Data Quackery Workshop (2 hours)

Learn how to avoid Data Quackery - Metrics, Charts and Reports that look pretty, promise much, but are pretty worthless.

This training is invaluable for all those working with metrics and analysing data

Organisations are awash with numbers. Metrics are produced and displayed on Balanced Scorecards. Decisions are made and actions assigned. But how much of this is based on a clear understanding of what the numbers are telling us? Unfortunately, the abuse of data, metrics and reporting (Data Quackery) is far too common in all types of organisation. This workshop will expose these common malpractices, in a light-hearted way, and suggest better means of using data. It is highly interactive and will employ lots of examples to change the way you think about data.

At a Glance

• Recognise Data Quackery (in all its various forms)
• Realise the deleterious impact Data Quackery can have on individuals and organisations
• Refresh the principles of simple data analysis
• Reduce down to the only 4 simple data tools that you will ever need

Who should attend

Suitable if:

• you collect, analyse and report metrics
• want to understand both the dark side of metrics and the benefits of good measurement systems

“I have a problem with numbers. I hate to see them tortured, abused and misused, or even simply ignored. But numbers do not have feelings, so my real issue is with the people who are subjected to numbers nonsense that I call Data Quackery.”

Dr Mike Bell

The Speaker

Dr Mike Bell runs Simple Improvement Ltd. a continuous improvement training and coaching business based in Scotland. He is unique in his ability both to understand complex data analysis and be able to simplify it down so that everyone can use it. Contrast this with statisticians who are not able to come down to the right level, or trainers without a background in analysis who are frightened of the subject - both tend to confuse, rather than clarify. Mike has been teaching simple analysis for more than 10 years and has had great success in helping people at all levels of organisations across all sectors. His experience includes training in 10 countries across 4 continents and has a reputation for making this potentially dry subject really good fun.