- Published
- 8 October 2026
- Last reviewed
- 8 October 2026
Goal and audience
Prepare a clear analysis question, defined metric, practice summary and dashboard review.
This self-directed practice path is for learners who want an organised way to use existing Digest resources. It is not an enrolled course, a qualification or a certificate programme.
Before you start
A spreadsheet application that supports pivot tables, and the downloadable fictional practice dataset. Never upload real personal data for these activities.
As an RDE planning estimate, allow around 30 to 60 minutes for each step, or roughly 2.5 to 5 hours in total. Your pace and prior experience will affect the time needed. Pause and repeat a step when its review question remains unanswered.
How to use the path
Follow the steps in order. Each resource opens in a new tab; keep this path open and return here for the activity and review question. Previous and next links move between steps on this page. Record your own notes and outputs privately. This page does not track, save or certify completion; account-based progress tracking is deferred.
Step 1 of 5: Define the decision question
Open resource: Start Your Analysis with a Decision Question Opens in a new tab.
Practice
Choose a fictional training or service scenario. Write the decision to support, who will make it, the population, the period and what uncertainty the analysis should reduce.
Produce
A concise decision question and scope note.
Review before moving on
Would an answer change a decision, or would it only produce an interesting number?
Step 2 of 5: Define one metric
Open resource: Define a Business Metric: A Practical Workbook Opens in a new tab.
Practice
Use the workbook to specify a numerator, denominator where applicable, population, period, exclusions and data source. Make one example record clearly count or not count.
Produce
A metric definition with inclusion examples.
Review before moving on
Could two analysts independently apply the definition to the same records?
Step 3 of 5: Summarise practice data
Open resource: Build a Pivot Table from a Practice Dataset Opens in a new tab.
Practice
Download the practice workbook and follow the tutorial. Check totals against the supplied expected totals. Keep this fictional exercise separate from any real operational dataset.
Produce
A pivot table and a note showing the totals check.
Review before moving on
Have you checked the selected range and grouping before interpreting the summary?
Step 4 of 5: Review the presentation
Open resource: Review a Dashboard Before Sharing It Opens in a new tab.
Practice
Sketch a small dashboard for your fictional question. Use the checklist to review labels, denominators, periods, missing data and whether the display supports the decision.
Produce
A dashboard sketch and a review log.
Review before moving on
Can the reader tell what each number represents and where an interpretation is limited?
Step 5 of 5: Reflect on data-quality decisions
Open resource: Data Quality Decisions: Five Practical Questions Opens in a new tab.
Practice
Complete the five-question quiz and read the feedback. Relate one lesson to your metric or dashboard. Revisit the relevant step if the feedback reveals an unresolved assumption.
Produce
One revision to your analysis note with a reason.
Review before moving on
Can you explain why the revision improves the decision rather than only the appearance of the dashboard?
Review your practice pack
Bring the five outputs together. For each, record the date, what you produced, the evidence you checked and the next amendment. Ask a trusted reviewer for specific feedback where possible. Completing the sequence means you have attempted these practice activities; it does not establish job readiness, professional competence or accreditation.
- A concise decision question and scope note. Record: attempted, reviewed or needs further work.
- A metric definition with inclusion examples. Record: attempted, reviewed or needs further work.
- A pivot table and a note showing the totals check. Record: attempted, reviewed or needs further work.
- A dashboard sketch and a review log. Record: attempted, reviewed or needs further work.
- One revision to your analysis note with a reason. Record: attempted, reviewed or needs further work.
Select one improvement and set a realistic review date. Return to the relevant step when your evidence or understanding changes.