Data analysis refers to the process of collecting, organizing, processing, analyzing and interpreting data to find valuable information and provide support for decision-making. Data analysis can help consultants better understand the client's situation, problems and needs, as well as the opportunities and risks of the market, so as to make more convincing and feasible suggestions and solutions. Data analysis requires the use of certain methods, tools and skills, such:

Methods: Commonly used data analysis methods include descriptive analysis, exploratory analysis, inferential analysis, predictive analysis, etc., and different methods are suitable for different goals and scenarios.

Tools: Common data analysis tools areExcel、SPSS、SQL、R、PythonDifferent tools have different advantages and limitations, and it is necessary to choose the right tool according to the amount of data, type and complexity.

Skills: Data analysis requires a certain amount of statistical knowledge, programming skills, business understanding and other skills, as well as good logical thinking and communication skills.

Data visualization refers to the process of transforming data into intuitive and easy-to-understand forms through graphs, charts, maps, etc., so as to help people discover patterns, trends, and anomalies in the data. Data visualization can help consultants more effectively communicate analysis results and recommendations, as well as engage and influence clients and audiences. Data visualization requires certain principles, techniques, and types, such:

Principles: Common data visualization principles include faith, beauty, simplicity, etc. Different principles apply to different goals and scenarios.

Skills: Commonly used data visualization techniques include selecting the right graphics, controlling the number and contrast of colors, and using easy-to-read fonts. Different techniques have different effects and limitations.

Type: Common types of data visualization include bar chart, line chart, pie chart, scatter chart, etc. Different types are suitable for displaying data of different types and dimensions.

Case analysis refers to the process of finding problems, proposing solutions and summing up experiences and lessons through in-depth, systematic and comprehensive research on specific cases. Case analysis is a common working method in the consulting industry, which can help consultants better understand the needs, challenges and opportunities of clients, and provide targeted and innovative suggestions. Case studies require the use of certain methodological models, such:

SCPModel:SCP（structure、conduct、performance) model to analyze possible strategic adjustments and behavioral changes when an industry or firm receives a surface shock.

The Boston Matrix:BCGMatrix is the Boston Consulting Group (Boston Consulting Group) A method of planning enterprise products pioneered to assist enterprises in analyzing and evaluating their existing product lines and using their existing funds for effective product configuration and development.

Porter's five forces model: Porter's five forces model is a tool for analyzing the competitive structure and competitive advantage of enterprises put forward by Michael Porter, a professor at Harvard Business School. It believes that there are five main factors that affect the degree of competition and profitability of an industry: potential entrants, substitutes, supplier bargaining power, buyer bargaining power and existing competitors.

Let's take a look at the details below.GEMatrix

GEThe matrix is a method of analyzing the product structure and portfolio of a company, by General Electric (GE) with McKinsey & Company in20Century70created by the years.GEThe matrix evaluates the existing business through two dimensions, the competitive strength of the enterprise in the market and the market attractiveness of the industry, each dimension is divided into three layers, a total of nine squares.GEThe matrix can help companies determine which businesses are promising, which businesses need to be improved or abandoned, and how to allocate resources and funds.

1.Identify strategic business units and conduct an internal and external environmental analysis of each strategic business unit. 2.Determine the evaluation indicators and weights for market attractiveness and business strength. 3.Based on the evaluation indicators and weights, calculate the market attractiveness and business strength score of each strategic business unit. 4.map each strategic business unit inGEIn the matrix, determine its relative strengths and weaknesses based on the grid in which it is located. 5.AccordingGEAs a result of the matrix, select the appropriate strategic options, such as investment, hold, harvest or abandon.

GEMatrix has a wide range of applications and can be used for enterprise strategic planning, product portfolio management, resource allocation and so on. For example, a diversified company can useGEmatrix to assess the performance and development potential of its different business sectors and to develop investment strategies based on the results. In addition,GEmatrix can also be used in conjunction with other methodological models, such as red light strategic choice,SWOTanalysis method, etc.

Here's aGEmatrix of case analysis:

A diversified company has four business divisions:A、B、C、D. The company wants to useGEmatrix to assess the market attractiveness and business strength of these four business sectors and to develop strategic options accordingly. Specific steps are as follows:

1.Determine the evaluation indicators and weights for market attractiveness and business strength. Suppose there are three indicators of market attractiveness: market growth rate (40%), market size (30%), market profit margin (30%). There are three indicators of business strength: relative market share (50%), brand awareness (30%), product quality (20%）。 2.Based on the evaluation indicators and weights, the market attractiveness and business strength scores of each business sector are calculated. It is assumed that each indicator is1-5Score points and get the following table:

According to the formula: score = Weight × Scores, you can calculate the total score of each business department:

3.Draw each business sector inGEIn the matrix, determine its relative strengths and weaknesses based on the grid in which it is located. Assume that each dimension follows1-5divided,ABelongs to the high-high type, that is, high market attractiveness, high business strength;BBelongs to medium-sized, that is, medium market attractiveness, medium business strength;CBelongs to the low-low type, that is, low market attractiveness, low business strength;DBelongs to the high and low type, that is, high market attractiveness, low business strength.

4.AccordingGEAs a result of the matrix, select the appropriate strategic option. In general, the high-high type should choose an investment or retention strategy; the medium-to-medium type should choose a retention or harvesting strategy; the low type should choose a harvesting or abandonment strategy; and the high-low type should choose an investment or abandonment strategy. The specific strategic choice should also be considered according to the company's resources, capabilities, goals and other factors. For example,DThe business sector, if the company has sufficient resources and capabilities to enhance its business strength, can choose to invest in the strategy; if the company does not have such resources and capabilities, or believes that there is greater uncertainty and risk in the market, can choose to abandon the strategy.