A CEO is often tasked with making important decisions that have a significant impact on the organization’s future. Make the right decision, and the organization will thrive. The wrong decision could be disastrous.
With so much weighing on a CEO’s decision-making process, leaders must explore all avenues to ensure they are making a wise choice. They often rely on data to determine how past outcomes can drive future results. Predictive analytics are often referenced to ensure the best results.
What is Predictive Analysis?
Predictive analysis uses data to predict future trends. Research can be conducted manually or through technology. It can be used to help leaders arrive at various decisions that range from the best software to invest in, the right candidate to hire, and the most beneficial investments to make.
What are the Types of Predictive Analytics?
Regression Analytics
Regression analytics is often integrated into the decision-making process. Single linear regression determines the relationship between two variables. Multiple regression determines the relationship between three or more variables.
A mathematical equation is used to determine variable relationships. Variables can be changed as needed. The strategy allows leaders to gain insight into how data influences any given situation.
Clustering Models
Clustering models classify data based on similar attributes. Once items are categorized, you can compare them against one another. This strategy is often used to group customers together to create targeted marketing strategies.
Time Series Models
Time series predictive analytics use time as a common data variable. It may look at last year’s data to predict trends for the coming weeks. It can provide insight as to how the market will change depending on the season.
Classification Models
Classification models put data into categories based on historical behavior. Each dataset is labeled. The system uses an algorithm to identify the correlation between the data and its label and categorizes new data accordingly.
This system is used across various industries as it easily adapts to new data. Financial institutions often use it to detect fraudulent activity. Its algorithms compare previous and current activity to identify suspicious transactions.
Decision trees, text analytics, and random forests are common examples of predictive analytics classification models.
Examples of Predictive Analysis
Predicting Cash Flow
Leaders must plan future finances, and there is always uncertainty involved. They can review periodic financial statements and other types of data to assess past sales, profits, and expenses. Doing so will guide them to make smart financial decisions.
Supply and Demand
Companies can look at past market activity to determine future trends. They can review records to see which products and services are in demand, and when customers tend to order more. They can use this information to order accordingly, hire and schedule staff members, and drive profitability.
Hiring Staff Members
Predictive analysis does more than determine when you need to hire workers to meet demand. It can also provide insight into factors that drive turnover, and help you find the right talent for your company.
Fraud Detection
Your analytics can look for irregular trends and patterns that may indicate fraud. Activities and accounts can be further investigated to determine whether transactions are fraudulent. Early detection can prevent issues from snowballing.
Marketing
Marketing teams can use predictive analytics to determine how shifts in the market affect buying activities. They can also learn how contacts have historically reacted to different marketing strategies. They can use these insights to build campaigns that convert.
Credit Scoring
Companies that provide loans can rely on predictive analysis to help them determine client risk. They can look at the applicant’s credit history to determine how likely the client will be to repay the loan. They can use the data to determine loan amounts, credit rates, and other terms.
Preventing Technology Malfunctions
Predictive analytics can be used to determine when a technological malfunction will occur. It can create algorithms based on historical data to determine malfunction criteria. When the criteria are detected, the algorithm can alert the employee so they can prevent minor issues from developing into larger issues.
The system can even recommend ways to improve the machine’s efficiency to save time and money.
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Additional Resources
Balancing Short-Term Gains with Long-Term Sustainability
The CEO’s Playbook for Data-Driven Sales Analysis: Strategies for Success
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