Analytical activity is one of the areas of human thinking, the purpose of which is the semantic processing of information to develop qualitatively new knowledge and prepare the basis for making optimal management decisions. It is used in almost all areas, and the ability to work with data is the key to professionalism. Studies show that data collection in information and analytical activities takes up to 95% of the total workload. But the greatest difficulties are precisely the analytical stage, when it is necessary to develop a conclusion. This is due to difficulties both psychological and intellectual plan.
General concept
Analytical activity is an essential component of managerial work in institutions of any type. It is a study that is carried out to solve certain problems. The analysis allows you to timely identify and evaluate the contradictions, as well as determine the most rational ways to solve them. Scientifically sound management is based on management decisions made based on the results of analytical activities.
In theory, several basic concepts are distinguished:
- phenomenon (essence);
- structure (main functional areas);
- subject field (object and subject, information field);
- methodology and tools.
Since the analysis cannot be done without previously collected data, most researchers consider information and analytical activity as a whole. It is based on the philosophical provisions of the principle of consistency:
- in the surrounding world objectively there are phenomena that can be classified, included in a certain system;
- even in a seemingly unsystematic phenomenon, one can still find the properties of integrity and unity;
- each of the phenomena seeks to achieve a systemic state.
Features
The concept of “analysis” is considered in 2 aspects. The first is the division of the subject of thinking into parts, the study of which allows you to get a general idea of the whole object. The second is the systematization procedure, which is identified with research. Analytics is a set of methods of organizational and technological support for data processing and the acquisition of new knowledge.
The process of analytical activity is ultimately aimed at solving practical problems. It is also predictive in nature, allowing you to get ahead of certain phenomena and determine the future state of the object of study. From the point of view of the structural approach, organizational and analytical activities can be divided into 2 classes of subjects: in the field of research (state, legal, social, entrepreneurial, educational, cultural, economic and others) and the level of organization (from analytical centers and institutes to heads of small enterprises) . The final product of the work is various types of assessments, forecasts, recommendations, projects and other forms of reports.
Functions
Analytical activity is a study whose main functions are:
- Information - data acquisition, identification of their volume and content, primary processing (classification, structuring).
- Diagnostic - determination of the characteristics of the object of analysis, the establishment of causal relationships.
- Evaluation - the formation of a system of indicators.
- Advisory - the development of new information to solve the main problems.
- Planning and forecasting - current and future planning.
- Correctional - making improvements to the management process.
- Organizational - the distribution of powers between people, their clear definition.
- Control and diagnostic - public and administrative control.
- Archival - preservation of information and end products of analysis.
Tasks
Tasks of analytical activity realize the above functions. Within the enterprise, the following activities are referred to them:
- formation of a set of data (information fund);
- determination of the activities of the analytical service and the development of scorecards for each of them;
- information support of enterprise structures;
- development of recommendations and forecasts based on the conducted analytical work.
Classification
The following types of analytical activities are distinguished:
- by the nature of scientific work: fundamental and applied;
- functional division: tactical, strategic, operational;
- by the type of object to which mental activity is directed: macro- and microeconomic, managerial, socio-political, environmental, pedagogical, mental;
- according to the type of scientific discipline on the basis of which the analysis is performed: philosophical, economic, axiological (system-value), political science, prognostic, historical, psychological, cultural, ethical and aesthetic;
- by the nature of the main method: systemic, statistical, logical, problematic, causal, situational;
- according to the level of analysis: primary and secondary (rethinking previously obtained results);
- by the nature of the research period: retrospective (analysis of the problems of the past), relevant and prognostic.
Classification by time interval can be of a different nature: current analysis for the control period, studies for the reporting and long periods (from one year to several years). Thus, modern analytics is a complex activity, each variety of which is characterized by its own specifics.
Most often, the following types of analytical activities are carried out within the framework of enterprises:
- economic;
- household;
- financial;
- relevant;
- promising.
Organization
The effectiveness of the study depends on compliance with the basics of analytical activity:
- The scientific nature of the work. If the study is carried out in the economic sphere, then the laws of market development should be taken into account. The analysis uses the latest achievements of science and technology, as well as special techniques.
- A systematic and integrated approach, taking into account the comprehensive coverage of the problem and the participation of all departments of the enterprise.
- Objectivity both in the collection of information, and in its processing, drawing conclusions, recommendations. Use of reliable data sources. Confirmation of results by analytical calculations.
- Efficiency and relevance. Obtaining results in extremely short terms for timely decision-making by management personnel.
- Work planning, distribution of duties and powers among performers. The systematic nature of research. Standardization and regulation of analytical activities.
- Profitability. Striving to minimize costs and maximum efficiency.
Organization of analytical activities can be carried out in various forms. In large enterprises, usually within the framework of the economic service, an analytical department or group is formed. In small organizations, this work is led by the head of the planning department or chief accountant.
According to the degree of openness, the analysis can be public or closed. The study can be carried out by individuals without special knowledge and training. Professional analytical activity is carried out by specialists who are fluent in analysis methods and are engaged in research in a specific field of activity (business analyst, system and investment analyst and other specializations).
Control functions
Control and analytical activities and expert examinations are carried out in order to verify compliance with legislative, regulatory and legal acts, technical regulations, orders and orders, as well as to study the consequences of adopted and implemented management decisions. Such work is carried out by the head of the organization or other specialists authorized by his order.
Control is carried out in the form of:
- Financial audit. Its goals are to verify the documentary evidence of all financial transactions, compliance with reporting, targeted use of resources.
- Performance Audit. Conducted to assess the use of resources to achieve a specific goal.
- Audit of strategic management. It is used to analyze the implementation of the strategic goals of the enterprise.
Tools
The following methods are used as techniques and tools for design and analytical activities:
- Diagnosis
- Planning.
- Systematization and structuring.
- Verification
- Logical and linguistic analysis.
- Modeling.
- Analysis and synthesis.
- Decomposition of a complex object into simpler components.
- Factor analysis.
- Generalization.
- Statistical analysis.
- Unification.
- Comparative analysis.
- Modeling.
- Abstraction and concretization.
- System analysis.
- Assessment of the long-term prospects of science.
- Graphical analysis and others.
Stages
When conducting analytical activities at the enterprise, the following main stages are distinguished:
- Definition of goals. The identification of indicators that will be analyzed, and entities that will be entrusted with the duties of collecting and processing information.
- Drawing up a work plan.
- Formation of information and methodological support.
- Systematization of data, identification of the most important factors.
- Presentation of the results.
First step
Target analysis begins by identifying the most significant, global goal. Subsequently, it is divided into subgoals to simplify the work. Sometimes a system analysis of a complex phenomenon requires the construction of a “problem tree” in which all tasks and goals are reflected. This procedure is necessary to build a clear logical structure.
The distribution of responsibilities between departments of the enterprise and the main functions of its employees are the main goal. So, the planning and analytical department may be entrusted with the development of a work plan, methods of its implementation, generalization of results and preparation of a report; to the department of the chief technologist - analysis of the level of productivity; to the department of the chief mechanic - providing information on the condition of the equipment.
Schedule
The second stage of analytical work includes information on phased deadlines, reporting and forms of control, responsible and executors. It is compiled taking into account the complexity of the work, the loading of employees and the method of transferring data from one structure to another.
There are 2 main types of plan:
- Complex. It is usually developed for 1 year. It indicates the objects of analysis, goals, necessary indicators, distribution of responsibilities, data sources and other key issues.
- Thematic. It is being developed for an in-depth study of global issues.
Information Support
At the third stage of analytical activity, the types of documents used to collect information are determined. As such sources can serve:
- technological documentation;
- the contract;
- regulatory materials;
- plans, estimates and assignments;
- accounting data and other types of documents.
Information processing can be carried out using automated systems based on sampling by keywords and phrases.
Final stages
After data collection, their primary processing is performed. It consists in determining the soundness and completeness of the data obtained, forming them into tables or other comparable form, in the analysis to identify the most important factors and assess alternative options and reserves.
After refinement of existing problems and clarification of issues, these actions are repeated. Recommendations and conclusions are being drawn up.
Public administration
In public administration, analytical activity is a combination of the following processes:
- Analysis of the necessary state of the managed object, the definition of tasks.
- Data collection taking into account the changing parameters of the control object and external influences.
- Research and evaluation of the material obtained, identifying the essence of the phenomena.
- Creation of an analytical model taking into account the subject area, the environment in which the investigated object operates; checking the accuracy of the model, its adjustment.
- Implementation of experiments based on the selected model.
- Interpretation of the results.
- Transfer of the final data to a person or state structure that makes a management decision.