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Effective data analysis requires that data to be analysed has been adequately
classified and effectively validated (through edits and controls).
You obtain assurance about the quality of data e.g. by
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familiarizing yourself in data classification philosophy and reports made using the data
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testing controls used in validating the data
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examining the data itself (browsing the file, examining field statistics, etc.)
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| Picture 1 |
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You can examine data more effectively and efficiently using macros.
I made one to help me in learning contents of any character field in any IDEA file.
The macro provides me with following information
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how many fields do not contain information i.e. are blank i.e. contain 0 characters.
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in how many positions of the field there is information (characters).
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what characters does the information consist of and how many are they.
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On conclution of the run the macro displays the results. They are also saved in
in a txt file bearing name of the field analysed (see picture to the right).
I can open and edit the text file e.g. with notepad.
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Depending on the file size, field contents and processing capacities of a computer
the analysis can take from a couple of seconds to several (tens of) minutes!
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You can download demo version of FEMM.ISS (Fmm.ise) here.
Its functionality is limited up to first 500 records.
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