Hi Steve, you mentioned -

We need to learn more about statistics and analysis to ensure that as we work with business people to query data, we understand what information we are extracting out of data sets.

I agree, the problem is:

1. Users themselves don't always know the system/application well enough to ask for meaningful reports.

2. BPA's and Developers don't know how to analyze requirements documentation, or the developer relies on the BPA to acquire the info - unfortunately the BPA might not know the data or application well enough to do it right, or just accepts what the user asks for - without asking why they want it or what they plan on using it for.

Result: forever updating the same reports or creating variations of the same reports.

Most reports are process based (to assist users or managers to check if all is fine),

yet very few are analysis based (which assist directors to check if company is performing ok or facing closure if they maintain status quo).