How to Write a Data Analysis Report

How to complete a data analysis project and write the report?

Analysis Objective Specification

Before starting the analysis, you are advised to determine the purpose of the report at first. Without clearly defining the problems, you may deviate further in the analysis from the intended objectives. Therefore, defining the research problem is the first and foremost step in data analysis.

Metric Breakdown for Problem Identification

What should you do if you have a clear analysis objective but lack a clear approach?

You should break down your objective. For details, see Data Analysis Metric Breakdown Method.

Conclusion

Similarly, your conclusions must be tightly aligned with the analysis objectives. For example:

• When your objective is to understand current business status, your conclusions may include: The identification of X key metrics, the values(XXX) of each metric, and any observed anomalies.

• When your objective is to identify the benchmarks that indicate good data conditions, your conclusion may include: (XXX) can be used as the evaluation criteria, because...

• When your objective is to identify the causes of business anomalies, your conclusion may include: The analysis reveals X causal factors, among which the primary factors are...

You need to be aware that when assessing the business status, you should define the evaluation criteria: Conclusion = Data + Judgment Standards.

During the process of breaking down and analyzing the data, you can detect some data anomalies. However, you need to assess whether these anomalies are positive or negative according to the defined criteria.

For example, if sales data drops in October, you can compare the data with last year's data. If the sales also dropped last year, the data decline indicates a normal monthly fluctuation. However, if sales didn't drop last year, then a decline in this year may be an abnormal trend that requires review and corrective action.

Suggestion and Solution Based on Business

Data that can't drive business growth is of no use.

After concluding and incorporating the understanding of the business, you can then summarize suggestions and even give solutions based on the analysis results.

• The suggestion: The action direction that can solve business problems encompasses several potentially feasible domains.

• The solution: A specific action plan that meets the principle of 5w2h should include specific details such as assigned personnel and deadlines.

Analysis Report Writing

After completing the above preparations, how can you write a more readable analysis report?

• Clear structure: You can refer to the classic pyramid structure, which presents the conclusion first, and displays the information hierarchically from most to least important points. This order also aligns with the sequence of breaking down metrics in the data analysis process, making it easier for readers to understand your analysis approach.

• Visualizing reports with charts: You can use charts instead of large blocks of numbers to display problems and conclusions more clearly and intuitively, providing more compelling evidence.

• Standardization: You should ensure consistent chart styles and use unified terminologies throughout the document.