Data Analytics, Forecasting and Modeling

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Descriptive

Focused on visualizing and creating pictures of events that have already occurred or are occurring in real-time.

Diagnostic

Focused on past performance to determine what happened and why. The result of the analysis is often an analytic dashboard.
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Predictive

An analysis of likely scenarios of what might happen. The deliverable is generally a predictive forecast.  (Regression models are examples).

Prescriptive

Reveals what actions should be taken. This is the most valuable kind of analysis and usually results in rules and recommendations for next steps.  (Design of Experiments are examples).