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Jan 18, 2016

What is Administrative Data Analysis?

Administrative Data Analysis

Administrative Data Analysis refers to data that is generated by systems which companies use to administer their day-to-day business, hence the name. Typical examples of administrative data include sales data, inventories, web-traffic monitoring and human resource management. 

Administrative data analysis has considerable value as a resource for companies wishing to do research for the following three reasons.

First, administrative data records what actually happened. Not what people said they would do, or what we predicted they would do, but what really happened. As a result when we work with administrative data we work with the real world and we get real insight. 

Secondly, administrative data is usually collected with high frequency and large volumes. These are wonderful data properties from a statistical point of view. These properties mean that, by applying the right statistical tools, we should be able to draw strong, useful conclusions from the data. This helps us help you to minimise the guesswork and become more scientific in your strategy and planning. Administrative data systems capture what happens with your business at all times of the business day, all business days of the year, in all economic circumstances from all the people involved (customers, suppliers, staff or competitors), for everything that matters to you, for as long as your administrative systems have been collecting data. This means that we can tell you what is going on deep down in your business all through the year, not just a part of it and we can enable you to plan for all circumstances you’re likely to face, not just some. 

Thirdly, administrative data cuts research costs dramatically. Since administrative data is being collected anyway, we are able to save dramatically on data collection costs – a saving which we pass on to you – meaning that you can ask the questions you always wanted to, for a price that is reasonable.

One of the specialities of GMT+ is performing administrative data analysis.

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