- (Topic 1)
An analytics system is being developed by relying entirely on research questions that are framed using the results from benchmarking. Which research question is being asked?

1. A. Which customers provide the greatest profit to the company?
2. B. How efficient is the company compared to its competitors?
3. C. Will more profit be made if we increase or decrease our sales price?
4. D. Which employees are we in danger of losing?

Correct Answer: B
Benchmarking is a method of comparing the performance of a business with others in the same industry or with industry standards12. It helps to identify areas of improvement and best practices for superior performance34. A research question that is framed using the results from benchmarking would focus on how the company compares to its competitors or to the industry average on a specific metric or process. For example, how efficient is the company compared to its competitors? This question would require the company to measure its efficiency using a relevant indicator, such as cost per unit, time per task, or output per employee, and compare it to the same indicator for its competitors. This would help the company to identify its strengths and weaknesses, and to find ways to improve its efficiency and gain a competitive advantage

- (Topic 1)
The analytics team is struggling with which recommendation to make. Their challenge is that they have five good options and this indecision is stopping them from moving forward. To help the team finalize their recommendation, the BA professional on the team recommends they complete:

1. A. Root cause analysis
2. B. Business rules analysis
3. C. Data flow diagrams
4. D. Acceptance and evaluation criteria

Correct Answer: D
Acceptance and evaluation criteria are the techniques that the BA professional on the team should recommend they complete, because they are the standards or measures that are used to evaluate the suitability and value of each option. Acceptance and evaluation criteria can help the team compare the benefits, costs, risks, and impacts of each option, and determine which one best meets the needs and expectations of the stakeholders. Acceptance and evaluation criteria can also help the team communicate the rationale and evidence behind their recommendation, and ensure that the recommendation is aligned with the business goals and objectives. References:
•Business Analysis Certification in Data Analytics, CBDA | IIBA®, CBDA Competencies, Domain 5: Use Results to Influence Business Decision Making
•Understanding the Guide to Business Data Analytics, page 9
•Acceptance and Evaluation Criteria | Business Analysis

- (Topic 2)
A merger has been completed between two telecommunication companies and the analytic practices from both organizations are being joined. The newly formed analytics department will create a task force of data experts to combine the data from both companies into a structure usable for future analytics initiatives. Which of the following activities would provide a high level understanding about any potential data issues that might be encountered when merging sources?

1. A. Data conversion
2. B. Data cleansing
3. C. Data migration
4. D. Data profiling

Correct Answer: D
According to the Guide to Business Data Analytics, data profiling is a technique that analyzes the structure, content, and quality of data sources. Data profiling can help identify data issues such as missing values, outliers, inconsistencies, duplicates, and errors. Data profiling can also provide information about the data types, formats, ranges, distributions, and relationships of data elements. Data profiling can help prepare data for data conversion, data cleansing, and data migration by providing a high level understanding of the current state of data and the potential challenges and risks involved in transforming and integrating data from different sources.
References: Guide to Business Data Analytics, page 53; CBDA Exam Blueprint, page 7; Data Profiling vs Data Cleansing - Data Ladder

- (Topic 1)
A real estate broker is tracking monthly sales between two of its teams. The results have been visualized. What insights can be drawn from the chart?

1. A. Q2 was the strongest performing quarter with Team B having the top monthly sales in May
2. B. Q3 was the strongest performing quarter with Team A having the top monthly sales in the quarter
3. C. Q4 was the lowest performing quarter with November having the lowest monthly sales in the year
4. D. Q4 was the lowest performing quarter with Team A having the lowest monthly sales in the Quarter

Correct Answer: C
The chart visualizes monthly sales data for two teams over a year, divided into quarters. By analyzing the data, it is evident that November (part of Q4) had the lowest monthly sales in the year, making option C correct. There isn??t enough information to verify the performance of individual teams in each quarter as per Business Data Analytics (IIBA®- CBDA) objectives and resources. References:
•[Business Analysis Certification in Data Analytics, CBDA | IIBA®], CBDA Competencies, Domain 4: Interpret and Report Results
•[Understanding the Guide to Business Data Analytics], page 9
•[CERTIFICATION IN BUSINESS DATA ANALYTICS HANDBOOK - IIBA®], page 8,
CBDA Exam Sample Questions and Self-Assessment, Question 7

- (Topic 2)
A brainstorming session is conducted to identify the research questions to be explored within an analytics project. During the brainstorming activity which of the following should happen?

1. A. The number of questions generated should be limited to contain scope
2. B. Participants should make sure the questions are unique and realistic
3. C. Participants should add questions as they come to mind without restriction on time limit
4. D. Participants should avoid critiquing suggested questions raised by the group

Correct Answer: D
According to the Guide to Business Data Analytics, brainstorming is a technique used to generate a large number of ideas or questions in a short period of time1. The purpose of brainstorming is to encourage creativity and divergent thinking, not to evaluate or judge the ideas or questions. Therefore, participants should avoid critiquing suggested questions raised by the group, as this could inhibit the flow of ideas and discourage participation. The other options are not consistent with the principles of brainstorming, as they could limit the quantity or quality of the questions generated. References:1: Guide to Business Data Analytics, IIBA, 2020, p. 32.