The Critical Importance of Analysis – Asrar Qureshi’s Blog Post #853

The Critical Importance of Analysis – Asrar Qureshi’s Blog Post #853

Dear Colleagues!  This is Asrar Qureshi’s Blog Post #853 for Pharma Veterans. Pharma Veterans aims to share knowledge and wisdom from Veterans for the benefit of Community at large. Pharma Veterans Blog is published by Asrar Qureshi on  WordPress, the top blog site. Please email to asrar@asrarqureshi.com for publishing your contributions here.

Credit: RDNE Stock project

Credit: Karolina Grabowska

Credit: Karolina Grabowska

Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored – Aldous Huxley (Writer)

Good and solid analysis and a formal way of looking at a problem are the core ingredients of good decisions – Colin Powell (Ex. Secretary of State, USA)

Analysis, an intellectual process involving discerning examination and systematic dissection of information, is pivotal in academic research, decision-making, problem-solving, and strategic planning. We shall explore the foundational significance of analysis, and its diverse applications across various domains. We shall build a case to show how analysis enlightens understanding, promotes informed decisions, and propels progress.

To add emphasis again, analysis is the cornerstone of informed decision-making, as it enables a deeper comprehension of complex phenomena. Its essence lies in meticulous examination, and breaking down intricate entities into simpler constituents for an in-depth understanding. Analysis is mandatory in all domains and spheres. 

Academic Research

Analysis does not create; it distinguishes. It identifies components and segregates them from each other and from the whole — Peter L. Berger (Sociologist)

Peter Berger is the father of theories of sociology and phenomenology. Berger and Luckmann sociology theory states that three principles underpin social construction: one, our beliefs about reality are created through social interactions; two, social institutions and persons are created through social interactions; three, our beliefs about reality which are constructed through social interaction, play an important role in the (re)construction of institutions and persons. 

Theory of phenomenology studies structures of conscious experience as experienced from the first-person point of view, along with relevant conditions of experience. The central structure of an experience is its intentionality, the way it is directed through its content or meaning toward a certain object in the world.

Analysis, as you can see above, is the bedrock of academic inquiry, aiding in the discovery of knowledge and advancement of disciplines. In academic research, analysis involves deconstructing theories, evaluating evidence, and discerning patterns. Through this analytical process, scholars can construct new theories or refine existing ones. The mind-boggling developments in every academic discipline are based on analyses of new data generated and recorded continuously. 

Decision-Making

Truly successful decision-making relies on a balance between deliberate and instinctive thinking — Malcolm Gladwell (Writer, Journalist)

In the realms of decision-making, analysis plays an irreplaceable role. It provides the necessary foundation for prudent choices and actions. Analytical thinking brings a structured approach to decision-making, guiding individuals, and organizations to weigh options, anticipate consequences, and choose the most optimal paths.

Decision making is the core job of all managers in any discipline of life, business, corporates, education, governance, and so on. Senior managers particularly spend most of their time in decision making, and their decisions have deep impact on the corporates. Decisions by the governments affect the course of a country, even putting at risk its very existence. Present day conflicts in several African countries and elsewhere are the consequences of decision making without objective analysis.

Problem-Solving

Solving a problem simply means representing it so as to make the solution transparent — Herbert A. Simon (Nobel Laureate – Economic Sciences)

Simon’s three-phase model for problem solving comprises of: the Intelligence Phase, wherein the decision maker looks for indications that a problem exists; the Design Phase wherein the alternatives are formulated and analyzed; finally, the Choice Phase wherein one of the alternatives is selected and implemented. 

Addressing challenges effectively necessitates analytical capability. Analysis transforms complex problems into manageable components, enabling the identification of solutions and fostering innovation.

Strategic Planning

Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat — Sun Tzu (Chinese General and Strategist – author of The Art of War)

What Sun Tzu said about war is equally applicable to the corporate world where there is intense fight with competitors. He said, “if you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

Strategic planning, crucial for organizational success, relies heavily on thorough analysis. Analysis is at the heart of strategy formulation, helping organizations anticipate market dynamics, competitors' moves, and emerging trends to devise effective strategies.

Data Interpretation

The numbers have no way of speaking for themselves. We speak for them — Nate Silver (American Statistician and Writer)

Nate famously forecasted the states that would elect and re-elect Barack Obama as President in 2008 and 2012 with stunning accuracy, based on analysis of numbers. 

In the era of big data, analysis is pivotal for deriving actionable insights from vast and complex datasets. Analysis enables interpretation, revealing patterns, trends, and correlations that are crucial for decision-makers to navigate the data landscape effectively.

Literature and Art

Genuine poetry can communicate before it is understood — T.S. Eliot (Poet, Essayist, Nobel Laureate)

Analysis is equally pertinent in the realm of arts and humanities. Analysis deepens the understanding of literary and artistic works, unraveling layers of meaning and enriching cultural discourse. All great works of art and literature are based on keen observations and their interpretation.

Sum Up

Analysis is not just an intellectual pursuit, it is mandatory for planning, strategizing, and making well-founded decisions. Its importance lies not just in the act of dissecting information, but in the insights and wisdom it unfailingly uncovers. Our management and governance shall never get better unless we develop expertise in focused, deep analysis. 

In the next post, I shall show how and why analysis is our biggest weakness and the harms it is causing. 

Concluded.

Disclaimer: Most pictures in these blogs are taken from Google Images and Pexels. Credit is given where known; some do not show copyright ownership. However, if a claim is lodged at any stage, we shall either mention the ownership clearly, or remove the picture with suitable regrets.