CIRE Forum: Improving Public Programs: Advanced Analytics for Better Decision Making

Federal and state agencies across the country are hiring chief data scientists and analytics officers to meet the growing demand for advanced analytics in the public sector. As more government agencies and programs turn to data for answers, a rigorous, scientific approach becomes even more critical to understanding their findings. For a variety of public programs—in health, education, and other human services—advanced analytics can be used to identify fraud, waste, and abuse; to predict outcomes for program participants; and to identify cost-saving strategies for policymakers. High quality, advanced analytics can guide decision makers as they pursue more efficient and effective programming.

On May 20, 2015, Mathematica’s Center for Improving Research Evidence (CIRE) hosted a research forum and webinar to discuss how advanced analytics can help policymakers, program administrators, and direct services staff enhance their programs by providing rapid, reliable, and relevant information. The forum covered:

• An overview of advanced data science
• The value of high quality analytics in public-sector decision making
• Examples of advanced analytics in action
• The future of advanced analytics

Three panels of experts and data scientists led the discussion and conducted an interactive learning session on capabilities and techniques related to advanced analytics. The panel agenda was as follows:

PANEL 1: INTRODUCTION TO ADVANCED ANALYTICS

Welcome to the CIRE Forum
Ann Person, Mathematica

Advanced Analytics: What It Is and Why It's Important
Myles Maxfield, Mathematica

The Importance of Quality in Analytics for Public Programs
Niall Brennan, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

PANEL 2: ANALYTICS IN ACTION

Moderator Jeff Ballou, Mathematica
David Weaver, Social Security Administration
Irma Perez-Johnson, Mathematica