You're analyzing a complex consulting report. How do you choose between conflicting data sources?

Quando encontrar dados conflitantes, procure o seu chefe, ou o chefe do seu chefe. Quando sócio do BCG, eu fazia essa pergunta aos consultores: “Quantos pontos são necessários para traçar uma reta?”. A resposta correta que eu ouvia: “Dois pontos”. Eu rebatia: “Depende… um Consultor precisa de 3 pontos, dois pra traçar a reta e mais 1 pra validar o traçado; um Gerente precisa de 2, pois sabe avaliar se o resultado faz sentido; um Sócio precisa de 1, pois entendendo onde ela passa, sabe a inclinação correta; e um Sócio Sênior não precisa de ponto algum, pois sabe onde ela passa e também a sua inclinação”. Em resumo, a experiência faz a diferença, seja garantindo uma resposta precisa, seja lhe ajudando a chegar nela de forma mais rápida.

In my opinion, assessing the methodology used to collect the data is important. How a data is collected, what is the context, what is the scale of evaluation, is it relevant, does data collection happen with loaded questions are some questions that should be answered before taking the data at its face value.

When choosing between conflicting data sources in a consulting report, prioritize sources based on reliability, methodology, and alignment with the report's objectives. Consider triangulating data, seeking expert opinions, reviewing consistency across sources, and evaluating contextual relevance to make informed decisions.

Ao encontrar dados conflitantes, procure sua gestão e também a pessoa que realizou a análise para entender os dados. Entenda o contexto e a relevância daquele dado.

Bad data/information is easy to identify if you understand the topic. If you don't understand the topic you're like 90% of the world that assumes those who act like experts are in fact experts. Logical inconsistencies that can't be explained are key to identify bad information and or bad conclusions.

Accurate data is essential for making wise judgments. Reports' credibility can be greatly increased by cross-referencing data with dependable sources, validating unprocessed data, and performing original research. Thoroughly examining inconsistencies ensures the validity of the results reached and aids in identifying underlying problems. Accuracy upholds the reliability of our evaluation and cultivates confidence in the understanding we offer.

Compare the conflicting data with other reputable sources. Cross-checking can help identify which data points are consistent across multiple sources, thereby increasing their reliability. When faced with conflicting data on industry growth rates, I cross-referenced figures from government reports, academic journals, and industry associations. The data that aligned with the majority of these sources was deemed more accurate.

Cross-reference information with other reliable sources to check for consistency. Look for raw data and original research that can substantiate claims. Investigate any discrepancies to understand their origins, as errors in data collection or interpretation can lead to conflicting results.

This should be the first step, in my humble opinion. What scales, conditions, limitations, contexts are the different data coming from? Then, guide yourself through the rationale of the whole structure, and see what logical conclusions you can draw. Finally, elaborate with the consultants and check that everything is sound - in the end, it's them who made the report and (should) know the meaning of the data!

To understand the context of data in a consulting report: 1. Analyze Methodologies - Examine how the data was collected, considering the methodologies used. This includes understanding the sample size, geographic focus, and any biases or limitations that could affect the results. 2. Contextual Relevance - Assess whether the data aligns with the specific situation you're consulting on. For instance, a survey's sample size or a study's geographic focus can significantly influence its applicability to your analysis. By contextualizing data, you can better determine its relevance and reliability for your specific consulting needs.

Durante toda a minha carreira nunca tomei qualquer decisão que não estivesse respaldada em um robusto diagnóstico participativo. Creio que tal estratégia abrange todos os pontos aqui destacados.

Consider the context in which the data was collected and whether it fits the specific context of your analysis. Data collected in similar environments or under similar conditions to your case is more relevant. I found conflicting data on consumer preferences for organic products. One source conducted surveys in urban areas, matching my target market, while the other surveyed rural regions. I chose the data from the urban-focused survey.

You have to be carefull to not be overwelmed with data you don't need. Can you distiguish them! Do they really add to the context!

My work considers commercial viability of charging infrastructure for electric cars. More simply put, I'm in the business of anticipating where, when, how and at what cost drivers will ultimately choose to re-charge their vehicles. With far less than 4% of our national fleet electrified, there is very little primary data and what is there will change as a more diverse population begins to embrace EV. My job therefore, is to "throw the stone". Let the data take me as far as it can and then estimate where the answer is likely to be. Do this a few times without bias and you'll start to get close very quickly.

With the right set of data at hand, you should be able to make a better informed decision. Be carefull about what you wish for. Sometimes it's too much data (not information).

When examining contradictory data sources in a consulting report, give precedence to credibility by assessing the sources' authorship, methodology, and timeliness. Verify data by comparing it with information from several reliable sources to guarantee precision. Combine research results by including coherent and pertinent data while also identifying any inconsistencies. Employ analytical reasoning to evaluate the merits and constraints of every source, with the objective of achieving equilibrium between contrasting perspectives. When compromise is required, clearly explain the rationale for the selected strategy. Synthesis will result in a comprehensive study that considers several perspectives and forms a basis for your consulting.

When analyzing a complex consulting report with conflicting data sources, prioritize those with the highest credibility and relevance. Evaluate the methodology, sample size, and source reputation to determine reliability. Cross-check the data against multiple sources to identify patterns and inconsistencies. Consider the context and potential biases of each source. Additionally, consult subject matter experts to gain deeper insights. By systematically assessing the quality and context of each data source, you can make informed decisions and achieve a more accurate analysis.

One thing which we must imbibe is the basic fact that any report of such nature with conflicting data sets would be less biased. It is good to analyse such reports with an eye to find the bias. We are then sure to hit the crux and the message of the report.

If you are presented with conflicting data, it’s important to check the credibility, context, recency, data consistency and patterns. In my experience, using a logical reasoning like weighing the conflicting evidence against each other and choosing the one that seems more plausible under the given scenario has worked. Be transparent in your reporting and if you end up using the conflicting data in your analysis then please do acknowledge it. Back it up with a well reasoned conclusion. Your recommendations should mention that they are based on the best available data and require further research.

To choose between conflicting data sources while analyzing a complex consulting report: 1. Assess credibility, relevance and accuracy based on business context 2. Triangulate using multiple sources and benchmarks to come up with a valid conclusion 3. Synthesise insights and form a coherent story

There are some steps you should follow to deal with conflicting data sources: First, you should review the raw data and make sure that it is correct. Second, you should check the reliability and credibility of each data source and see how it has been collected and how accurate it is. Third, you need to make sure that data is relevant to your context, and that cannot be done without carefully reviewing, understanding and analyzing data. And finally, you will be able to make your choice among the variant data sources.