The correct join the analyst should complete is B. LEFT JOIN, four rows.

A LEFT JOIN is a type of SQL join that returns all the rows from the left table, and the matched rows from the right table. If there is no match, the right table will have null values. A LEFT JOIN is useful when we want to preserve the data from the left table, even if there is no corresponding data in the right table1

Using the example tables, a LEFT JOIN query would look like this:

SELECT t1.Name, t1.City, t2.Age FROM Table1 t1 LEFT JOIN Table2 t2 ON t1.Name = t2.Name;

The result of this query would be:

Name City Age Jane Smith Detroit NULL John Smith Dallas 34 Candace Johnson Atlanta 45 Kyle Jacobs Chicago 39

As you can see, the query returns four rows, one for each name in Table1. The name John Smith appears twice in Table2, but only one of them is matched with the name in Table1. The name Jane Smith does not appear in Table2, so the age column has a null value for that row.

This is because First Name is a variable name format that would be problematic if used in most of the data software programs, such as Excel, SQL, or Python. This is because First Name contains a space between two words, which could cause confusion or errors in the data software programs, as they might interpret the space as a separator or a delimiter between two different variables or values, rather than as part of a single variable name. For example, in SQL, a space is used to separate keywords, clauses, or expressions in a statement, such as SELECT, FROM, WHERE, etc. Therefore, using First Name as a variable name in SQL could result in a syntax error or an unexpected result. The other variable name formats would not be problematic if used in most of the data software programs. Here is why:

First_Name_ is a variable name format that uses an underscore (_) to separate two words, which is a common and acceptable practice in most of the data software programs, as it helps to improve the readability and clarity of the variable name. For example, in Python, an underscore is used to follow the PEP 8 style guide for naming variables, which recommends using lowercase letters and underscores for multi-word variable names.

FirstName is a variable name format that uses camel case to separate two words, which is another common and acceptable practice in most of the data software programs, as it helps to reduce the length and complexity of the variable name. For example, in Excel, camel case is used to follow the VBA naming conventions for naming variables, which recommends using mixed case letters for multi-word variable names.

First_Name is a variable name format that also uses an underscore (_) to separate two words, which is also a common and acceptable practice in most of the data software programs, as it helps to improve the readability and clarity of the variable name. For example, in SQL, an underscore is used to follow the ANSI SQL naming standards for naming variables, which recommends using lowercase letters and underscores for multi-word variable names.

An operational report is the most suitable type of report for information that needs to be sent out on a regular, scheduled basis, such as weekly. Operational reports are designed to provide ongoing insights into the performance of an organization’s operations and are typically automated to be distributed at set intervals. This automation can include scheduling the reports to be emailed to a specific list of recipients, making it an efficient solution for the analyst’s requirement.

Operational reports are often generated from data that is continuously updated, ensuring that the recipients receive the most current information at the time of the report’s distribution. This contrasts with ad hoc reports ©, which are usually created as needed and are not scheduled. Self-service reports (A) require users to generate the report themselves, which is not the requirement here. Research reports (B) are generally more detailed and are not typically used for regular operational updates.

References:

The guidelines on writing email reports suggest that for regular, scheduled information dissemination, structured reports like operational reports are preferred1.

Best practices in reporting also recommend automated and scheduled reports for consistent and timely updates, which operational reports provide2.

Filter on any of the responses that do not say “January” and update them to “January”. This is because filtering and updating are data cleansing techniques that can be used to ensure data consistency, which means that the data is uniform and follows a standard format. By filtering on any of the responses that do not say “January” and updating them to “January”, the analyst can make sure that all the responses for the month of January are written in the same way. The other steps are not appropriate for ensuring data consistency. Here is why:

Deleting any of the responses that do not have “January” written out would result in data loss, which means that some information would be missing from the data set. This could affect the accuracy and reliability of the analysis.

Replacing any of the responses that have “01” would not solve the problem of data inconsistency, because there would still be two different ways of writing the month of January: “Jan” and “January”. This could cause confusion and errors in the analysis.

Sorting any of the responses that say “Jan” and updating them to “01” would also not solve the problem of data inconsistency, because there would still be two different ways of writing the month of January: “01” and “January”. This could also cause confusion and errors in the analysis.

A CSV file is a type of flat file that stores data as plain text in a table-like structure with rows and columns. Each row represents a single record, while columns represent fields or attributes of the data. A CSV file uses commas or other delimiters to separate the values in each row. A CSV file can be easily imported or exported by various applications and programs12

A name is an example of personally identifiable information (PII), which is any data that can be used to identify someone, either on its own or with other relevant data. A name is a direct identifier, which means that it can uniquely identify a person without the need for any additional information. For example, a full name, such as John Smith, can be used to distinguish or trace an individual’s identity1.

Other examples of direct identifiers include:

Social Security Number

Passport number

Driver’s license number

Email address

Phone number

Explanation

Correct answer A. Sample.

Jenny does not have data for the entire population of all undergraduate sophomores. While a specific grade point average is an observation of variable, jenny needs sample data.

The purpose of an executive summary is to provide a concise and informative overview of a longer report, allowing busy stakeholders to quickly understand the key points and findings without reading the entire document. This summary should highlight the most important data, conclusions, and recommendations, and is typically placed at the beginning of the report for easy access12.

In the context of a detailed sales report for senior management, including a summary section with observations and insights would allow the team to quickly grasp the performance across various offices and identify any significant trends or issues that require attention. This approach aligns with best practices for executive reporting, which emphasize the importance of clear and concise summaries that focus on essential KPIs and actionable insights12.

References: 1: Databox - How to Write an Executive Summary for a Report: Step By Step Guide with Examples 2: LinkedIn - Best Practices for Writing Executive Summaries

It is structured in nature. This is because a relational database is a type of database that organizes data into tables, which consist of rows and columns. A relational database is structured in nature, which means that the data has a predefined schema or format, and follows certain rules and constraints, such as primary keys, foreign keys, or referential integrity. A relational database can be used to store, query, and manipulate data using a structured query language (SQL). The other characteristics are not true for a relational database. Here is why:

It utilizes key-value pairs. This is not true for a relational database, because key-value pairs are a way of storing data that associates each value with a unique key, such as an identifier or a name. Key-value pairs are typically used in non-relational databases, such as NoSQL databases, which do not have tables, rows, or columns, but rather store data in various formats, such as documents, graphs, or columns.

It has undefined fields. This is not true for a relational database, because fields are another name for columns in a table, which define the attributes or properties of each row or record in the table. Fields have defined names, types, and lengths in a relational database, which specify the format and size of the data that can be stored in each field.

It uses minimal memory. This is not true for a relational database, because memory is the amount of space or storage that is used by a database to store and process data. Memory usage depends on various factors, such as the size, complexity, and number of tables and queries in a relational database. A relational database can use a lot of memory if it has many tables with many rows and columns, or if it performs complex or frequent queries on the data.

ETL is a process that is used during data integration to collect, blend, and load data. ETL stands for extract, transform, and load, which are the three main steps involved in moving data from different sources to a common destination, such as a data warehouse or a data lake. ETL helps to consolidate and standardize data for analysis and reporting purposes. References: CompTIA Data+ Certification Exam Objectives, page 12

The mean is the average of all the values in a data set. To calculate the mean, we add up all the values and divide by the number of values. In this case, the mean for Q1 sales is ($2,000 + $3,000 + $4,000 + $2,500 + $3,500) / 5 = $3,082.72 References: CompTIA Data+ Certification Exam Objectives, page 9

This is because missing data is a type of data quality issue that occurs when data is absent or incomplete in a data set, which can affect the accuracy and reliability of the analysis or process. Missing data can be caused by various factors, such as human error, system error, or non-response. Missing data can be addressed by using various methods, such as replacing missing data, which means filling in or imputing the missing values with some reasonable estimates, such as mean, median, mode, or regression. The other methods are not used to address missing data. Here is why:

Remove duplicate data is a type of method that eliminates or reduces duplicate data, which is a type of data quality issue that occurs when data is repeated or copied in a data set. Removing duplicate data does not address missing data, but rather affects the quantity and validity of the data.

Replace redundant data is a type of method that eliminates or reduces redundant data, which is a type of data quality issue that occurs when data is unnecessary or irrelevant for the analysis or purpose. Replacing redundant data does not address missing data, but rather affects the efficiency and performance of the analysis or process.

Remove invalid data is a type of method that eliminates or reduces invalid data, which is a type of data quality issue that occurs when data is incorrect or inaccurate in a data set. Removing invalid data does not address missing data, but rather affects the validity and reliability of the analysis or process.

Explanation

Data merging is the process of combining two or more data sets into a single data set. Most often, this process is necessary when you have raw data stored in multiple files, worksheets, or data tables, that you want to analyze all in one go.

The correct answer is A. UNION ALL.

UNION ALL is a SQL statement that appends two tables that have the same number of columns and compatible data types. UNION ALL preserves all the rows from both tables, including any duplicates12

B. MERGE is not correct, because MERGE is a SQL statement that combines the data of two tables based on a common column. MERGE can perform insert, update, or delete operations on the target table depending on the matching or non-matching rows from the source table34

C. GROUP BY is not correct, because GROUP BY is a SQL clause that groups the rows of a table based on one or more columns. GROUP BY is often used with aggregate functions, such as SUM, AVG, COUNT, etc., to calculate summary statistics for each group56

D. JOIN is not correct, because JOIN is a SQL clause that combines the data of two tables based on a common column or condition. JOIN can produce different results depending on the type of join, such as INNER JOIN, LEFT JOIN, RIGHT JOIN, etc.

This is because a data dictionary is a type of document that defines and describes the data elements, attributes, and relationships in a database or a data set. A data dictionary can be used to facilitate the MDM (Master Data Management) process, which is a process that aims to ensure the quality, consistency, and accuracy of the data across different sources and systems. By creating a data dictionary first, the analyst can establish a common understanding and standardization of the data field names, types, formats, and meanings, as well as identify any potential issues or conflicts in the data, such as missing values, duplicate values, or inconsistent values. The other MDM processes can take place after creating a data dictionary. Here is why:

Compliance with regulations is a type of MDM process that ensures that the data meets the legal and ethical requirements and standards of the industry or the organization. Compliance with regulations can take place after creating a data dictionary, because the data dictionary can help the analyst to identify and apply the relevant rules and policies to the data, such as data privacy, security, or retention.

Standardization of data field names is a type of MDM process that ensures that the data field names are consistent and uniform across different sources and systems. Standardization of data field names can take place after creating a data dictionary, because the data dictionary can provide a reference and a guideline for naming and labeling the data fields, as well as resolving any discrepancies or ambiguities in the data field names.

Consolidation of multiple data fields is a type of MDM process that combines or merges the data fields from different sources or systems into a single source or system. Consolidation of multiple data fields can take place after creating a data dictionary because the data dictionary can help the analyst to map and match the data fields from different sources or systems based on their definitions and descriptions, as well as eliminating any redundant or duplicate data fields.

Answer: C. To confirm important details before dashboard development begins.

A dashboard mockup is a prototype of a finished dashboard directly in the product. It is a way to visualize the layout, design, and functionality of the dashboard before it is built with real data and code. A dashboard mockup can help the analyst to confirm important details with the user, such as the business objectives, the key performance indicators, the data sources, the filters, the charts, and the interactivity. By creating a dashboard mockup, the analyst can get immediate feedback and validation from the user, and avoid wasting time and resources on developing a dashboard that does not meet the user’s expectations or needs1.

Explanation

Correct answer C. Snowflake.

Since the dimension links to a dimension that isn't connected to the fact table, it must be a Snowflake, with a Star, all dimensions link directly to the fact table, Sun and Comet are not data warehouse design patterns.

Answer: C. Coding

Coding is a technique that is used to quantify data, especially qualitative data that are not expressed numerically. Coding involves assigning codes, such as numbers, letters, symbols, or colors, to different categories or themes that emerge from the data. For example, if you have a set of survey responses that ask about the satisfaction level of customers, you can code them as follows:

Very satisfied = 5

Satisfied = 4

Neutral = 3

Dissatisfied = 2

Very dissatisfied = 1

By coding the data, you can convert them into quantitative data that can be analyzed using statistical methods, such as calculating the mean, median, mode, frequency, or percentage of each category12.

Option A is incorrect, as decoding is not a technique that is used to quantify data, but rather a process of interpreting or translating data from one form to another. For example, decoding can involve converting binary codes into text or images, or decrypting ciphertext into plaintext3.

Option B is incorrect, as enumeration is not a technique that is used to quantify data, but rather a process of listing or naming data in a specific order. For example, enumeration can involve listing the names of the states in alphabetical order, or naming the planets in order of their distance from the sun4.

Option D is incorrect, as structure is not a technique that is used to quantify data, but rather a property or characteristic of data that describes how they are organized or arranged. For example, structure can refer to the format, type, or schema of data, such as structured, semi-structured, or unstructured data.

A pie chart is the best choice to show the composition between the categories of the survey response data set. A pie chart represents the whole with a circle, divided by slices into parts. Each slice shows the relative size of each category as a percentage of the total. A pie chart is useful when the categories are mutually exclusive and add up to 100%. The table shows the favorite color and the number of responses for each color, which can be easily converted into percentages. A pie chart can show how each color contributes to the total number of responses.

Option A is incorrect because a histogram is used to show how data points are distributed along a numerical scale. The survey response data set is not numerical, but categorical.

Option C is incorrect because a line chart is used to show trends or changes over time. The survey response data set does not have a time dimension.

Option D is incorrect because a scatter plot is used to show the relationship between two numerical variables. The survey response data set does not have two numerical variables.

Option E is incorrect because a waterfall chart is used to show how an initial value is increased or decreased by a series of intermediate values. The survey response data set does not have an initial value or intermediate values.

References:

How to Choose the Right Chart for Your Data - Infogram

How to Choose the Right Data Visualization | Tutorial by Chartio

Find the Best Visualizations for Your Metrics - The Data School

How to choose the best chart or graph for your data

 To create a quarterly sales report broken down by unit and week, the most necessary information is the item number, item name, salesperson, date sold, and price. These data elements can help the sales manager to track the sales volume, revenue, and performance of each unit and each week within a quarter. The item number and item name can identify the products or services sold by each unit. The salesperson can indicate the individual or team responsible for each sale. The date sold can show when each sale occurred and how it relates to the weekly and quarterly goals. The price can show how much revenue each sale generated and how it contributes to the unit and quarterly totals.

The next step after understanding a business requirement for a data analysis report is to determine the data necessary for the analysis. This step involves identifying the data sources, variables, metrics, and dimensions that are relevant and sufficient to answer the business question or problem. This step also involves assessing the availability, quality, and accessibility of the data, and planning how to collect, clean, and prepare the data for analysis. The other options are not the next steps after understanding a business requirement, but rather subsequent steps in the data analysis process. Rephrasing the business requirement is a step that can help clarify and refine the business question or problem before determining the data necessary for the analysis. Building a mock dashboard/presentation layout is a step that can help design and visualize the report before performing the data analysis. Performing exploratory data analysis is a step that can help explore and summarize the data before drawing conclusions and recommendations from the data. Reference: Data Analysis Process - DataCamp

The date on which the report was run. This is because the time period the report covers and the date on which the report was run are two components that need to be added to ensure the report is point-in-time and static, which means that the report shows the data as it was at a specific moment or interval in time, and does not change or update with new data. By adding the time period the report covers and the date on which the report was run, the analyst can indicate when and for how long the data was collected and analyzed, as well as avoid any confusion or ambiguity about the currency or validity of the data. The other components do not need to be added to ensure the report is point-in-time and static. Here is why:

A control group for the phrases is a type of group that serves as a baseline or a reference for comparison with another group that is exposed to some treatment or intervention, such as a target phrase in this case. A control group for the phrases does not need to be added to ensure the report is point-in-time and static, because it does not affect the time frame or the stability of the data. However, a control group for the phrases could be useful for evaluating the effectiveness or impact of the target phrases on customer satisfaction or retention.

A summary of the KPIs is a type of document that provides an overview or a highlight of the key performance indicators (KPIs), which are measurable values that indicate how well an organization or a process is achieving its goals or objectives. A summary of the KPIs does not need to be added to ensure the report is point-in-time and static, because it does not affect the time frame or the stability of the data. However, a summary of the KPIs could be useful for communicating or presenting the main findings or insights from the report.

Filter buttons for the status are a type of feature or function that allows users to select or deselect certain values or categories in a column or a table, such as ticket statuses in this case. Filter buttons for the status do not need to be added to ensure the report is point-in-time and static, because they do not affect the time frame or the stability of the data. However, filter buttons for the status could be useful for exploring or analyzing different aspects or segments of the data.

The mean height for the five dogs is 405mm. The mean, or average, is a measure of central tendency that represents the sum of all values divided by the number of values. To calculate the mean height for the five dogs, we can use the following formula:

Mean = (300 + 430 + 170 + 470 + 600) / 5 = 2020 / 5 = 404

We can round up the result to the nearest millimeter, which is 405mm. The other options are not correct, as they are either too high or too low than the actual mean. Reference: [Mean - Math is Fun]

A low standard deviation in survey responses indicates that the data points tend to be close to the mean, suggesting a high level of consistency among the responses. This consistency is crucial for determining the reliability of the data set and predicting future outcomes. If the standard deviation is low, it means that the positive feedback is not only high but also consistent, making it a reliable indicator of customer satisfaction and a good predictor of how a larger sample might respond.

References: The concept of using standard deviation to assess data reliability is a standard practice in statistics and data analysis123.

Explanation

The correct answer is A: SELECT CONCAT(address, ' , ' , regionname) AS full_address FROM melb LIMIT 5; String manipulation (or string handling) is the process of changing, parsing, splicing, pasting, or analyzing strings. SQL is used for managing data in a relational database. The CONCAT () function adds two or more strings together. Syntax CONCAT(stringl, string2,... string_n) Parameter Values Parameter Description stringl, string2, string_n Required. The strings to add together.

A dynamic report is a type of report that shows data that changes or updates automatically based on certain criteria or parameters. A dynamic report can allow users to interact with the data, filter it, drill down into it, or visualize it in different ways. A dynamic report is suitable for situations where the data changes frequently or where real-time or near-real-time data is needed for decision making or analysis. In this case, the data analyst is asked to create a sales report for the second-quarter 2020 board meeting, which will include a review of the business’s performance through the second quarter. The board meeting will be held on July 15, 2020, after the numbers are finalized. This means that the data analyst does not need to show real-time or dynamic data, but rather a fixed and accurate view of the sales data for the second quarter. Therefore, a static report would be the best way to meet this stakeholder requirement. Therefore, the correct answer is A. References: [What are Dynamic Reports? | Sisense], Static vs Dynamic Reports - What’s The Difference? | datapine

 A password-protected dashboard is a type of web-based application that can display the health scorecards of the troops in a secure and interactive way. A password-protected dashboard can provide the following benefits for the commander:

It can protect the PHI data from unauthorized access or disclosure by requiring a valid username and password to log in. This can ensure that only the commander and other authorized personnel can view the information12

It can allow the commander to filter the data based on gender and rank by using drop-down menus, sliders, checkboxes, or other controls. This can enable the commander to customize the view and focus on the relevant data13

It can update the data daily by connecting to a data source that refreshes automatically or on demand. This can ensure that the commander always sees the latest and most accurate information14

It can present the data in a visual and intuitive way by using charts, graphs, tables, or other elements. This can help the commander to understand and analyze the data more easily and effectively1

Two reasons to conduct data cleansing are:

To improve accuracy: Data cleansing helps to ensure that the data is correct, consistent, and reliable. This can improve the quality and validity of the analysis, as well as the decision-making and outcomes based on the data12

To calculate trends: Data cleansing helps to remove or resolve any errors, outliers, or missing values that could distort or skew the data. This can help to identify and measure the patterns, changes, or relationships in the data over time13

Explanation

Correct answer B. When data is at rest or in transit.

To provide maximum protection, encrypt data both in transit and at rest.

The HTML commands that would help the developer to complete the task successfully are

Upload Your Short Videos

tag defines a heading level 1, which is the largest and most important heading on a webpage. The tag defines a clickable button that can perform some action when clicked. The other options are not suitable for the task, as they either use the wrong tags or do not create a clickable button. The tag defines a section of text with no specific meaning or formatting. The

tag defines a paragraph of text. The tag does not exist in HTML. Reference: HTML Tags - W3Schools

This is because duplicate data refers to data that is repeated or copied in a data set, which can affect the quality and validity of the analysis. A DISTINCT function is a type of function that removes duplicate values from a column or a table, leaving only unique values. For example, a DISTINCT function in SQL that can achieve this is:

The other data cleansing issues will not be fixed by applying a DISTINCT function. Here is why:

Missing data refers to data that is absent or incomplete in a data set, which can affect the accuracy and reliability of the analysis. A DISTINCT function does not help with missing data, because it does not fill in or impute the missing values.

Redundant data refers to data that is unnecessary or irrelevant for the analysis, which can affect the efficiency and performance of the analysis. A DISTINCT function does not help with redundant data, because it does not remove or filter out the redundant values.

Invalid data refers to data that is incorrect or inaccurate in a data set, which can affect the validity and reliability of the analysis. A DISTINCT function does not help with invalid data, because it does not validate or correct the invalid values.

Explanation

The correct answer is: 60

Range is the interval between the highest and the lowest score.

Range is a measure of variability or scatteredness of the varieties or observations among themselves and does not give an idea about the spread of the observations around some central value.

Symbolically R = Hs - Ls.

Where R = Range; Hs is the 'Highest score' and Ls is the Lowest Score.

The scores of ten students in a test are: 17, 23, 30, 36, 45, 51, 58, 66, 72, 77.

The highest score is 77 and the lowest score is 17.

So the range is the difference between these two scores Range = 77 - 17 = 60

This is because data encryption is a type of control measure that prevents a data breach, which is an unauthorized or illegal access or use of data by an external or internal party. Data encryption can prevent a data breach by protecting and securing the data using a code or a key that scrambles or transforms the data into an unreadable or incomprehensible format, which can only be decoded or restored by authorized users who have the correct code or key. For example, data encryption can prevent a data breach by encrypting the data in transit or at rest, such as when the data is sent over a network or stored in a device. The other control measures are not used for preventing a data breach. Here is why:

Data transmission is a type of process that transfers and exchanges data between different sources or systems, such as databases, cloud services, or web applications. Data transmission does not prevent a data breach, but rather exposes the data to potential risks or threats during the transfer or exchange. However, data transmission can be made more secure and less vulnerable to a data breach by using encryption or other methods, such as authentication or authorization.

Data attribution is a type of feature or function that assigns and tracks the ownership and origin of the data, such as the creator, modifier, or source of the data. Data attribution does not prevent a data breach but rather provides information and evidence about the data provenance and history. However, data attribution can be useful for detecting and responding to a data breach by using audit logs or metadata to identify and trace any unauthorized or illegal access or use of the data.

Data retention is a type of policy or standard that specifies and regulates the storage and preservation of the data, such as the duration, location, or format of the data. Data retention does not prevent a data breach, but rather affects the availability and accessibility of the data for future use or reference. However, data retention can be optimized and aligned with the legal and ethical requirements and standards of the industry or the organization to reduce the risk or impact of a data breach.

Optimizing the dashboard is the process of improving its performance and reducing its loading time by applying various techniques and best practices. Some of the common ways to optimize a dashboard are:

Reducing the size and complexity of the data model, such as removing unnecessary columns, aggregating data at the source, or using data compression techniques12

Leveraging caching strategies, such as setting appropriate cache refresh intervals or utilizing Power BI’s built-in caching mechanisms, to minimize data retrieval delays2

Utilizing query folding, direct query, or live connection to enhance data processing efficiency and enable real-time data updates23

Optimizing DAX queries, such as avoiding nested calculations, using variables, or simplifying measures, to improve data calculation speed23

Reducing visualizations and calculations, such as using fewer or simpler charts, filters, or parameters, to speed up dashboard rendering12

Evaluating the impact of custom visuals on dashboard load time and avoiding or replacing those that are slow or inefficient2

Applying aggregation and summarization techniques, such as using extract filters, context filters, or level of detail expressions, to reduce the amount of data displayed on the dashboard1

Troubleshooting and resolving any issues that may cause slow dashboard load, such as network latency, server overload, or hardware limitations24

star schema is a type of database schema that consists of one fact table that is composed of multiple dimensions. A fact table contains quantitative measures or facts that are related to a specific event or transaction. A dimension table contains descriptive attributes or dimensions that provide context for the facts. A star schema is called so because it resembles a star, with the fact table at the center and the dimension tables radiating from it. A star schema is a type of dimensional schema, which is designed for data warehousing and analytical purposes. Other types of dimensional schemas include snowflake schema and galaxy schema. A snowflake schema is similar to a star schema, except that some or all of the dimension tables are normalized into multiple tables. A galaxy schema consists of multiple fact tables that share some common dimension tables. A transactional schema is a type of database schema that is designed for operational purposes, such as recording day-to-day transactions and activities. A transactional schema is usually normalized to reduce data redundancy and improve data integrity. A non-relational schema is a type of database schema that does not follow the relational model, which organizes data into tables with rows and columns. A non-relational schema can store data in various formats, such as documents, graphs, key-value pairs, etc.

The term that best describes the action of changing the names of categories that you used for different types of books is recoding. Recoding is a process of transforming or modifying the values of a variable or a category to make them more meaningful, consistent, or accurate. For example, you can recode the names of book genres from “Fiction”, “Non-Fiction”, “Biography”, etc. to “FIC”, “NF”, “BIO”, etc. to make them shorter and easier to use. Reference: Recoding Data - SPSS Tutorials - LibGuides at Kent State University

Exploratory data analysis (EDA) is a process of examining and summarizing a dataset using various techniques, such as descriptive statistics, visualizations, correlations, outliers detection, and hypothesis testing. EDA can help reveal the main characteristics, patterns, trends, and insights from the data, as well as identify any problems or issues with the data quality or structure. EDA is usually performed after understanding a business requirement for a data analysis report and before building a mock dashboard/presentation layout. Therefore, the correct answer is B. References: [What is Exploratory Data Analysis? | Definition and Examples], [Exploratory Data Analysis in Python]

This is because inconsistency is a type of data quality issue that occurs when the data does not follow a common format, structure, or rule across different sources or systems, which can affect the efficiency and performance of the analysis or process. Inconsistency can be caused by having different spellings, punctuations, capitalizations, or abbreviations for the same or similar values in a data set, such as “M”, “m”, “Male”, or “male” for gender in this case. Inconsistency can be eliminated or reduced by using data cleansing techniques, such as standardizing or normalizing the data values. The other options are not correct descriptions of the data set. Here is why:

Data bias is a type of data quality issue that occurs when the data is not representative or proportional of the population or the parameter, which can affect the validity and reliability of the analysis or process. Data bias can be caused by having a sample that is too small, too large, or too skewed for the population or the parameter, such as having only male customers for a product that targets both genders in this case. Data bias can be eliminated or reduced by using sampling techniques, such as stratified or cluster sampling.

The data is incomplete is a type of data quality issue that occurs when the data is absent or missing in a data set, which can affect the accuracy and reliability of the analysis or process. The data is incomplete can be caused by various factors, such as human error, system error, or non-response. The data is incomplete can be addressed by using various methods, such as replacing or imputing the missing values with some reasonable estimates, such as mean, median, mode, or regression.

The data is outliers is a type of data quality issue that occurs when the data has values that are unusually high or low compared to the rest of the data set, which can affect the quality and validity of the analysis or process. The data is outliers can be caused by various factors, such as measurement error, natural variation, or extreme events. The data is outliers can be addressed by using various methods, such as removing or filtering out the outliers, or using robust statistics that are less sensitive to outliers, such as median, interquartile range, or box plot.

Explanation

Power BI is a collection of software services, apps, and connectors that work together to turn your unrelated sources of data into coherent, visually immersive, and interactive insights. Your data may be an Excel spreadsheet or a collection of cloud-based and on-premises hybrid data warehouses.

Explanation

SPSS Modeler.

QuickSight, Tableau, and Power BI are all powerful analytics and reporting tools that can pull data from a variety of sources. SPSS Modeler is a powerful predictive analytics platform that is designed to bring predictive intelligence to decisions made by individuals, groups, systems and your enterprise.

The table provided shows an inconsistency in the ‘Gender’ column, which lists three distinct values: Male, Female, and College. This is inconsistent because ‘College’ is not a gender category. The ‘Gender’ column should only have two distinct values, typically ‘Male’ and ‘Female’, to accurately represent gender data. This error could be due to a data entry mistake or a misclassification during data collection.

In data analysis, it’s crucial to ensure that categorical variables like gender are consistent and correctly classified, as this can significantly impact the analysis results. Data cleaning processes often involve identifying and correcting such inconsistencies to maintain the integrity of the data set.

References:

Data quality management principles emphasize the importance of consistency in data values, especially for categorical variables like gender1.

Best practices in data cleaning include checking for and rectifying inconsistencies or misclassifications in data sets2.

The importance of accurate data classification is highlighted in data analysis literature, as it directly affects the validity of the analysis results3.

Sorting is the function that will allow the data analyst to organize the table in the desired manner. Sorting means arranging the data in a specific order, such as ascending or descending, based on one or more criteria. Sorting can be applied to any column in the table, such as sales or state. References: CompTIA Data+ Certification Exam Objectives, page 11

Discrete data is a type of data that can only take certain values, usually whole numbers or integers. Discrete data can be counted, but not measured. For example, the number of students in a class, the number of books in a library, or the number of phone calls that a call center receives in a day are all examples of discrete data. Discrete data is different from continuous data, which can take any value within a range, and can be measured with precision. For example, the height of a person, the weight of a fruit, or the temperature of a room are all examples of continuous data. Therefore, the correct answer is D. References: [Discrete vs Continuous Data: Definition and Examples - Statistics How To], [Discrete Data - Definition and Examples | Math Goodies]

Explanation

Correct answer: C. Data Warehouse.

Data warehouse bring together data from multiple systems used by an organization.

A data mart is too narrow, as Alex needs data from across multiple divisions.

OLAP is a broad term of analytical processing, and OLTP systems are transactional and not ideal for this task.

This is because a data lake is a type of storage system that stores unstructured data from different sources, such as text, images, audio, video, etc. A data lake can be used to store unstructured data from different sources by using a schema-on-read approach, which means that it does not impose any structure or format on the data when it is stored, but rather applies it when it is read or accessed. A data lake can also be used to store unstructured data from different sources by using a distributed file system, such as Hadoop, which means that it can store large volumes and varieties of data across multiple servers or nodes. The other storage systems are not used to store unstructured data from different sources. Here is why:

A database management system is a type of software application that manages and controls databases, which are collections of structured or semi-structured data that are organized into tables, rows, and columns. A database management system is not used to store unstructured data from different sources, but rather to store structured or semi-structured data from specific sources by using a schema-on-write approach, which means that it imposes a structure or format on the data when it is stored, and requires it to follow certain rules and constraints, such as primary keys, foreign keys, or referential integrity.

A database is a type of storage system that stores structured or semi-structured data that are organized into tables, rows, and columns. A database is not used to store unstructured data from different sources, but rather to store structured or semi-structured data from specific sources by using a relational model, which means that it establishes and maintains relationships between different tables based on common columns or keys. A database can also be used to store structured or semi-structured data from specific sources by using a query language, such as SQL, which means that it can access and manipulate the data using statements or commands.

A data warehouse is a type of storage system that stores structured or semi-structured data that are integrated and aggregated from different sources or systems, such as databases, cloud services, or web applications. A data warehouse is not used to store unstructured data from different sources, but rather to store structured or semi-structured data from various sources by using an ETL process, which means that it extracts, transforms, and loads the data into a common format, structure, or schema. A data warehouse can also be used to store structured or semi-structured data from various sources by using an OLAP model, which means that it supports online analytical processing of the data using multidimensional cubes or queries.

 A Type II error is a false negative conclusion, which means failing to reject a null hypothesis that is actually false. In the table, box 3 indicates that a Type II error has occurred, because it shows that the null hypothesis is accepted when it is false in reality. This means that the statistical test failed to detect a significant difference or relationship that actually exists. References: Type I & Type II Errors | Differences, Examples, Visualizations - Scribbr, Type I and type II errors - Wikipedia

Stratified sampling is a data sampling method that involves dividing a population into subgroups by similar characteristics, such as age, gender, income, etc. Then, a simple random sample is drawn from each subgroup. This method ensures that each subgroup is adequately represented in the sample and reduces the sampling error. References: CompTIA Data+ Certification Exam Objectives, page 11.

The standard deviation is a measure of the amount of variation or dispersion in a set of values. It is calculated as the square root of the variance. Given that the variance for the data set is 36 gallons, the standard deviation can be found by taking the square root of 36, which is 6. Therefore, the standard deviation for the number of gallons of oil produced each day is 6 gallons.

References:

The concept of standard deviation and its calculation is a fundamental aspect of statistics, which is well-documented in statistical textbooks and resources.

The calculation performed to arrive at the answer is based on the mathematical operation of taking the square root of the variance value.

Answer: B. Ordinary least squares

Ordinary least squares (OLS) is a type of linear regression that is used to fit a regression model that describes the relationship between one or more predictor variables and a numeric response variable. Use when: The relationship between the predictor variable(s) and the response variable is reasonably linear. The response variable is a continuous numeric variable1.

In this case, the data analyst is interested in understanding how ice cream consumption (the response variable) is affected by different attributes, such as cost, temperature, and income level (the predictor variables). Assuming that these variables have a linear relationship, OLS can be used to estimate the coefficients of the regression equation that best fits the data. OLS can also provide measures of goodness-of-fit, such as R-squared and adjusted R-squared, and test the significance of the coefficients using t-tests and F-tests2.

Option A is incorrect, as logistic regression is used to fit a regression model that describes the relationship between one or more predictor variables and a binary response variable. Use when: The response variable is binary – it can only take on two values1. Ice cream consumption is not a binary variable, but rather a continuous numeric variable.

Option C is incorrect, as Cox regression is used to fit a regression model that describes the relationship between one or more predictor variables and a survival time response variable. Use when: The response variable is the time until an event of interest occurs, such as death, failure, or recovery3. Ice cream consumption is not a survival time variable, but rather a continuous numeric variable.

Option D is incorrect, as polynomial regression is used to fit a regression model that describes the relationship between one or more predictor variables and a numeric response variable. Use when: The relationship between the predictor variable(s) and the response variable is non-linear1. If there is no evidence of non-linearity in the data, polynomial regression may not be appropriate, as it may overfit the data and produce unreliable estimates.

Machine data is the most likely type of data to be streamed live, as it refers to data generated by machines or devices, such as sensors, web servers, network devices, etc. Machine data is often produced continuously and in large volumes, requiring real-time processing and analysis. Other types of data, such as key-value pairs, delimited rows, and flat files, are more likely to be stored in databases or files and processed in batches.

Answer: A. Involves the use of descriptive statistics to understand observations.

Exploratory data analysis (EDA) is a method of analyzing and investigating data sets to summarize their main characteristics, often using statistical graphics and other data visualization methods. EDA involves the use of descriptive statistics, such as mean, median, mode, standard deviation, frequency, or percentage, to understand the distribution, central tendency, variability, and relationship of the data. EDA helps to see what the data can reveal beyond the formal modeling or hypothesis testing, and provides a better understanding of data set variables and the interactions between them1.

Answer: C. Review the business questions to understand the scope.

The first step an analyst should perform upon receiving a business request for analysis is to review the business questions to understand the scope of the problem, the objectives, and the expected outcomes. This will help the analyst to define the analytical approach, identify the data needs and sources, and plan the analysis process. Reviewing the business questions will also help the analyst to communicate with the stakeholders and clarify any assumptions or ambiguities1.

Option A is incorrect, as determining the data needs and sources for analysis is not the first step, but rather a subsequent step that depends on the business questions and the analytical approach.

Option B is incorrect, as initiating the analysis for exploratory data analysis is not the first step, but rather a part of the analysis process that involves examining and summarizing the data, identifying patterns and outliers, and testing hypotheses.

Option D is incorrect, as finalizing the methodology to solve the problem is not the first step, but rather a later step that involves selecting and applying the appropriate analytical techniques, tools, and models to answer the business questions.

Consolidation is the process of combining multiple elements into a single, more effective or coherent whole. In the context of data analytics, consolidation would involve merging similar fields to reduce the overall number of fields in a dataset. This is particularly useful when a dataset contains redundant or similar data across multiple fields, as it helps to simplify the data structure and improve efficiency. Techniques such as dimensionality reduction are often applied to achieve this, where the goal is to retain the most informative and representative features of the data while reducing the number of total features.

References:

Applied Dimensionality Reduction — 3 Techniques using Python1.

Seven Techniques for Data Dimensionality Reduction2.

Best practices when working with datasets3.

Effectively Handling Large Datasets4.

Views are virtual tables that are created by querying one or more base tables or other views. Views do not store any data, but only show the result of a query. One of the main advantages of using views is that they can reduce the need for repetitive, complex data joins. For example, if a query involves joining multiple tables with many conditions, creating a view can simplify the query and make it easier to reuse. Therefore, the correct answer is A. References: [What is a Database View? | Definition & Examples - Vertabelo], [Database Views - GeeksforGeeks]

Create a dashboard with a date range picker and calculations built in. This is because a dashboard is a type of visualization that displays multiple charts or graphs on a single page, usually to provide an overview or summary of some data or information. A dashboard can be used to track company sales across various date ranges by showing different metrics and indicators related to sales, such as revenue, volume, or growth. By creating a dashboard with a date range picker and calculations built in, the analyst can suggest a way for the user to have a dynamic, seamless experience, which means that the user can interact with and customize the dashboard according to their needs or preferences, as well as avoid any manual work or errors. For example, a date range picker is a type of feature or function that allows users to select or adjust the time period for which they want to see the data on the dashboard, such as daily, weekly, monthly, or quarterly. A date range picker can make the dashboard dynamic, as it can automatically update or refresh the dashboard with new data based on the selected time period. Calculations are mathematical operations or expressions that can be performed on the data on the dashboard, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, average, sum, etc. Calculations can make the dashboard seamless, as they can eliminate the need for manual calculations for each date range, as well as ensure accuracy and consistency of the results. The other ways are not the best ways to provide a dynamic, seamless experience for the user. Here is why:

Creating multiple reports, one for each needed date range would not provide a dynamic, seamless experience for the user, but rather create a static, cumbersome experience, which means that the user cannot interact with or customize the reports according to their needs or preferences, as well as have to deal with multiple files or pages. For example, creating multiple reports would make it difficult for the user to compare or contrast the sales across different date ranges, as well as increase the workload and complexity of managing and maintaining the reports.

Building calculations into the report so they are done automatically would not provide a dynamic, seamless experience for the user, but rather provide a partial, limited experience, which means that the user can only benefit from one aspect or feature of the report, but not from others. For example, building calculations into the report would help with avoiding manual work or errors, but it would not help with interacting with or customizing the report according to different date ranges.

Adding macros to the report to speed up the filtering and calculations process would not provide a dynamic, seamless experience for the user, but rather provide an advanced, complex experience, which means that the user would need to have some technical skills or knowledge to use or apply the macros, as well as face some potential risks or challenges. For example, adding macros to the report would require the user to know how to write or run the macros, which are a type of code or script that automates certain tasks or actions on the report, such as filtering or calculating the data. Adding macros to the report could also expose the user to some security or compatibility issues, such as viruses, malware, or errors.

 A dashboard is a graphical display that summarizes and presents key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics for a business or a project. A dashboard should be clear, concise, and easy to understand. To develop a dashboard, one of the best practices is to create a wireframe or a mockup first. A wireframe or a mockup is a low-fidelity sketch or prototype of the dashboard layout and design, which helps to define the scope, requirements, and functionality of the dashboard. Creating a wireframe or a mockup can help to save time and resources, as well as to get feedback from stakeholders and users before deploying the dashboard to production. Therefore, the correct answer is A. References: [Dashboard Design Best Practices: 4 Key Principles | Toptal], [How to Create an Effective Dashboard (with Examples) | Tableau]

A JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) file is a text-based format for representing structured data based on JavaScript object syntax. It is commonly used for transmitting data in web applications (e.g., sending some data from the server to the client, so it can be displayed on a web page, or vice versa). JSON files are human-readable and can be interpreted by various programming languages, making them ideal for data interchange123.

JSON files typically contain an array of objects, with each object representing a record with a series of name-value pairs. This structured format is both easy to understand and write by humans and easy for machines to parse and generate4.

References:

JSON’s official definition and syntax rules1.

A beginner’s guide to JSON and its data types2.

Understanding the JSON file format3.

Detailed explanation of JSON as a structured data format4.

Short explanation: Logical functions are the most appropriate to use for categorizing data into bands, because they allow the data analyst to apply conditional statements and criteria to the data values. For example, the IF function can be used to assign a band name based on whether a value meets a certain condition or not. Other logical functions that can be useful for categorizing data are AND, OR, NOT, and IFERROR12

Customer segmentation is a type of cluster analysis, which is a method of grouping data points based on their similarities or differences. Cluster analysis can help identify patterns and trends in the data, as well as target specific groups of customers for marketing purposes. One common technique for customer segmentation is RFM analysis, which stands for recency, frequency, and monetary value. This technique assigns a score to each customer based on how recently they bought the product, how often they buy the product, and how much they spend on the product. These scores can then be used to create clusters of customers with different characteristics and preferences. Therefore, the correct answer is D. References: Cluster Analysis - Statistics Solutions, RFM Analysis: The Ultimate Guide for Customer Segmentation

 Scheduled report delivery is a feature that allows a data analyst to automate the generation and distribution of a report at a specified time and frequency. This would be the best method to ensure that the sales managers receive the weekly report on sales performance without manual intervention. Subscription access delivery is a feature that allows users to subscribe to a report and access it on demand, but it does not automate the delivery. Printing out a copy or uploading the report to the server are manual methods that require more time and effort from the data analyst. Reference: CertMaster Practice for Data+ Exam Prep - CompTIA

 Data cleansing is a critical process in data analytics to ensure the accuracy and quality of data. The reasons to undertake data cleansing include:

Missing Data (B): Missing data can lead to incomplete analysis and biased results. It is essential to identify and address gaps in the dataset to maintain the integrity of the analysis1.

Invalid Data (D): Invalid data includes entries that are out of range, improperly formatted, or illogical (e.g., a negative age). Such data can corrupt analysis and lead to incorrect conclusions1.

Other options, such as non-parametric data (A), are not inherently errors but refer to a type of data that doesn’t assume a normal distribution. Duplicate data © and redundant data (E) could also be reasons for data cleansing, but they are not listed as options to select from in the provided image details. Normalized data (F) refers to data that has been processed to fit into a certain range or format and is typically not a reason for data cleansing.

References:

Understanding the importance of data quality and the impacts of missing and invalid data on research outcomes1.

Best practices in data cleansing2.

Data cleansing is required for various reasons, two of which are missing data (B) and invalid data (D). From the table provided, we can infer the necessity of cleansing in the context of ensuring data integrity and consistency. Missing data refers to the absence of data where it is expected, which can hinder analysis due to incomplete information. Invalid data refers to data that is incorrect, out of range, or in an inappropriate format, which can lead to inaccuracies in any analysis or report. Both these issues can significantly affect the outcomes of any data-related operations and thus need to be rectified through the data cleansing process.

A data dictionary is a collection of metadata that describes the data elements in a database or dataset. It can help improve data acquisition by providing information about the data sources, formats, quality, and usage. It can also help remember specifics about data fields, such as their names, definitions, types, sizes, and relationships. Therefore, options B and D are correct.

Option A is incorrect because it is not a reason to create and maintain a data dictionary, but a benefit of doing so.

Option C is incorrect because specifying user groups for databases is not a function of a data dictionary, but a function of a database management system or a security policy.

Option E is incorrect because confining breaches of PHI data is not a function of a data dictionary, but a function of a data protection or encryption system.

Option F is incorrect because reducing processing power requirements is not a function of a data dictionary, but a function of a data compression or optimization system.

The missing step in the Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) process is typically the cleaning step, which involves removing redundant data or deduplication. This step is crucial in the ETL process to ensure that the data loaded into the destination is accurate and not inflated by duplicate records. The other options, like validating data types and connecting to the data API, are important but do not fit into the standard ETL process steps as a cleaning operation. Normalizing the data is part of the 'Transform' step, which was already listed.

Data governance refers to the overarching management of data’s availability, usability, integrity, and security within an organization. It involves setting policies and standards that govern data usage, determining data ownership, implementing data security measures, and ensuring that data is accessible for business insights while maintaining its quality. The goal of data governance is to ensure that data is consistent, trustworthy, and not misused, supporting compliance with data privacy regulations and enabling effective data analytics to optimize operations and drive business decision-making.

References:

Understanding Data Governance and Its Importance1.

The Role of Data Governance in Data Management2.

Defining Data Governance and Its Business Value3.

The correct answer is B. Recoding.

Recoding is a data manipulation technique that involves changing the values or categories of a variable to make it more suitable for analysis. Recoding can be used to simplify or group the data, to correct errors or inconsistencies, or to create new variables from existing ones12

In the example, the analyst used recoding to change the values of Var001, Var002, Var003, and Var004 from numerical to textual form. The analyst also used recoding to assign meaningful labels to the values, such as “Absent” for 0, “Present” for 1, “Low” for 2, “Medium” for 3, and “High” for 4. This makes the data more understandable and easier to analyze.

The SQL query provided is selecting all records from the Cust_table where the age column has values greater than 60 and the City column matches “New York”. The > operator selects values that are strictly greater than the comparison value, so it does not include customers aged exactly 60. The term “New York” in the context of a city database typically refers to New York City, not the state of New York. Therefore, the correct answer is that the analyst is retrieving data for all customers older than age 60 in New York City.

References:

The use of the > operator in SQL is to select values greater than the specified value1.

Understanding the WHERE clause in SQL and its use in filtering records based on specified conditions2.

Clarification on the distinction between city and state names in database records3.

Missing data is a type of data quality issue that occurs when some values in a data set are not recorded or available. Missing data can affect the validity and reliability of survey results, especially if the missing values are not random or ignorable. Missing data can also reduce the sample size and the statistical power of the analysis12

If 100% participation is needed on survey results, a data analyst would look for missing data first, because missing data would indicate that some participants did not complete or submit the survey, or that some responses were not recorded or transmitted correctly. A data analyst would need to identify the causes and patterns of missing data, and apply appropriate methods to handle or prevent missing data, such as imputation, deletion, weighting, or follow-up12

The first step in the development process of revamping a company-wide dashboard should be to talk to the group that made the request to determine the desired goal. This would help to understand the needs, expectations, and preferences of the stakeholders, as well as the scope, purpose, and objectives of the project. Talking to the group that made the request would also help to establish a clear communication channel, build rapport and trust, and solicit feedback and suggestions.

This is because Microsoft Excel is a type of software application that allows users to create, edit, and analyze data in spreadsheets, which are composed of rows and columns of cells that can store various types of data, such as numbers, text, or formulas. Microsoft Excel can be used for calculations and pivot tables, which are two common features or functions in data analysis. Calculations are mathematical operations or expressions that can be performed on the data in the cells, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, average, sum, etc. Pivot tables are interactive tables that can summarize and display the data in different ways, such as by grouping, filtering, sorting, or aggregating the data based on various criteria or categories. The other software applications are not used for calculations and pivot tables. Here is why:

IBM SPSS is a type of software application that allows users to perform statistical analysis and modeling on data sets, such as regression, correlation, ANOVA, etc. IBM SPSS does not use spreadsheets or cells to store or manipulate data, but rather uses data views or variable views to display the data in rows and columns. IBM SPSS does not have pivot tables as a feature or function, but rather has output views or charts to display the results of the analysis.

SAS is a type of software application that allows users to perform data management and analysis using a programming language that consists of statements and commands. SAS does not use spreadsheets or cells to store or manipulate data, but rather uses data sets or tables that are stored in libraries or folders. SAS does not have pivot tables as a feature or function, but rather has procedures or macros that can produce summary tables or reports based on the data.

Domo is a type of software application that allows users to create and share dashboards and visualizations that display data from various sources and systems, such as databases, cloud services, or web applications. Domo does not use spreadsheets or cells to store or manipulate data, but rather uses connectors or APIs to access and integrate the data from different sources. Domo does not have pivot tables as a feature or function, but rather has cards or widgets that can show different aspects or metrics of the data.

Explanation

Normalization is the process of reorganizing data in a database so that it meets two basic requirements: There is no redundancy of data, all data is stored in only one place. Data dependencies are logical, all related data items are stored together.

Put simply, data normalization ensures that your data looks, reads, and can be utilized the same way across all of the records in your customer database. This is done by standardizing the formats of specific fields and records within your customer database.

When an analyst observes changes in sales ratios over a period, such as in a quarterly report, they are conducting a trend analysis. Trend analysis is a statistical method used to examine and evaluate the movement of data points over time to identify patterns or trends. This type of analysis is particularly useful for forecasting future events based on historical data. It differs from gap analysis, which assesses the difference between actual performance and potential or desired performance; link analysis, which is used to find associations among data; and statistical analysis, which is a broad term for all types of data analysis methods, including trend analysis.

References:

Investopedia article on Ratio Analysis1.

SpringerLink chapter on Financial Ratios Analysis2.

ExamTopics page mentioning sales ratios in the context of analysis3.

Investopedia definition of Ratio Analysis4.

LiveWell article on Financial Ratio Analysis5.

The most appropriate frequency for the sales report is weekly, as this will provide the CEO with more up-to-date sales data for improved visibility prior to month-end. A weekly sales report can show the sales performance, trends, and issues of the sales team on a regular basis, and help the CEO to monitor and evaluate the progress and results of the sales activities. A weekly sales report can also help the CEO to identify and address any problems or opportunities that may arise during the month, and to make timely and informed decisions.

An INNER JOIN returns only the rows that match the join condition in both tables. A LEFT JOIN returns all the rows from the left table, and the matched rows from the right table, or NULL if there is no match. In this case, the customer table is the left table and the in-store transactions table is the right table. The join condition is based on the customer_id column, which is common in both tables.

To perform an INNER JOIN, we can use the following SQL query:

SELECT * FROM customer INNER JOIN in_store_transactions ON customer.customer_id = in_store_transactions.customer_id;

This query will return 9 rows of data, as shown below:

customer_id | name | lastname | gender | marital_status | transaction_id | amount | date 1 | MARC | TESCO | M | Y | 1 | 1000 | 2020-01-01 1 | MARC | TESCO | M | Y | 2 | 5000 | 2020-01-02 2 | ANNA | MARTIN | F | N | 3 | 2000 | 2020-01-03 2 | ANNA | MARTIN | F | N | 4 | 3000 | 2020-01-04 3 | EMMA | JOHNSON | F | Y | 5 | 4000 | 2020-01-05 4 | DARIO | PENTAL | M | N | 6 | 5000 | 2020-01-06 5 | ELENA | SIMSON| F| N|7|6000|2020-01-07 6|TIM|ROBITH|M|N|8|7000|2020-01-08 7|MILA|MORRIS|F|N|9|8000|2020-01-09

To perform a LEFT JOIN, we can use the following SQL query:

SELECT * FROM customer LEFT JOIN in_store_transactions ON customer.customer_id = in_store_transactions.customer_id;

This query will return 15 rows of data, as shown below:

customer_id|name|lastname|gender|marital_status|transaction_id|amount|date 1|MARC|TESCO|M|Y|1|1000|2020-01-01 1|MARC|TESCO|M|Y|2|5000|2020-01-02 2|ANNA|MARTIN|F|N|3|2000|2020-01-03 2|ANNA|MARTIN|F|N|4|3000|2020-01-04 3|EMMA|JOHNSON|F|Y|5|4000|2020-01-05 4|DARIO|PENTAL|M|N|6|5000|2020-01-06 5|ELENA|SIMSON||F||N||7||6000||2020-01-07 6||TIM||ROBITH||M||N||8||7000||2020-01-08 7||MILA||MORRIS||F||N||9||8000||2020-01-09 8||JENNY||DWARTH||F||Y||NULL||NULL||NULL

As you can see, the customers who do not have any transactions (customer_id = 8) are still included in the result, but with NULL values for the transaction_id, amount, and date columns.

Therefore, the correct answer is C: INNER: 9 rows; LEFT: 15 rows.

The invalid data type is the best description for the issue in which character values are mixed with integer values in a data set column. Invalid data type means that the data does not match the expected or required format or structure for a given variable or attribute. For example, if a column is supposed to store numerical values, but some rows contain text values, then those rows have an invalid data type. References: CompTIA Data+ Certification Exam Objectives, page 10