This discussion offers hands-on experience with regression analysis using a real-world dataset, enabling you to identify key predictors of store performance and initiate a predictive analysis. Unlike your Unit 6 and 8 assignments, this exercise is designed for exploration and peer discussion, allowing you to practice with a dataset you are becoming familiar with. You will share initial insights, formulate hypotheses, and experiment with regression to discover potential predictors, deepening your understanding of predictive analytics and its practical applications in business.

Task(3-4 paragraphs)

Using the provided Retail Store Performance Dataset, conduct a regression analysis to explore relationships between performance metrics. Your analysis will help inform decisions on resource allocation, promotional strategies, and operational improvements. This discussion provides an opportunity to practice, and this analysis may or may not be utilized in your Final Retail Store Performance Report.

In your initial post, address the following:

Select a Dependent Variable: Choose one metric to predict as your dependent variable. Describe why you selected this metric for your analysis.

Formulate a Hypothesis: Identify a business question related to store performance. Based on your understanding of retail operations, define a hypothesis that includes a dependent variable and at least two independent variables from the dataset.

Define Variables and Methodology: Outline the independent variables you chose for your regression analysis. Describe your methodology, including the reasons for choosing these variables and the type of regression (simple or multiple) you’re applying.

Conduct the Regression Analysis: Using Excel, run the regression analysis to obtain coefficients, p-values, and R-squared values. Summarize these findings in business terms. What relationships between the variables did you identify?

Interpret the Results: Discuss the implications of your results. Did the analysis support your hypothesis? How might the management team apply these insights to improve store performance?

Reflection: Share any challenges you encountered during the analysis, such as interpreting statistical values or selecting variables. Reflect on the learning process and any additional insights gained from the experience.