Which sequence correctly lists the four levels of data analysis from descriptive to predictive?

• A. 1 - Analysis, 2 - Reporting, 3 - Monitoring, 4 - Prediction
• B. 1 - Reporting, 2 - Analysis, 3 - Monitoring, 4 - Prediction
• C. 1 - Monitoring, 2 - Prediction, 3 - Reporting, 4 - Analysis
• D. 1 - Prediction, 2 - Monitoring, 3 - Analysis, 4 - Reporting

Answer: (B)

Descriptive to predictive analytics follows a natural progression from describing what happened to forecasting what will happen. Start with reporting to present the data in a descriptive way—the counts, totals, and basic trends. Then move to analysis to uncover the relationships and drivers behind those patterns. After that, ongoing monitoring keeps track of performance over time, so you can spot changes and maintain context. Finally, prediction uses all that understanding to forecast future outcomes and guide decisions.

The sequence that begins with reporting, continues with analysis, then monitoring, and ends with prediction matches this flow from describing past data to forecasting future results, making it the best fit. Sequences that place prediction earlier or reorder the descriptive stage break this logical progression and don’t align with moving from describing to forecasting.