20+ Decision Analytics Associate Interview Questions and Answers

The probability of any 2 ants colliding is 1/3.

• There are 3 possible pairs of ants that can collide.

• Each ant has 2 possible directions to move in.

• The total number of possible outcomes is 2^3 = 8.

• Out of the 8 possible outcomes, 3 result in collision.

• Therefore, the probability of collision is 3/8 or 1/3.

Yes, they should open the zoo.

• Opening a zoo in Mumbai can be a profitable business venture.

• Importing animals from South Africa can attract visitors and enhance the zoo's appeal.

• The zoo can contribute to conservation efforts by raising awareness about endangered species.

• Proper planning and adherence to legal and ethical guidelines are essential.

• Market research and feasibility studies should be conducted to ensure long-term success.

Divide 10 coins with 5 heads up into 2 piles with equal number of heads up while blindfolded.

• Divide the coins into two equal piles of 5 coins each.

• Ensure that each pile has the same number of heads up coins.

• Since you are blindfolded, you can't rely on visual cues, so use your sense of touch to determine which coins are heads up.

• You can also flip the coins over and feel for the heads to ensure equal distribution.

• Alternatively, you can ask someone else to divide the coins for y...read more

Probability of non-collision of ants on corners of equilateral triangle.

• The ants can move in two directions along each edge.

• The probability of collision is 1/3.

• The probability of non-collision is 2/3.

Cut the cake in half, stack the halves, cut in half again, stack the quarters, cut in half again.

• Cut the cake in half horizontally

• Stack the two halves on top of each other

• Cut the cake in half vertically

• Stack the four quarters on top of each other

• Cut the cake in half horizontally again

• Stack the two halves on top of each other again

• Cut the cake in half vertically again

Estimating daily McDonald's customers in a city involves population, market share, and average visits per customer.

• Consider the city's population; for example, a city with 1 million residents.

• Estimate the percentage of the population that visits McDonald's; assume 10% for this example.

• Calculate the average visits per customer per week; let's say 1.5 visits.

• Multiply the number of customers by the average visits to get daily customers; 1 million * 10% / 7 days = ~14,285 daily c...read more

Analyzed a case study using data-driven approaches to derive insights and support decision-making.

• Utilized descriptive analytics to summarize historical data trends.

• Applied predictive modeling to forecast future outcomes based on past data.

• Conducted scenario analysis to evaluate the impact of different decisions.

• Employed data visualization techniques to present findings clearly.

To calculate the number of books sold, estimate the total population, percentage of people who read books, average number of books read per person, and frequency of book purchases.

• Estimate the total population in the target market

• Determine the percentage of people who read books

• Calculate the average number of books read per person

• Consider the frequency of book purchases per year

• Multiply these factors to estimate the number of books sold

The graph consists of multiple linear segments with different slopes.

• The graph of |x| is a V-shaped graph with a slope of -1 for x < 0 and a slope of 1 for x > 0.

• The graph of |x|+1 is the graph of |x| shifted upwards by 1 unit.

• The graph of x + |x| is a piecewise linear graph with a slope of 2 for x > 0 and a slope of 0 for x < 0.

Estimate annual shoe sales using population, user count, and monthly sales data.

• Identify the total population and the percentage of users who buy shoes.

• Calculate the total number of users: population * percentage of users.

• Determine monthly sales per user and multiply by the total number of users.

• Annual sales = monthly sales * 12.

There are 204 squares in a chess board.

• The chess board has 64 small squares (8x8 grid)

• In addition to the small squares, there are also larger squares formed by combining smaller squares (1x1, 2x2, 3x3, ... 8x8)

• The total number of squares on a chess board is the sum of all these small and large squares

Estimating the number of traffic lights in a city based on population, road density, and traffic flow.

• Consider the population of the city as a factor in determining the number of traffic lights.

• Road density and traffic flow patterns can also influence the placement of traffic lights.

• Consulting city planning documents or traffic engineering studies may provide more accurate data.

• Using satellite imagery or mapping tools to visually estimate the number of intersections with traf...read more

People analytics is the use of data and analytical tools to understand, manage, and improve the performance and engagement of employees.

• Involves collecting and analyzing data on employee behavior, performance, and engagement

• Helps organizations make data-driven decisions related to hiring, retention, training, and performance management

• Can include analyzing factors such as employee turnover rates, productivity levels, and satisfaction surveys

• Uses tools like surveys, performanc...read more

It is impossible to accurately guestimate the number of tennis balls in an airplane without specific information.

• The number of tennis balls in an airplane would depend on the size of the airplane, the purpose of the flight, and whether it is a commercial or private aircraft.

• Factors such as the cargo capacity of the airplane, any specific events or activities taking place on the flight, and any regulations regarding carrying sports equipment would also impact the number of ten...read more

Various technologies are used in Decision Analytics, such as machine learning algorithms, data visualization tools, and statistical analysis software.

• Machine learning algorithms are commonly used to analyze large datasets and make predictions.

• Data visualization tools help in presenting complex data in a visually appealing way for better understanding.

• Statistical analysis software like R or Python are used for data analysis and modeling.

• Accuracy overview involves evaluating th...read more

Adjusted R-squared accounts for the number of predictors, while R-squared does not, potentially leading to misleading interpretations.

• R-squared measures the proportion of variance explained by the model, but it can increase with more predictors, even if they are irrelevant.

• Adjusted R-squared adjusts the R-squared value based on the number of predictors, providing a more accurate measure of model fit.

• For example, if a model with 5 predictors has an R-squared of 0.80, adding a ...read more

Window functions perform calculations across a set of table rows related to the current row, enabling advanced analytics in SQL.

• Window functions allow calculations like running totals, averages, and rankings without collapsing rows.

• Example: ROW_NUMBER() assigns a unique sequential integer to rows within a partition.

• Example: SUM() OVER (PARTITION BY department) calculates the total salary per department while retaining individual rows.

• They are defined using the OVER() clause, ...read more

RMSE measures average error magnitude with emphasis on larger errors, while MAE provides a straightforward average error.

• RMSE (Root Mean Square Error) squares errors before averaging, giving more weight to larger errors.

• MAE (Mean Absolute Error) calculates the average of absolute errors, treating all errors equally.

• Example: For predictions [2, 3, 5] vs actuals [3, 2, 4], RMSE = sqrt((1^2 + 1^2 + 1^2)/3) = 1, MAE = (1 + 1 + 1)/3 = 1.

• RMSE is sensitive to outliers; a single larg...read more

Types of regression include linear regression, logistic regression, polynomial regression, etc.

• Linear regression: used to predict continuous values

• Logistic regression: used for binary classification

• Polynomial regression: fits a curve to data points

• Ridge regression: adds penalty term to prevent overfitting

• Lasso regression: adds penalty term for feature selection

A classic riddle involving two ropes that burn unevenly, testing problem-solving skills and time management.

• Each rope takes exactly 60 minutes to burn, but they burn at inconsistent rates.

• You can light both ends of one rope and one end of the other to measure time.

• When the first rope (lit at both ends) burns out, 30 minutes have passed.

• At that point, light the other end of the second rope to measure the remaining time.

I have a diverse background in data analysis, project management, and strategic decision-making across various industries.

• Worked as a data analyst at XYZ Corp, where I improved reporting efficiency by 30% through automation.

• Led a cross-functional team to develop a predictive model that increased sales forecasting accuracy by 25%.

• Conducted market research for a healthcare startup, identifying key trends that informed product development.

• Utilized SQL and Python for data extract...read more

This puzzle involves determining the state of three light bulbs using limited actions.

• You have three bulbs in a room, each controlled by a switch outside.

• You can toggle the switches and then check the bulbs only once.

• The goal is to identify which switch controls which bulb.