36 Essential Data Analysis Models Across 6 Business Domains

A good data analyst not only masters analysis tools but also a wide range of methods and models, ensuring conclusions are logical, structured, and accurate.

The article introduces 36 analysis models across six dimensions.

1. Internet Operations

Heatmap Analysis

Records user mouse behavior and visualizes it to help optimize website layout.

Funnel Analysis

Visually presents user steps and conversion rates between steps.

AB Testing

Tests similar user groups at the same time to eliminate time‑season effects and isolate attribute influences.

RFM Model

Classifies customers by Recency, Frequency, and Monetary value.

Basket Analysis

Identifies product combinations frequently purchased together (e.g., beer and diapers).

Cohort Analysis

Groups users by the time of their first behavior to track how similar cohorts evolve.

2. Strategy & Organization

SWOT Analysis

Evaluates Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats to formulate strategic options (SO, WO, ST, WT).

PEST Analysis

Analyzes Political, Economic, Social, and Technological factors affecting the macro environment.

BSC (Balanced Scorecard)

Measures performance from Financial, Customer, Internal Process, and Learning & Growth perspectives.

BCG Matrix

Uses market growth rate and relative market share to classify business units (Stars, Cash Cows, Question Marks, Dogs).

GE Matrix

Assesses business units based on industry attractiveness and competitive strength, suggesting growth, selective, or exit strategies.

3. Quality & Production

TPM (Total Productive Maintenance)

Seeks zero accidents, defects, and breakdowns by involving all departments.

TQM (Total Quality Management)

Focuses on organization‑wide participation to satisfy customers and achieve long‑term success.

Six Sigma

Applies the DMAIC cycle (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) to reduce variation.

PDCA Cycle

Iterative loop of Plan, Do, Check, Act for continuous improvement.

AUDIT Method

Advanced quality‑control approach that evaluates product quality from the user’s perspective.

4. Marketing Services

STP Analysis

Segments market, targets specific groups, and positions offerings.

4Ps (or 7Ps) Marketing Mix

Product, Price, Promotion, Place; plus People, Process, Physical evidence for services.

SPIN Selling

Customer‑centered questioning (Situation, Problem, Implication, Need‑payoff) to boost conversion.

Ansoff Matrix

Four growth strategies: Market Penetration, Market Development, Product Development, Diversification.

Sales Grid Theory

Classifies salespeople’s attitudes toward customers and sales activities.

Huff Model

Predicts consumer attraction and resistance to shopping locations, determining market area size.

5. Financial Management

Z‑Score Model

Statistical method to assess bankruptcy risk based on multiple variables.

ABC Costing

Quantitative method that classifies items by economic and technical characteristics.

DuPont Analysis

Builds a comprehensive financial model linking key ratios to evaluate performance.

Ratio Analysis

Uses profitability, liquidity, leverage, and efficiency ratios to reveal financial health.

Zero‑Based Budgeting

Builds budgets from scratch, scrutinizing every cost for justification.

Net Present Value (NPV)

Evaluates investment projects by comparing discounted cash inflows and outflows.

6. Human Resources

360° Performance Review

Collects feedback from supervisors, peers, subordinates, customers, and the employee.

Gallup Q12 Survey

Measures employee engagement and work environment through 12 key questions.

Performance Prism Model

Three‑dimensional framework linking stakeholder satisfaction, contribution, strategy, processes, and capabilities.

Job Analysis Questionnaire

Statistical method to build competency models and compare positions for compensation.

Career Anchor

Identifies the core values or motivations that guide an individual’s career choices.