Cambridge
Academy
In London

Introduction

Performance reports are most useful when they explain why results changed and what actions should follow. This practical program builds core skills in analyzing trends, investigating variances, identifying drivers, and communicating insights clearly using simple methods, basic charts, and structured investigation templates.

 

Course Objectives

• Identify trends, patterns, and anomalies in KPI results

• Perform variance analysis against plan, target, and prior periods

• Break down variances to find key drivers and root causes

• Validate findings using simple data checks and triangulation

• Present clear insights and recommended actions in reports

 

Target Audience

• Performance analysis and reporting specialists

• Corporate planning and KPI owners

• Analysts preparing monthly/quarterly performance packs

• PMO and initiatives teams tracking delivery performance

• Anyone responsible for explaining performance results

 

Course Outlines

Day 1: Trend Analysis Foundations

• Understanding trend types: up, down, flat, seasonal

• Choosing the right time period and comparison baselines

• Using simple charts: line, bar, waterfall (when to use)

• Spotting outliers and data anomalies

• Activity: Identify key trends from a KPI dataset

 

Day 2: Variance Analysis Basics

• Variance types: actual vs target, budget, forecast, last period

• Absolute vs percentage variances (simple rules)

• Building a variance table and commentary structure

• RAG status and thresholds (how they affect interpretation)

• Workshop: Create a one-page variance summary

 

Day 3: Driver Breakdown and Diagnostic Techniques

• Decomposition basics: volume, price, mix (simple examples)

• Segmenting results: region, product, channel, customer type

• Pareto (80/20) analysis to find biggest contributors

• Correlation vs causation (basic cautions)

• Activity: Perform a driver breakdown for one KPI

 

Day 4: Investigation and Root Cause Methods

• Investigation checklist: questions to ask and evidence to gather

• 5 Whys and simple fishbone categories

• Linking operational drivers to KPI movement

• Validating findings with data checks and stakeholder input

• Case study: Investigate a KPI drop and propose causes

 

Day 5: Reporting Insights and Action Recommendations

• Writing insight statements: “What happened / Why / So what / Now what”

• Turning findings into actions: owners, deadlines, success measures

• Using visuals to support the story (simple, clear)

• Preparing for performance review meetings (talk track + Q&A)

• Final project: Present a mini performance pack (trend + variance + drivers + actions)