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In the information-rich society in which we live it is becoming increasingly difficult to make sense of the barrage of data we are constantly fed from the Media, Wall Street, advertisers, economists, product vendors, and special interest groups¾not to mention the "number-crunchers" within our own organizations. Complicating matters, many admit they have less time than ever before to questions the numbers and rationale on which decisions are made¾making them susceptible to assertions and propositions that are based on questionable data, bad math, persuasive language, or faulty analysis.

This course is intended for individuals, regardless of their background, who wish to improve their analytical thinking and reasoning skills¾including a working knowledge of a few simple but effective tools to assist them in these areas. The course builds skills in Gleaning Facts From Figures^™ that pertain to: 1) solving problems or identifying opportunities, 2) making informed decisions, and 3) ascertaining the truth when data is used to try to "sell" a product, service, or proposition.

Drawing on examples from public sources and business publications, the participants are provided with a real-world context for understanding how and where the principles apply, rather than a litany of dry facts. This "side door" approach especially appeals to individuals who may be intimidated by math or those who learn best by relying on practical examples, rather than theory. Formulas and calculations are kept to a minimum, demonstrating instead how contemporary tools such as Excel can enhance critical thinking and also reveal hidden patterns and trends using simple charts and graphs.

Profile of an effective analytical thinker – skill set, mindset, and habits Examples of how numbers are used and misused by vendors, the media and SIGs Uses and abuses of averages and percentages – knowing what to watch for Uses and abuses of statistical charts – avoiding "visual manipulation" Uses and abuses of surveys – including misinterpretation of the "margin of error" Logical errors – how to recognize and avoid them Correlation versus causation – recognizing hidden agendas and circular logic Sources of variation and uncertainty in workplace data Analytical techniques used to test relationships Analytical techniques used to track trends Analytical techniques used to support decision-making Analytical techniques used to support risk analysis Analytical techniques used to assess differences Analytical techniques used in market research and survey analysis Complicating factors, such as multiple contributors to variance Rapid calculating and order-of-magnitude "sanity-checking" techniques  Putting the Pareto principle to work Making sense of the symbols statisticians use How to read and interpret a statistical report Using the basic statistical and charting functions in Excel Using the Big-3 Questions to frame and avoid Type III logical errors How decision makers deal with uncertainty How decision makers make decisions – implications for data providers How to "package" and present quantitative information to senior managers The 21st century paradigm: Marrying qualitative and quantitative methods to deal with "wicked problems" involving humans factors and human nature

This course was designed and is instructed by the author of the book . . .

Take-Aways:
Each participant will receive a set of course notes, handouts, a variety of helpful files, and a resource guide to assist in constructing Excel graphs and charts

What To Bring To Class:
Each participant should bring a laptop (or notebook) computer with MS Excel pre-installed (version 2000 or later).

Prerequisite Knowledge:
Participants should have a basic working knowledge of MS Excel, including the ability to open and save files, navigate within a worksheet, format cells, copy and paste formulas, and perform basic calculations using such functions as Sum and Average.

On-Site Training:
This course is available for on-site delivery in a 1-day or 2-day version. The comprehensive 2-day version is intended for those who would like to have the opportunity to use some of the more advanced data analysis capabilities and functions of Excel to perform hands-on exercises.

Instructor:
Lon Roberts, Ph.D. is the principal designer and instructor of the course. Dr. Roberts has held positions as a systems engineer, college professor, association executive, and is currently a principal partner of Roberts & Roberts Associates, an international training and consulting firm based in Plano, TX. He is also the author of four books and numerous articles and is frequently invited to speak at conferences and professional meetings.

Note: To register for the public seminar in Plano, TX on ____________, call 972-596.2956 or request to have us contact you by e-mail. The tuition for this seminar is $950 per participant.

By registering in the public seminar, you agree to the conditions described <here>.

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