Data Analytics Projects

Data Analytics Projects

We excel at analysis of data to yield business insights. In this section we focus on more unusual analytic work. Examples of data analysis of surveys are too numerous to mention.

Review of Bankruptcy Trustee Activity and Compensation [CAIRP]

Beginning with a detailed database describing over 600,000 personal bankruptcies, we identified the changing nature and demands of personal bankruptcies in Canada since 1998. This was supplemented with two trustee surveys: one focusing on work activities and the other on changes in revenue and expenses. The implications of the findings for trustee work demands and compensation were identified.

Behavioral Segmentation of Investment Advisors [Canadian Mutual Fund Company]

Sophisticated analytical methods were used to identify the behaviours that distinguish top investment advisors from their colleagues. A thorough analysis of well over 600 variables led us to fewer than 20 variables and three driving forces that really mattered. The study was based on an amalgamation of several internal databases relating to thousands of advisors. Initial analysis was guided by suggestions from an executive brainstorming session and then advanced further as initial findings pointed to new directions. The study also identified the best methods for supporting top advisors, as well as information needed to identify “rising stars”.

Identifying International Banking Opportunities [Global bank – EU HQ]

We used the commercial banking database of the bank combined with our knowledge of international services to develop a model that tiered clients based on their probability of using international banking services. Using game theory methods, we also created a suggested calling program detailing the best sectors and areas to mine. We also provided scripts for sales to use when prospecting for these services that help them identify the best opportunities.

Retirement Lifestyle Segments [IEF]

Beginning with a StatCan database that provides a detailed description of people’s activities and timing, we extracted a sample of 10,000 households over the age of 60. A sophisticated analysis of activities led us to the conclusion that there are seven distinct retirement lifestyles. We named and described these lifestyles and their characteristics, including the income levels needed to sustain each lifestyle at a minimal, a typical and a very comfortable level.

Global Trade Studies [BWI]

For each of ten global regions, we created robust mathematical models predicting bank performance in trade services for the following two years. The model consisted of a set of variables documenting client retention skills and another set evaluating client acquisition skills. The model provided guidance for changes needed to improve competitive position.

Financial Life Stages of Older Canadians [IEF]

This study identifies 3-5 segments setting out Financial Life Stages of Older Canadians. The initial basis for the segments came from customized analysis of several databases including the StatCan Survey of Financial Security and others. Segments identified from database analyses were tested with an extensive survey of Older Canadians, allowing us to refine the segment definitions.

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Student Loans – Uptake and Payback [HRSDC]

This in-depth analysis looks at users of student loan programs compared to their cohort, as well as the factors that affect the progress of repayment of their loans. Millions of records of the Canada Student Loans Program combined with information from the Longitudinal Administrative Database were subjected to sophisticated analysis that led us to identify payment and default behaviour.

Review of Certification Exams [IIC]

A major insurance education organization offers more than a dozen courses for training people in various aspects of insurance. Each course has an exam, and taken together, far more than 10,000 exam papers are written each year. Our role was to assess the quality of the exams in each course, as well as the systems which support the exam process, starting with the earliest stages of exam development and following the entire process right through to its end. The work relied on extensive item analysis, and on completion of the study, we were able to provide the organization with a mathematical model to dictate the action required for questions.

Service Improvement in High Value Markets with Few Buyers [Hydro One]

Hydro One has a small number of wholesale clients which each have a high volume. Service quality ratings for Hydro One are quite high but they aim to do better. Finding drivers that will achieve substantial improvements in overall quality is difficult, especially when the number of companies involved is small and the number of variables much larger. Robust regression techniques were used to generate stable predictors, as they are more appropriate than standard regression analyses in small samples. We then developed new measures of gain from service improvements based on extending principles from economic game theory, which were used to guide service improvement.

Equipment Financing More than a Commodity [GECC]

Industrial Equipment financing is a highly competitive business. This study combined internal database information about clients with targeted survey data to quantify the impact of service and pricing on winning bids and retaining clients. Creating a new metric based on game theory, we could estimate the potential revenue value of changes in account manager handling of bidding opportunities.