# Designing an Analytical Study Course Canonical URL: ## Overview Participants in this interactive course apply a proven, systematic method to plan and design an analytical study. Classroom exercises and deliverables include developing research questions, designing data collection instruments, scheduling key milestones, and more. ## What you'll learn - Develop a plan to conduct an analytical study. - Describe the major steps in an analytical study. - Evaluate methods to collect and analyze data. - Develop data collection instruments. - Identify project milestones for an analytical study. ## Prerequisites Students should have prior experience in federal program management or analysis, familiarity with project or program performance monitoring, and a basic understanding of compliance requirements. ## Curriculum #### Module 1: The Role of a Management Analyst - Define the responsibilities and functions of a management analyst. - Understand how analytical studies support decision-making and organizational improvement. - Recognize the skills and competencies required for effective analysis. #### Module 2: Steps in an Analytical Study - Identify the phases of conducting an analytical study from planning to reporting. - Understand the iterative nature of analysis and the need for flexibility. - Link each study step to its role in producing reliable and actionable results. #### Module 3: Understanding the Management Situation and Concern (Step 1) - Clarify the context and background of the issue to be studied. - Identify stakeholders and their perspectives on the concern. - Establish the scope and objectives of the analysis. #### Module 4: Identifying Research Questions (Step 2) - Formulate clear and focused research questions to guide the study. - Ensure research questions are aligned with organizational priorities and needs. - Differentiate between primary and secondary research questions. #### Module 5: Identifying Data Sources for the Research Questions (Step 2) - Identify available data sources relevant to each research question. - Evaluate data sources for reliability, validity, and accessibility. - Determine if additional data collection will be necessary. #### Module 6: Developing a Project Plan (Step 3) - Outline the activities, timeline, and resources needed for the study. - Assign responsibilities and create a clear workflow. - Incorporate risk management and contingency planning into the project plan. #### Module 7: The NIDA Case Study and Project Plan (Steps 1, 2, 3) - Apply initial analytical study steps to a real-world case example. - Develop a project plan based on identified concerns, questions, and data sources. - Demonstrate integration of planning steps in a cohesive framework. #### Module 8: Planning to Use Available Databases and Archived Documents (Step 4) - Identify and assess existing databases and documents for relevant data. - Plan methods for extracting and organizing data from secondary sources. - Address issues of data completeness and accuracy in existing records. #### Module 9: Planning to Use Workplace Observation (Step 4) - Design an observation plan tailored to the research questions. - Determine observation criteria and recording methods. - Minimize bias and disruption during the observation process. #### Module 10: Planning to Interview (Step 4) - Develop interview protocols and question guides. - Select and recruit participants for interviews. - Ensure ethical considerations and data confidentiality. #### Module 11: Planning a Questionnaire Survey (Step 4) - Design effective survey questions to elicit relevant data. - Plan sampling strategies and distribution methods. - Address potential response bias and increase participation rates. ## Schedule - Jul 23, 2026 – Jul 24, 2026 — Live Online - Aug 19, 2026 – Aug 20, 2026 — Live Online - Dec 3, 2026 – Dec 4, 2026 — Live Online ## Instructors ### Bruce Gay — Instructor Bruce is an engaging trainers and program manager who brings 25+ years practical experience to deliver effective and experiential training to students. Able to engage adult learners with a range of backgrounds and professional experiences. Successful at building effective stakeholder relationships and coordinating multi-disciplinary teams for solution delivery. Bruce has over 25 years of project and program management experience across multiple industries. He has a Masters degree from The George Washington University and a B.A. from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Bruce currently runs his own freelance training and consulting business, helping project managers and team leaders improve their business skills, become better leaders, and achieve professional greatness. Bruce is a well-received speaker in the areas of design thinking, project management, cross-team collaboration, and AI tools for projects, and has presented at regional and international conferences. ### Steve Pesklo — Instructor Steve is an energetic trainer who focuses on applying technical concepts to everyday work practices. He is the founder and president of SoftLake Solutions, a company that specializes in providing data and AI applications to identify fraud for Internal Audit, Criminal Investigations, Forensic Accounting, Privacy, and Compliance. Steve brings a large amount of experience across multiple industries and government agencies. He is an expert in implementing large data analysis projects across the world, including Inland Revenue in the UK and Argentina, New Zealand, Africa and across Europe. Previously, he was the manager of Data Architecture and Data Services for a large mortgage company. He is a frequent speaker on data analytics and project management topics and speaks fluent German. He has been teaching at the Graduate School for over 10 years. Steve has an M.B.A. from the University of St. Thomas and a B.S. in Computer Science from California Lutheran University and the Universität Salzburg in Austria. He is certified as a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Project Management Professional (PMP), and a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM). ### Joe Mlakar — Instructor Joe has over 27 years of Federal Government and military service and has been a part-time instructor with Graduate School USA since 2023. He enjoys using his technical knowledge in Operations Research to teach his students to provide organization and structure to complex processes, and apply advanced analytical techniques to help leaders make better decisions. Joe is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. ## Pricing **Tuition:** $1249