Research consulting firms offer consultancy services to companies by providing them with data analysis. This data can be used to make informed decisions that help in the growth of the business. Data-driven decision-making is crucial in today's world. However, it is not easy for companies to obtain the necessary software tools and hire skilled personnel to operate them. Establishing internal systems and measures for effective data analysis can be both expensive and time-consuming. By signing a contract with a research consulting firm, companies can save costs while gaining access to high-quality insights compiled by experts.

Methods of Data Analysis 

Consulting firms specializing in research use business intelligence software to gather and analyze valuable business data. This software combines various types of data analysis, such as data collection, extraction, formatting, and analysis, into one convenient platform. Additionally, it includes advanced data visualization tools that make it easy for readers to understand. Two main types of data analysis are used to help businesses make growth-oriented decisions: qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis.

• Qualitative analysis: Qualitative data is derived from observations rather than statistics. Research Consulting Firms methodologically group these observations and relate them to metrics. Qualitative data can include videos, interviews, and anecdotes. 
• Quantitative analysis: Quantitative analysis is drawn from numbers and statistics. Calculations such as mean, medium, and standard deviation analyze business growth.  

Numerous renowned companies across the globe utilize data-driven decision-making to scrutinize and enhance their performance. A case in point is Google, which conducted research to assess the significance of managers in a business. Google segregated the data obtained from performance evaluations and employee surveys into top and bottom quartiles. The company then employed business intelligence software to identify its most effective and least effective managers based on team productivity, employee happiness, and employee turnover. The findings indicated that proficient managers resulted in increased profits and happier employees, prompting Google to deduce that managers are a crucial component of their business.

To ensure successful management at Google, the company went beyond the basics and sought to uncover the specific qualities required. By gathering employee feedback, they pinpointed eight essential practices and three not-so-essential practices, which then informed their management training and twice-yearly feedback system. This is an example of how businesses can use data-driven decision making to improve performance.

Benefits of Data-Driven Decision Making

Continued Growth: Data-driven decision making is meant to provide sustained growth so that companies can meet their business goals. Consistently being able to make smart and informed decisions plays an important role in facilitating such a result. Further, key insights and statistics on the performance of various departments and operations help companies fix key pain points and strategize for the way ahead. In the case of Google, since good managers mean more profits, Google could make an informed decision and revise its management training to maximize profits. 

Can Uncover Business Opportunities: In-depth analysis of several key factors can help companies discover new business opportunities. Businesses can potentially expand growth, network activities, and develop innovative practices if they work closely with a data-driven statistics analysis of their core activities.  

Clearer Goals and Communication: Using data to drive decision making can help owners evaluate results and define goals better. Business owners can use this data to explain to employees the reasoning behind certain decisions. Therefore, rather than working towards an ambitious goal, data-driven decision making based on key performance indicators allows companies to develop synergy and clarity.

Allows For Adaptability: A valuable advantage of data-driven decision making is the adaptability it can offer businesses. In the modern age, several factors can impact a sector or industry. Data-driven decision making allows companies to spot trends and patterns early on. With this data, companies can prepare or adapt to the changing market, always staying competitive and relevant.

Proven To Generate Results: A study conducted at the MIT Center for Digital Businesses found that data-driven companies tend to experience 4% higher productivity and 6% higher profits. Such statistics indicate that attempting a data-driven approach is at the very least, a viable route for companies to consider. Treating knowledge as an asset can help companies develop a culture of using information to work to the best of their abilities. 

Conclusion

Companies can opt for a route of data-driven decision making to boost business growth. Because the tools and expertise of data-driven decision making can be expensive, companies can opt to hire industry experts in the form of research consulting firms. Research consulting firms utilize business intelligence software to generate in-depth statistics and data analysis utilized by businesses to make informed decisions. Companies that use data-driven regularly can boost growth, define clearer goals, improve communication, and uncover new business opportunities.