Project 4: Conduct Quantitative AnalysisStep 1: Refresh Your Math, Statistics, and Excel Skills
Everyone has a different background. As in previous projects, you will start by assessing your current baseline. First, think about what it means to engage in . Next, refresh your skills in , , and . You will evaluate how much you already know and where you need to concentrate more attention.
If you need help outside the classroom, you can access tutoring by selecting Tutoring Assistance under Resources in your classroom. There are also videos when you to help you complete this project successfully.
Once you have a good idea of your skill levels in math and stats, and you know where to go for help, move on to Step 2, where you will apply some of your stats knowledge. Remember to choose the instructions of the course in which you are currently enrolled.
Project 4: Conduct Quantitative AnalysisStep 2: Opening and Saving an Excel Spreadsheet
In this step, you will be opening and saving an Excel spreadsheet.
Download the . Note: There are four worksheets or tabs in this Excel spreadsheet. Take a few minutes to review the spreadsheet in its entirety. The four worksheet titles and the purpose of each worksheet are as follows.
· IT Help Desk Data—contains the data to be analyzed
· Data Legend—provides information about the data.
· Statistical Analysis—used in conjunction with Excel functions to determine the average number of days the tickets are open, the distribution of the requester’s seniority, the type and severity of the problem, the assigned priority level, and the end user satisfaction level. The missing information may then be filled in as it is calculated.
· QR Analysis Essay—provides essay questions to answer after you perform your analysis using Excel and Cognos. Answers should be ent
ered directly inside each box.
Project 4: Conduct Quantitative AnalysisStep 3: Use Functions to Summarize the Data
In this step, you’ll begin to see patterns in the data that inform the “story” of the data table that you have prepared up to this point.
Note: You should strive to work through the first four steps this week. Take a breather here if you need it. Check in with your instructor as needed.
In the Excel spreadsheet that you have downloaded, review the Statistical Analysis worksheet. You will use the to prepare the data for future analysis. This will include some simple statistical analysis as well as charts and graphs to present the data. Use Excel formulas to fill in the gray cells under the column labeled “Count” in the five tables in that worksheet.
A. Summarize the IT data by presenting categories of data in summary tables and counting them, totaling them, and calculating percentages:
· Use the COUNTIF Function to count each item in each table.
· Use the SUM Function to total the tables when required.
· Calculate percentages for each table as required.
Note: Format cells appropriately. Remember to make smart use of reference cells in formulas (avoid typing in numbers or text into formulas—instead, point to other cells) and use relative and absolute cell references to make copying formulas faster and easier. Your supervisor will look for your appropriate use of these tools!
B. Complete your analysis based on the results that appear. Answer the following questions by typing into the text box in the “QR Analysis Essay” tab:
· Which types of employees are most likely and least likely to open a ticket?
· Which types of problems are most and least common?
· What can you tell about the satisfaction level?
· What can you tell about the number of days a ticket is open?