Data Analysis Australia

Featured Articles

The Importance of Good Data

Reliable, meaningful results are the aim of any data analysis and good analysis relies on good data.  For this we need to go back to the beginning.  Data Analysis Australia believes that the starting point is in the planning of the data collection itself.  Data is a resource often limited by constraints of timing, budget and source.  Statisticians have the expertise to use the right methodologies for every client’s unique requirements.  Methodologies such as sampling theory and experimental design can be used to maximise the amount of useful information and increase efficiency.  In this month’s newsletter, John Henstridge gives a snapshot of how planning the data collection itself is the important first step in ensuring meaningful results from any analysis.

Change is inevitable, but is it real?

In the statistical world identifying change at a known time is a standard task.  However, identifying sequences of change over time where the timing of changes is unknown is a far more complex problem.  The combination of advances in statistical and mathematical theory has made these tasks feasible.  The final ingredient is the expertise of Data Analysis Australia to use the right methodology in modelling the data.  Recently, we used ‘breakpoint’ detection methods to determine change in data.  One example shows where the breakpoint method was used to check whether laboratory test results were consistent where expected, or whether they were affected by uncontrolled factors over time.  The other example was a question of just how much historical data reflected current conditions in order to appropriately identify the current operating trends for a utility provider, and to use those trends to produce forecasts.  Emma Smith and John Dickson have been actively working in this area of breakpoint analysis, which is discussed further in the leading article of the September newsletter.

Data Analysis Australia is the leading strategic information consultancy in Australia. Our exceptional skills in mathematics, statistics and data management provide a strong background for work that is often used for strategic decision making purposes. Our reputation has been built on our ability to provide workable solutions to difficult problems across all industries.

The strength of Data Analysis Australia lies in our flexible approach to integrating the above areas of expertise to provide cost effective and applicable solutions for clients.

Company News

Presentations

Data Analysis Australia feels strongly about the promotion of the profession of the statistician to both the next generation of students and their teachers.  Recently, Prudence Thompson and Anna Munday gave presentations to maths teachers and Year 9 students about their paths through university and their careers as statisticians.  The presentations aimed to give an insight into the real life work done at Data Analysis Australia and to demonstrate the array of career choices available.

John Henstridge spoke at the November 2011 meeting of the Statistical Society of Australia's Western Australian branch.  His talk examined the historical and present roles of statisticians and argued that statisticians should assume a more prominent leadership role in many important issues.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Professor Cheryl Praeger, one of the directors of Data Analysis Australia for being awarded the 2011 Moyal Medal.  Cheryl presented the 2011 Moyal Lecture titled “Symmetry, group actions, and the meaning of Life."

Staff News

Data Analysis Australia welcomed our newest Graduate Consultant Statistician, Philip Vlaskovsky, in January 2012.  Philip comes to us from the University of Auckland, where he completed a Masters Degree with Honours in Statistics, specialising in reproducable research techniques.

Philip forms part of an all-star cast of new recruits here at Data Analysis Australia. Graduate Consultant Statistician Elyse Corless joined us in November 2011, after completing an Honours degree in Mathematics and Statistics at Murdoch University.  Also, Karl Beidatsch is working with us over the summer to help with our heavy workload.  Karl has recently completed 3^rd year of a Bachelor Degree in Applied Statistics at Curtin University and is enrolling in an Honours degree for 2012.

Western Australian Junior Mathematics Olympiad (WAJO)

Data Analysis Australia is proud to be associated with WAJO which is held in November, each year.  The Olympiad has seen substantial growth since 2007 when 168 students competed from 20 schools to 2011 where 384 students competed from 43 schools.
We would like to congratulate the 2011 Data Analysis Australia Award for Excellence winners: Ananthakrishnan Koloth from Christ Church Grammar School and Phillip Cheng from Perth Modern School.

2011 WA Young Statisticians' Workshop

Prudence Thompson and Yuichi Yano, two of Data Analysis Australia’s Consultant Statisticians, formed part of the organising committee for the Statistical Society of WA Young Statisticians’ Workshop, which was held on the 27^th of September.
Several of Data Analysis Australia’s consultants attended the Workshop, with John Henstridge and Alethea Rea also being amongst the presenters.
John, along with Anna Munday, formed part of the Workshop’s Q&A Panel providing insights and career advice to young statisticians.
Congratulations to Alethea, for winning the prize for the best oral presentation by a Young Statistician!

Latest Newsletter

Our latest Newsletter was posted in December. If you are not already on our mailing list and would like a copy to be sent to you, please contact Angela at Data Analysis Australia.

Updated January 25, 2012