Data and Analytics
Phase 1 Summary
What happened over the course of Phase 1?
The objective of Phase 1 was to collect data, analytical models and analytical needs from departments. This objective was achieved by completing the following:
- A list of questions aimed at identifying current data and analytical models used by departments, as well as department analytical needs was developed.
- To avoid duplicate survey responses, the team sent the survey questions to 30 Village staff, with knowledge and experience that covered all Village services.
- A master list of data sources, analytical models and analytical needs for examination during phase 2.
How was the data gathered?
There was a questionnaire given to all the employees in early July and we requested them to be returned in mid August. The questionnaire asked for each employee to identify data sources, the types of data used to draw conclusions, the types of data available but not used, methods of analyzing data, and challenges using data.
- Data Sources
- Data in use/unused
- Data needs and challenges
- Discretionary
Once the questionnaires were returned, the data was compiled into a master list for use in Phase 2.
What are the results?
One of the risks that the group identified at the planning stages was a lack of employee buy-in and understanding from employees which could reduce the number of questionnaires filled out. Luckily, this was not the case. Surveys were provided to 25 employees, and 16 were returned back to our strategic plan group. The majority of the employees who did not return the questionnaire were a part of a Department that had multiple employees doing the same or similar tasks. This gave the group assurance that a large enough sampling was received to be able to analyze and move on to future phases.
Another risk that was identified at the beginning of phase one was the possibility of insufficient data due to employees not fully identifying the number of data sources and analytical methods in use in their roles. This risk did not become a reality as employees were given several weeks to complete the survey and were provided with an introduction on what the strategic plan projecct was looking for. The majority of the returned questionnaires included properly identified data souces, data, and analytical models. However, the group did acknowledge that the possibility of gaps in information is still a reality, so interviews will be conducted with departments at a later time in the project following the summarization to take place in phase 2.