Question

In this assignment, you will describe the role of a data analyst in each phase of the data analytics lifecycle (DAL). The DAL is an iterative cycle of phases used by analysts and organizations to address organizational challenges. The DAL tells us how to approach an analytical problem by providing a well-defined process, breaking large projects into smaller pieces, and spending time to plan and determine the size of the work. Through exploration of the DAL, you will understand the impact and importance of leveraging data in organizational decision making.

Answer 1

A data analyst plays a critical role in the DAL by identifying problems, collecting and analyzing data using statistical methods, and communicating insights through analytical reports. They ensure data validity and reliability, and engage in an iterative cycle that influences organizational decision making.

Step-by-step explanation:

The role of a data analyst in each phase of the data analytics lifecycle (DAL) is critical for leveraging data in an iterative cycle to facilitate informed decision making within an organization. In the initial phases, the data analyst is involved with identifying the analytical problem and collecting relevant raw data. They then use statistical methods to analyze and interpret this data, which involves discerning patterns, testing hypotheses, and deriving insights.

Subsequently, these insights are communicated to stakeholders through analytical reports, which may compare or contrast data sets, discuss causes and effects, or investigate changes and trends. Throughout the process, the analyst ensures the validity and reliability of the collected data and the presented analysis. Importantly, the DAL is iterative, meaning that the findings from one cycle can prompt further questions and investigations in subsequent cycles.