Data Analysis
Data analysisis the systematic process of inspecting, cleansing, transforming, and modeling data to discover useful information, draw conclusions, and support decision-making1. It involves applying various techniques and tools to extract meaningful insights from raw data, helping in understanding patterns, trends, and relationships within a dataset2.
Key Principles of Data Analysis
Data Collection: Gathering relevant data from various sources. This can include internal sources like a company's CRM software or external sources like government records or social media APIs1.
Data Cleaning: Preparing the data for analysis by removing duplicates, reconciling inconsistencies, and standardizing data formats1.
Data Analysis: Manipulating the data using various techniques to find trends, correlations, outliers, and variations1.
Interpretation: Interpreting the results to see how well the data answers the original question and making recommendations based on the data1.
Types of Data Analysis
Descriptive Analysis: This type of analysis helps describe or summarize quantitative data by presenting statistics. It answers the question, “what happened?”1.
Diagnostic Analysis: This analysis determines the “why” behind the data. It answers the question, “why did it happen?”1.
Predictive Analysis: Uses data to form projections about the future. It answers the question, “what might happen in the future?”1.
Prescriptive Analysis: Uses insights from the first three types of analysis to form recommendations for future actions. It answers the question, “what should we do about it?”
Understanding Data Analysis
Southampton (/saʊθˈ(h)æmptən/ ⓘ) is a port city in Hampshire, England. It is located approximately 80 miles (130 km) south-west of London, 20 miles (32 km) west of Portsmouth, and 20 miles (32 km) south-east of Salisbury.[6][7] Southampton had a population of 253,651 at the 2011 census, making it one of the most populous cities in southern England.[2] Southampton forms part of the larger South Hampshire conurbation which includes the city of Portsmouth and the boroughs of Havant, Eastleigh, Fareham, and Gosport. A major port,[8] and close to the New Forest, Southampton lies at the northernmost point of Southampton Water, at the confluence of the River Test and Itchen,[9] with the River Hamble joining to the south. Southampton is classified as a Medium-Port City.[10]
Southampton was the departure point for the RMS Titanic[11] and home to 500 of the people who perished on board.[12] The Spitfire was built in the city[13] and Southampton has a strong association with the Mayflower, being the departure point before the vessel was forced to return to Plymouth. In the past century, the city was one of Europe's main ports for ocean liners. More recently, Southampton is known as the home port of some of the largest cruise ships in the world.[14] The Cunard Line maintains a regular transatlantic service to New York from the city. Southampton is also one of the largest retail destinations in the South of England.[15]
Southampton was heavily bombed during the Second World War during what was known as the Southampton Blitz. It was one of the major embarkation points for D-Day. In the Middle Ages Southampton was where troops left England for the Battle of Agincourt. It was itself raided by French pirates, leading to the construction of the fortified town walls, many of which still stand today. Jane Austen also lived in Southampton for a number of years. In 1964, the town of Southampton acquired city status, becoming the City of Southampton.[16]
Some notable employers in the city include the University of Southampton, Ordnance Survey, BBC South, Associated British Ports, and Carnival UK.[17]