Intermediate Decision Support Analytics Course

Module 1: Overview of Approach, Methods, and Principles

• Learn the five-step structured approach for conducting analysis.
• Understand the linkage between analytical methods and management decisions.
• Explore key principles of data appropriateness and sufficiency.
• Review performance measurement frameworks and how they support decision-making.

Module 2: Planning: Conducting Cost-Benefit and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

• Distinguish between cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness methods and their uses.
• Apply analysis to federal laws, strategic planning, budgeting, and capital investments.
• Learn step-by-step procedures for identifying, evaluating, and comparing alternatives.
• Conduct sensitivity and risk analysis to support planning decisions.

Module 3: Program and Budget Execution: Conducting Variance and Trend Analysis

• Identify and monitor deviations from planned performance using variance analysis.
• Use trend analysis to detect patterns and shifts over time.
• Create run charts and control charts for operational monitoring.
• Diagnose causes of problems using root cause analysis tools like radar charts and flow diagrams.

Module 4: Assessing Results: Conducting Program Results and Content Analysis

• Evaluate program performance using qualitative and quantitative measures.
• Understand outcome, output, and efficiency metrics in the context of strategic goals.
• Use content analysis to organize, categorize, and interpret complex textual information.
• Apply Pareto analysis to identify key drivers of issues and prioritize solutions.

Module 5: Final Knowledge Check and Wrap-Up

• Review key concepts from all modules.
• Assess understanding of analytical methods through knowledge checks.
• Reflect on future challenges and opportunities for using decision support analytics.