Analyze and interpret measurement data.

Measurement data are analyzed as planned, additional analyses are conducted as necessary, results are reviewed with relevant stakeholders, and necessary revisions for future analyses are noted.

Typical Work Products

1.    Analysis results and draft reports

Typical Supplier Deliverables

1.    Responses to analysis results and draft reports

Subpractices

1.    Conduct initial analyses, interpret results, and draw preliminary conclusions.

The results of data analyses are rarely self-evident. Criteria for interpreting results and drawing conclusions should be stated explicitly.

Discuss results and preliminary conclusions with suppliers, as appropriate.

2.    Conduct additional measurement and analysis as necessary, and prepare results for presentation.

Results of planned analyses may suggest (or require) additional, unanticipated analyses. In addition, these analyses may identify needs to refine existing measures, to calculate additional derived measures, or even to collect data for additional base measures to properly complete the planned analysis. Similarly, preparing initial results for presentation may identify the need for additional, unanticipated analyses.

Coordinate additional analyses with suppliers, as appropriate.

3.    Review initial results with relevant stakeholders.

It may be appropriate to review initial interpretations of results and the way in which these results are presented before disseminating and communicating them widely.

Relevant stakeholders with whom reviews may be conducted include intended end users and sponsors, as well as data analysts and data providers.

Review initial results related to supplier progress or output with suppliers and determine if revisions are appropriate based on their response.

4.    Refine criteria for future analyses.

Lessons that can improve future efforts are often learned from conducting data analyses and preparing results. Similarly, ways to improve measurement specifications and data collection procedures may become apparent, as may ideas for refining identified information needs and objectives.

Update data acceptance criteria for supplier measures, as appropriate.