Criminal Justice Analysis - Managing Analysis, Part 1 and 2

• NCJ Number: 81172
• Author(s): Anonymous
• Date Published: Unknown
• Length: 0 pages
• Grant Number(s): 78-MU-AX-0030
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice
• Publication Format: Film
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS. 2 videotapes, total running time 75 minutes, color, 1 inch. Part of the Criminal Justice Analysis course held at Washburn University of Topeka.

Annotation

Part of the Criminal Justice Analysis course, this videotape presents the optional module on managing analysis which emphasizes management skills essential to planning and implementing moderate and large-scale analysis projects.

Abstract

Analysis as a process encompasses problem specification, data selection and collection, extraction of information from data, and the persuasive presentation of information. Analysts should be competent in data collection and interpretation, written and oral communication, interpersonal skills, and decisionmaking skills. An important aspect of analysis is development of a work plan for managing the analysis. Steps in developing the work plan include identification of tasks to be performed, identification of relationships among tasks, determination of the type and magnitude of resources required for each task, a determination of major milestones and target dates, and preparation of a time schedule for use of resources to perform tasks. Two methods for scheduling tasks are the Gantt Chart and the PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) technique. The Gantt Chart graphically represents project tasks in relation to each other and in relation to time. It can assist the analyst by formalizing time goals, disaggregating analytic tasks, and permitting a comparison to be made between the planned versus the actual progress of the analysis tasks. The PERT technique is particularly useful for large or complex analysis projects; it allows the planner to examine relationships of tasks to each other over time. In turn, this information permits a 'critical path' to be charted of the tasks which are expected to take the longest and which are crucial to completion of the task within a given period of time. Thus, planned analysis provides direction and focus, allows better use of resources, improves product quality, clarifies responsibilities, and can even be used as a selling tool. For the instructor's guide to this course, see NCJ 81170. For other videotaped sessions, see NCJ 81171, 81173-82, and 81186.