In the area of job satisfaction, for instance, causal analysis may look at the relationship between satisfaction and all other variables in the study. At times it is instructive to perform exploratory research on all potential relationships, thus discovering anew any potential patterns in the data. Models are instructive in isolating the strongest relationships in a system, as opposed to two variables, while accounting for the properties of the system. Modeling is especially valuable in the instances where analysis aids strategic planning and resource allocation, or where a process may be optimized. Reporting Reporting of results is tied to analysis, the uses to which the report will be placed, and the sophistication level of the readers.
Reports serve as long term communication of results.
Irrespective of the reporting method used, there should exist copies of all data, models, and results referred to in reports. In-depth reports can cover all forms of relevant analysis performed on the data. In-depth reports are nearly a necessity for planners and management. Most frequently executive summaries are used to broadcast results of a study to all individuals in an organization or to those individuals, such customers or sponsors, involved with the mission of an organization. Good analysis should drive the actions of management teams.