Empowering Professionals through Data Analytics: Highlights from SIRI’s Inaugural Data Mastery Training
Overview
The Sydani Institute for Research and Innovation (SIRI) recently concluded the maiden edition of its capacity building program on data analytics and data-driven decision-making, tagged Data Mastery Training (DMT) using SPSS with the Basic and Intermediate Cohort. Understanding the precarious state of data management and data utilisation and importance of the skill among professionals in sectors such as public health, education, agriculture, energy, oil and gas, etc., the program was designed to equip participants with the right data analytics skill-sets relevant to their fields of operations. In alignment with SIRI’s core mandate of fostering innovation and driving research initiatives, the program was targeted at empowering participants with the skills to harness data for strategic decision-making, drive innovation, and contribute to evidence-based outcomes.
The 5-days training which commenced on the 2nd of September and ended on the 6th of September 2024, brought together participants from different sectors. Among the training participants were academia, researchers, management consultants and public health professionals specialising in malaria, HIV and immunisation, from government agencies and private firms. The program was facilitated by seasoned statisticians with years of experiences in the industry and academics.
About the Data Mastery Training
The training, which took place at the Sydani Group headquarters building at the Central Business District, FCT, Abuja, focused on imparting data analytics and data-driven decision-making skills using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software, (SPSS). The training kicked off with a pre-test, aimed at assessing participants’ prior knowledge of statistics and data analytics using the SPSS software. On the first day of the training, participants were given a short introduction about Sydani Group and SIRI. Ground rules were set, while information on available resources, and support systems were equally provided to the participants.
Training Approach
The Data Mastery Training used the following approaches in achieving its goal:
- Interactive demonstrations
- Problem-based learning (i.e., Case Studies)
- Group Work/Projects
- Individual Assignments
The training commenced with a session on foundations of statistics and its applications to real-world situations. Afterwards, the participants were trained on questionnaire design and Sampling techniques. The session covered techniques for minimising bias, methods for enhancing response rates, and sampling methodologies. This section launched the participants to the next phase of the training on interacting with the SPSS interface, its windows and operations especially by conducting descriptive (Summary statistics, normality test, kolmogorov smirnov test, and graphical visualization), and inferential statistics (Independent t-test, Chi-square and Correlation Analysis). They were taught how to enter data on SPSS, define value and variables characteristics and formatting of data. Participants also learned the various types of data transformation techniques used to process data for analysis. These include data sorting, handling of missing data, finding and replacing data, etc. They were also taught how to work with various file types on the SPSS statistical tool.
As the training neared its conclusion, participants engaged in group activities, followed by post-training assessments. Participants were placed into groups, provided with a dataset, and allowed to demonstrate what they have learned, to measure their understanding and support those who might still be lagging. The combination of these dynamic teaching methods fostered active participation, real-time collaboration, and practical skill application, empowering participants to not only grasp complex data analytics concepts but also confidently apply them to real-world challenges.
By the time the training came to an end, the training objectives had been achieved, participants data analytics skills immensely improved and a fresh batch of data analysts had been bred ready to bring analytical perspectives to everyday challenges. Participants appreciated the opportunity to have been part of the 5-day training, expressing how much efficiency their newly acquired skills and knowledge would bring to their workflow. The program wrapped up with presentation of certificates to participants having met all requirements.
The SIRI Data Mastery Training Program is an ongoing initiative, with the next edition set to take place soon. Building on the foundation of the recent session, future editions will cover an expanded range of statistical topics and introduce participants to additional analytical tools such as Power BI, STATA, and R. The program not only focused on quantitative data training but also qualitative data using NVivo and ATLAS.ti, and Monitoring and Evaluation.
