ANALYTIC REPORT

This is a business analytics project aimed at generating innovative analytic solutions for an Australian firm (i.e. Agriculture firm)by selecting one of the three projects. The objective is to analyze the given datasets from relevantfirm's perspective in terms of implications, different phenomenon such as rainfall, solar exposure and sunspots may have for the chosen firm to achieve both operational and strategic objectives.

This activity will give students the opportunity to show innovation and creativity in applying Watson Analytics/SAPBusinessObject/Predictive Analytics/HANA and designing useful visualization solutions and predictive models for different types of analytics problems. Students are expected to use one of the following project to make recommendation for an Australian firm such as agriculture firms or the other (Please consult with your lecturer).

Your task is to select one onlyof the below projects, and complete the following tasks:

Task 1- Background information

Write a description of the selected dataset and project,and its importance forthe chosen firm. Information must be appropriately referenced.

Task 2 - Reporting / Dashboards
For your selected project, perform the relevant data analysis tasks listed under your selected project and identify the BI reporting solution and/or dashboards you need to develop for the operational manager of the indicated firm.

Task 3 - Research
Justify why these BI reporting solution/dashboards are chosen in Task 2(Reporting / Dashboards) and why those data sets attributes are present and laid out in the fashion you proposed (feel free to include all other relevant justifications).
Note: To ensure that you discuss this task properly, you must include visual samples of the reports you produce (i.e. the screenshots of the BI report/dashboard must be presented and explained in the written report; use ‘Snipping tool'), and also include any assumptions that you may have made about the analysis in your Task2 (i.e. the report to the operational team of the company).

Task4 - Recommendations for CEO

The CEO of the chosen firm would like to improve the operations. Based on your BI analysis and the insights gained from "Data Set" in the lights of analysis performed in previous tasks, make some logical recommendations to the CEO, and justify why/how your proposal could enhance company operations and could assist in achieving operational/strategic objectives with the help of appropriate references from peer-reviewed sources.

Task 5 - Cover letter
Write a cover letter to the CEO of the chosen firm with the important data insights and recommendation to achieve operational/strategic objectives

Other Tasks -
Please refer to marking scheme at the end of the assignment for other tasks and expectations.

Project 1
Modelling monthly sunspot numbers
Sunspots are the temporary phenomenon generated by strong magnetic fields emanating from the interior of the Sun. Sunspot activity cycles about every 11 years and can be visible as back flecks on the surface of the Sun. Peak solar activity is often marked by mass ejection of intense high-energy radiation from the sun's surface called solar flares. Solar flares are known to have several impacts on earth, including their impact on satellite communication and radio transmission. Predicting solar activity is therefore of paramount importance.

Relevant data analysis tasks are to:
1. Explore the monthly solar activity data
2. Determine different trends and patterns
3. Develop a model to predict solar activity up to 12 months in advance and its implications for the firm you have chosen.

Project 2
Modelling mean monthly solar exposure
There is a growing interest in improving the knowledge of the relationship between sustainable urban development and local climatic conditions. In particular, such knowledge can be very useful to urban planners and bio meteorologists for the design of sustainable buildings and green landscapes to minimize energy consumption, and potentially mitigate the Urban Heat Island intensity and effects. Solar radiation exposure is one of the main factors driving changes in various surface processes on earth, including local changes in the near-surface air temperature. Knowledge and understanding of the influence of solar radiation exposure on maximum temperature, for example, can be very useful for sustainable planning of an urban environment.

Relevant data analysis tasks are to:
1. Explore the monthly solar exposure for Ballarat Aerodrome (or any other Australian location of your interest);
2. Determine different trends and patterns

Project 3
Modelling mean monthly rainfall variability
Rainfall variability and trends is widely known to be impacted by climate change in various parts of Australia and globally. Such changes will have dire consequences in various socio-economic sectors such as agriculture firms. Please chose one of such examples and design analytical solutions.

In this project, your data analysis tasks are to:

1. Explore the monthly rainfall data for Ballarat (or any other Australian location of your interest); data available
2. Determine different trends and patterns
3. Develop a model to predict rainfall up to 12 months in advance