Strategic Solutions uses
the most advanced data analytic procedures to investigate program and organizational
processes and outcomes.
Where appropriate, comparisons are made with comparable
local, state and/or national statistics.
SSI conducts data analysis, policy analysis and cost
analysis.
Additionally, a number of techniques are employed to better illuminate
qualitative findings and synthesize and quantify information from case studies,
focus groups, interviews and observations.
The
most current statistical software (e.g., SPSS) and/or spreadsheet
applications (e.g., EXCEL, ACCESS) are used to enter and analyze data.
A. Data Analysis:
depending upon the type of data collected, most likely both descriptive and
inferential statistics will be generated.
1. Descriptive Statistics: determines measures of central tendency,
variability and range, etc..
2. Inferential Statistics: determines whether actual gains were made
(vs. gains made by chance) from pre-to post-program periods by using tests of
significance (e.g., t-test, f-test, CHI).
3. MultivariateAnalysis: beyond these, some form of multivariate
techniques may be used to examine relationships among key program components.
Multi-analysis of variance (MANOVA) and/or other regressions methods determine the degree of correlation between program
interventions and outcomes.
Regression models use statistical methods to predict how things might have been
without the intervention. This method takes into account relevant factors,
including current status and critical contextual variables (e.g., demographic
and socio-economic backgrounds of program recipients, etc.).
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B. Qualitative Analysis: to better illuminate qualitative findings and
synthesize and quantify information from case studies, focus groups, interviews
and observations additionally, any number of techniques are employed: Pattern Matching, Social Dynamics, Social Network Analysis and Content
Analysis.
C. Cost Analysis: Further, a number of cost-analyses could be conducted
to determine return on investment by taking into consideration cost per
recipient and/or program costs vs. benefits. The analysis can be used to inform
program planning and budgeting as well as secure financial support for
sustainability.
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D. Policy Analysis: SSI also conducts
public policy research and analysis on behalf of think tanks, government
agencies, academic institutions, nonprofit organizations and lobbying firms.
Depending
upon need, area of interest and purpose, SSI will help your organization determine which of several alternative policies will best
achieve a given set of goals. SSI does this through analysis that is:
1. Analytical & Descriptive: explains policies and their development; or
2. Prescriptive: formulates policies and proposals to bring about
change
