Decision Support Analytics Course

Module 1: Management Reform Drivers

• Explore the legislative and executive changes that drive the need for stronger analytics in federal decision-making.
• Understand the evolution of federal performance expectations and accountability standards.
• Examine the roles of CFOs and analysts in navigating performance management and resource allocation.
• Identify major management laws and executive initiatives impacting federal agencies.

Module 2: Structured Approach for Conducting Analysis

• Learn a five-step, structured framework for analysis in a federal environment.
• Connect analytical methods to management questions in budgeting, performance, and finance.
• Compare structured agency analysis to performance audit methodology.
• Use a design matrix to document, plan, and track analytical activities.

Module 3: Step 1 – Defining the Questions That Drive Analysis

• Develop descriptive, normative, and impact-driven analytical questions.
• Apply critical thinking and stakeholder alignment in formulating questions.
• Differentiate between overarching and subordinate questions.
• Organize questions into eight categories, including program impact and policy design.

Module 4: Step 2 – Identifying the Data

• Assess data quality based on reliability, verifiability, relevance, and consistency.
• Evaluate accessibility vs. availability to set realistic project timelines.
• Compare data from people vs. records and understand the pros/cons of each.
• Ensure identified data effectively supports analytical questions.

Module 5: Step 3 – Collecting the Data

• Understand methods for gathering data from systems, reports, people, and surveys.
• Use agency performance and accountability reports and financial statements as data sources.
• Consider sampling methods and limitations of data used in analysis.
• Recognize internal and external data constraints in planning and reporting.

Module 6: Step 4 – Analyzing the Data

• Apply analytical methods to descriptive, normative, and impact-based questions.
• Use content, trend, statistical, and benchmarking analyses appropriately.
• Understand how to use logic models and causal relationships in data interpretation.
• Select suitable analytical techniques based on the scope and purpose of analysis.

Module 7: Step 5 – Presenting the Results

• Communicate findings through written reports and oral briefings.
• Structure reports to clearly answer questions, show methods, and support recommendations.
• Incorporate visual aids and summary sections to clarify results for decision-makers.
• Demonstrate sufficiency, relevance, and appropriateness of evidence in communication.

Module 8: Case Study

• Apply the full five-step analysis model to a realistic agency scenario.
• Assess internal controls within a Department of Public Health and Safety case study.
• Practice defining questions, identifying and collecting data, and reporting recommendations.
• Produce an executive summary including condition, criteria, cause, and effect findings.