be a full-time position, we are also open to part-time.
Mastering Data Storytelling: Asking the Right Questions
In this episode, we dive into the art of data storytelling and explore how asking the right questions can transform your data into compelling narratives. Join us as we discuss the key elements of effective data storytelling, including the importance of a solid data foundation, having a clear main point, and focusing on explanatory insights.
We'll also cover the significance of presenting data in a linear sequence, incorporating dramatic elements, and using visual anchors to enhance understanding. Additionally, you'll learn practical tips on how to ask impactful questions that lead to better insights and clearer understanding. Whether you're a seasoned analyst or just starting out, this episode will provide you with valuable insights and strategies to elevate your data storytelling skills. Tune in to discover how to craft stories that not only inform but also engage and inspire your audience.
How Can I Help Grow This Community?
We have been asked this question frequently by most patrons who see the work that we do and appreciate the time and effort invested so that you can be inspired to be an excellent expert analyst. There are many ways to help us grow into an effective organisation that develops expert analysts:
- Encouraging co-workers and friends to subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter to learn more about being an effective analyst.
- Buying a 'Being An Analyst' book which is an essential guide to becoming not just an analyst, but a catalyst for success and a driver of organisational change from Amazon, Takealot, or books.beingananalyst.co.za
- Train your team or engage your audience with analysis concepts and elevate their knowledge, decision-making and productivity. Reach out using info@beingananalyst.co.za for training and here for speaking.
- Grow your business with short-term, medium-term, and long-term analytics-based planning, monthly reporting, and big-picture data models so you’re always future-ready.
- Sponsor a future issue of the ‘Weekly Analyst’ newsletter
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