Research, analysis and information management skills measure the investigative skills required of the position. Here we are dealing with formal, structured investigation and analysis, not mere looking up of information in directories, files, etc, nor enquiry such as ’how much is the cheapest airfare to a particular destination’. This research must be a necessary part of the role and at the higher levels 7 and 8 it must have visibility and prominence in the decision-making processes of the organisation.
Research can include pure research in an academic sense, but also from a business perspective such as product development, and market research. Analysis can include analysis into improved operational methods or organisation structures, analysis of a purely technical nature such as investment or laboratory analysis, and analysis of a more subjective nature such as competitor analysis. Information management to support effective decision making includes defining information needs, researching information sources, gathering information, evaluating information, analysing information, and drawing conclusions from information.
When selecting the level for this factor, consider only the types of research, analysis or information management activities that the position will most frequently encounter. Do not consider rare or infrequent occurrences at a higher level, unless the position is specifically designed to cater for such less frequent higher level occurrences at a fully competent level.
Level
Description
1
NIL The position is not one that deals with research or analysis activities.
2
BASIC Collection of information, primarily of one type, eg sales figures, pollen count, consumer item usage level, etc, from readily accessible sources, without interpretation of the information collected. Here information would be extracted from documents or computer files, or from online searches; or obtained through preset questionnaires. The data collected would be organised and analysed by others.
3
PREPARE / DIVERSE Collating and organising information from diverse sources, with limited analysis of the information, for example to construct tables or charts of the data or to calculate other simple descriptive statistics. Here information would be extracted from sources such as documents, computer files, online searches, archives, or through structured interviews. The data thus collected would be logically organised and presented, possibly in preparation for more advanced analysis by others.
4
STANDARD ANALYSIS Standardised analysis of data using well-known and prescribed analysis tools, such as standardised laboratory tests or quality control tests. Conclusions drawn fall into a set of expected outcomes. There is little job requirement for subjectivity and interpretation in the conclusions drawn from such analysis.
5
NON-STANDARD Non-standard analysis of data where a range of analysis tools needs to be selected from to assess the data, and the context and implications need to be reviewed. The position may need to specify the data to be collected using standardised collection methodologies. Some subjectivity will be present in the conclusions drawn. Examples include assessment of financial statements and sales data.
6
EXPERT ANALYST Analysing information using advanced procedures. Here analysis may include advanced statistical routines, analysis of markets, or evaluating the effects of a significant organisation restructure. May specify the data to be sought and design the data collection methodology. Typically requires interaction with multiple and external sources of data and information, and involves dealing with ambiguity and conflict of data and of third party analysis.
7
HYPOTHESES Formulating and testing hypotheses is a standard regular expectation of the role of the job. Examples include: assessing the impact of a new product or competitor in the market; assessing a potential takeover, merger, or divestment; or a major organisational rearrangement, eg changing from an organisation structured on product lines to one organised on a geographic region basis. Positions include Head of Organisation Strategy.
8
THEORETICAL Postulating theories. Examples include assessing the impact of internationalisation of a business activity, sector analysis, or in a purely technical sense, postulating a theory of behavioural or physical science.
