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Manipulating the Masses

At present we seem to be inundated with programs designed to encourage us to change our behaviour. Initiatives could be targeted at a change in lifestyle, smoking less, eating more vegetables, a change in attitudes, driving slower, reducing family violence or simply designed to encourage us to change our purchasing patterns. Getting people to change their behaviour is not easy and, with millions spent on intervention programs, the big question is whether the program was successful. The challenge comes in how to quantify the outcome, to measure the effects (if any) in order to justify the cost, and to determine how to do better next time. Data Analysis Australia has been involved in the evaluation of several intervention initiatives, including commuting behaviour, alternative electricity sources and reducing water usage. This article written by Dr John Henstridge outlines the key principles used by Data Analysis Australia when evaluating the outcome of behaviour change initiatives.

Census Data - Beyond the Figures

We are currently in the midst of the Australia Bureau of Statistics’ release schedule of the 2011 Census of Population and Housing data. Proper interpretation of this data requires not only understanding of the intended use of the information, but also a strong understanding of Census data itself. As Consultant Statisticians experienced in the use of Census and other demographic data, Data Analysis Australia bridge these two understandings, providing tailored information selection and advice to suit particular needs. Whilst some consideration is necessary to determine the most appropriate Census fields and information to present, these can then be produced over various regions in a systematic fashion, providing the right strategic information in a consistent, customised and quality assured format. A recent and illustrative example relates to a set of community profiles created to enable Horizon Power (Western Australia’s regional and remote electricity provider) to better understand their customers.

Data Analysis Australia - 25 years on

In 1988 while having an extended break living in Oxford, I made the decision to start the company that became Data Analysis Australia. The aim was to provide statistical and mathematical services in a commercially viable way. It was an exciting time - computers and software had developed to a stage where it was possible for a small company to provide genuinely useful analysis without being subsidised as part of a university or a government agency. Several commercial ventures had explored how it might be done, although with very mixed results. I started planning while still overseas.

When I returned to Perth in August the plans were set in motion, and traditionally we have set 1 September 1988 as our birthday. Initially it was just myself, working from a home office. Today Data Analysis Australia has over 20 staff and is the largest and the most experienced commercial statistical and mathematical consultancy in Australia. It is much more now than a one person operation, it is a wonderful team of dedicated and clever people, but it has remained true to the original vision.

During 2013 we will be celebrating this important anniversary.

Dr John Henstridge
Managing Director

Data Analysis Australia is the leading strategic information consultancy in Australia. Our exceptional skills in mathematics, statistics and data management provide a strong background for work that is often used for strategic decision making purposes. Our reputation has been built on our ability to provide workable solutions to difficult problems across all industries.

Applied
Statistical Analysis

Survey Design
and Analysis

Forecasting
and Demography

Business and
Risk Analysis

Spatial Analysis
and Mapping

Information Management and Data Mining

Mathematical
Modelling, Simulation and Optimisation

The strength of Data Analysis Australia lies in our flexible approach to integrating the above areas of expertise to provide cost effective and applicable solutions for clients.

Company News

Accolades

Congratulations to Dr John Henstridge who has recently taken up the mantle of President of the Statistical Society of Australia (Inc). John strongly believes in the promotion of statistics as a profession and looks forward to the opportunity to provide leadership in this area and encourage more students to study the mathematical sciences.

We also congratulate our Consulting Manager and Senior Consultant Statistician Anna Munday who has been awarded an Accredited Statistician (AStat) qualification with the Statistical Society of Australia (Inc). Anna, who has a BSc (1^st Class Honours in Mathematical Statistics) from UWA was able to demonstrate her vast relevant practical experience and professional competence from her career of 13 years, 11 of which have been at Data Analysis Australia. Her application was reviewed and approved by the SSAI’s six member accreditation committee.

RSPCA Cupcake Day

Always keen to get involved for a good cause, Data Analysis Australia recently supported RSPCA by participating in their Cupcake Day event in August 2013. So many staff put their baking hats on and contributed to the festivities that it soon stretched to several days, much to the delight of all! The picture below shows a selection of the homemade cakes brought in by staff, but some were just too tempting to wait for the photographer! Data Analysis Australia is a proud repeat supporter of this worthy cause.

Health and Wellness

Although staff at Data Analysis Australia are enthusiastic about their fundraising activities from baking wonderful cupcakes to wearing unusual clothing, we spent several months this year doing something for ourselves by participating in the Global Corporate Challenge (GCC).

Data Analysis Australia sponsored two teams of 7 staff to participate in the GCC, which is the world’s largest and most exciting workplace health and wellness program and is committed to supporting on-going research into chronic disease prevention. We thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of increased activity and healthier living during the 16 week program and look forward to continuing these habits into the future.

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Updated September 10, 2013