#104 - A Guide for Analysts to Harnessing the Power of Concept Maps for Systems Thinking

#104 - A Guide for Analysts to Harnessing the Power of Concept Maps for Systems Thinking

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Words of Gratitude        
Editor's Note by Lisema Matsietsi

Often, we struggle to fully grasp complex systems. Concept maps provide analysts with a potent tool to deconstruct these systems and highlight the connections between essential elements. By offering a visual representation of component interactions, concept maps enable deeper understanding and a more organized approach to tackling problems. Unlike mind maps, concept maps excel at depicting non-linear and dynamic relationships, crucial for systems thinking. This visual clarity aids teams in working together more efficiently, pinpointing pivotal points in projects, and enhancing decision-making. In the interconnected realm of modern business, a tool like a concept map that distills complexity is invaluable for maintaining a competitive edge. I trust you will find this edition beneficial. Let's reconvene this coming Thursday.


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A Guide for Analysts to Harnessing the Power of Concept Maps for Systems Thinking

As analysts, we frequently work with intricate systems that necessitate a thorough comprehension of how various components are linked and interact. Concept maps serve as a potent tool for simplifying this complexity by visually depicting the relationships between concepts. While many are familiar with mind maps for brainstorming, concept maps provide a more in-depth understanding, particularly when used in conjunction with systems thinking.

What are Concept Maps?

A concept map is a visual representation of the relationships between different concepts. It is structured in a way that shows how ideas link together and organise knowledge by placing key concepts in boxes or circles and connecting them with labelled lines (arrows) that define the relationship. In contrast to mind maps, which focus on free-flowing ideas from a central theme, concept maps emphasise how different parts of a system relate logically, helping analysts understand the bigger picture... Read More

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References:

[1] https://medium.com/disruptive-design/tools-for-systems-thinkers-the-6-fundamental-concepts-of-systems-thinking-379cdac3dc6a

[2] https://youtu.be/8XGQGhli0I0


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In this section of our Newsletter, we aim to highlight the work that all our Being An Analyst members are doing to better the community at large. If you would like to be featured here, kindly send us an email: info@beingananalyst.co.za

2024 Cohort 3 Analyst Mentorship Programme

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Dear, Senior Managers/Executives in this community.

I am reaching out to extend a unique opportunity to collaborate in developing your team’s analytical capabilities through our exclusive Analyst Mentoring Programme. This programme is designed to transform your employees into expert/senior analysts, equipped with the skills to drive impactful results within your organisation. Here is a link for them to apply for this cohort: https://forms.gle/uGyUJ73LGGUfsXDc6

Thank you for considering this invitation. I am confident that this programme will deliver significant value to your organisation by enhancing your team's analytical capabilities. I look forward to continuing to work together to develop your next generation of expert analysts.


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Empowering African SMMEs through SQL: The Analyst’s Role in Website Digitalisation

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We have learned from various subject matter experts about the potential of Industry 4.0 (4IR) in providing equal opportunities to African entrepreneurs. In the rapidly evolving landscape of digitalisation, African Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are expected to adopt technology to improve their operations and reach a broader audience. One crucial aspect of this digital transformation is creating websites that showcase their business and utilise databases to present relevant and real-time information. Structured Query Language (SQL) emerges as a critical tool in this process, enabling analysts to efficiently manage and retrieve data for website development... Read More

Unleashing the Power of System Dynamics for Enhanced Analysis

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In our businesses where technology has been dominant, we as analysts need to understand the intricate connections within systems to assist the executive committee (Exco) make well-informed decisions. Our main concern is avoiding confirmation biases and ensuring that we don’t solely seek data that supports the existing situation. Instead, we aim to develop models that enable us to approach problems with expertise. System Dynamics Models provide a sturdy framework for analysing and simulating these interactions, yielding valuable insights that can drive better outcomes. This article explores the history of System Dynamics, its strengths and limitations, and how analysts can utilise these models to aid executives in strategic decision-making... Read More

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Are You Battling with Excel Tables?

In this course, analytics author, trainer, and Excel MVP George Mount highlights the role of Copilot in automating Excel tasks and the potential of AI-driven data manipulation and analysis. Learn how to prepare your data to be compatible with Copilot and how to set up and reformat tables using Copilot. Find out how to use Copilot to speed up creating formulas and functions, conduct basic data profiling and exploration, and sort and filter data. Go over conditional formatting, advanced data analysis and insights, and AI-powered data visualisation. Build your understanding of Excel's evolving AI landscape and embrace continuous learning for AI technologies!

Power BI for Beginners

BI tools are special programs that allow you to connect different data sources and create interactive reports and dashboards. These tools are designed to collect, process, analyze, and present data for decision-making purposes.

Module topic: Introduction and Visualisation with Power BI

Task: Mastering the basics of Power BI, including data loading, transformation, visualisation, and reporting. You will use Power BI Desktop software in this course.


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Senior Director, Data & Analytics

This role is responsible for leading and implementing data & analytical solutions across the operating unit to drive growth objectives. The role will lead the co-development & execution of the data and analytics product roadmap with senior operating unit leaders.


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Ten AI Tools for Data Analysis – Are Any Based in Africa?

In this episode we dive into the top 10 AI tools for data analysis in 2024 and explore the burning question: Are any of these innovations based in Africa?

We'll start with a comprehensive overview of the leading AI tools that are revolutionizing data analysis:

  1. Microsoft Excel - A timeless tool now supercharged with Python and Copilot integration, making it ideal for both beginners and experts.
  2. Tableau - A premier data visualization platform enhanced with Tableau GPT and Tableau Pulse for streamlined tasks and personalized insights.
  3. Polymer - A robust tool for connecting multiple data sources and building dashboards without requiring data science skills.
  4. Power BI - Microsoft's powerful BI tool offering cloud-based services for interactive dashboards and reports.

  1. KNIME AI - Known as K-AI, this open-source software provides low-code/no-code solutions for accessible data analysis.
  2. Julius AI - A platform offering unique data interpretation solutions with quick analysis and visualization capabilities.
  3. Akkio - An AI data platform tailored for agencies, specializing in data flow automation and predictive analytics.
  4. MonkeyLearn - A no-code text analytics tool that excels in extracting insights from various textual data sources.
  5. Sisense - An AI/ML-enhanced platform driving rapid decision-making and product innovation.
  6. Microsoft Azure - A comprehensive cloud platform for developing AI applications with flexible pricing options.

After detailing these tools, we’ll shift our focus to a crucial discussion about the absence of African-based AI innovations in this list. Dr. Mark Nasila's new book, "African Artificial Intelligence," provides an insightful perspective on this issue. Drawing from his extensive experience at First National Bank, Dr. Nasila emphasises the necessity for Africa to develop AI solutions tailored to its unique challenges. His book highlights the importance of understanding, strategy, and ethics in implementing AI and calls for a collective effort to build an AI-driven future for Africa.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the latest AI tools in data analysis and join the conversation on why Africa must carve its path in the AI revolution. Don’t miss out on the insights and the chance to test your knowledge with our quiz!


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Will AI ever replace senior executives? Here is what happens with AI in C-Suite

By 2030, the best CIO might be a CIB: a chief intelligence bot. And the human CEO might be bolstered by a swarm of CEO bots, able to harness a vast diversity of perspectives. Can you imagine? In this episode, BCG’s Mickey McManus envisions a future where top leaders share the corner office with AI—blending the logical with human intuition. Mickey, a BCG senior advisor and a pioneer in human-centred design, considers how a company like this would function. Hint: he recommends an approach much like jazz improvisation.  


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Do you know about financial reporting and analysis?

The discussion in this episode is enlightening as it is about financial reporting and analysis. The guest discussed the importance and the benefit of financial reporting and analysis for business owners, and what could be gained from well-prepared set of financial statements.


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Have You Been Tested on Graphs Before? Here is a Tip For Your Next Interview

Charts and graphs are common in case interviews. But if you don't know what you're doing, you can do more harm than good. In this episode, Jenny Rae walks through the 4 key mistakes many candidates make when interpreting and analyzing case charts, plus, best practices to put into practice today.


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Automated Design and Agentic Systems

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Do You Trust Your Organisation To Handle Your Data Ethically?

In this enlightening episode, we delve into the critical issue of data privacy, with 86% of U.S. consumers increasingly worried and 40% distrusting companies to ethically manage their data. We engage in conversation with the Vice President of Engineering at MetaRouter, an innovative platform that helps enterprises take back control of their customer data. We discuss how MetaRouter enables businesses to handle data in a first-party context, guaranteeing ethical and compliant management amidst the intricacies of privacy laws.


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Business Process Modelling Tips for Success

Process modelling tips for Business Analysts to help you build process maps like a pro (hopefully). Process mapping is a core business analyst skill and these tips are from the many mistakes I made in my Business Analyst career. Whether you model using UML or BPMN, this is for you.


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How Can I Help Grow This Community?

We have been asked this question frequently by most patrons who see the work that we do and appreciate the time and effort invested so that you can be inspired to be an excellent expert analyst. There are many ways to help us grow into an effective organisation that develops expert analysts:

  1. Encouraging co-workers and friends to subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter to learn more about being an effective analyst.
  2. Buying a 'Being An Analyst' book which is an essential guide to becoming not just an analyst, but a catalyst for success and a driver of organisational change from Amazon, Takealot, or books.beingananalyst.co.za
  3. Train your team or engage your audience with analysis concepts and elevate their knowledge, decision-making and productivity. Reach out using info@beingananalyst.co.za for training and here for speaking.
  4. Grow your business with short-term, medium-term, and long-term analytics-based planning, monthly reporting, and big-picture data models so you’re always future-ready.
  5. Sponsor a future issue of the ‘Weekly Analyst’ newsletter

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