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name: analysis-planning description: Structure analysis approach before starting work. Use when receiving new analysis requests, breaking down complex questions into steps, or planning iterative analysis workflows.

When to use

After requirements are gathered and before any data is touched. Planning is especially important when the analysis involves multiple steps, uncertain data availability, or a tight deadline where sequencing matters. A 15-minute planning session prevents hours of wrong-direction work.

Process

1. Decompose the question — break the business question into sub-questions using references/scoping_framework.md; each sub-question should be answerable with a single data pull or calculation.
2. Identify data dependencies — for each sub-question, list the required tables/datasets and assess availability (confirmed / likely / unknown); flag blockers early.
3. Sequence the work — order sub-questions so that each output feeds the next; identify which steps can run in parallel.
4. Estimate effort — use references/effort_estimation.md to assign time estimates per step; sum to a total and compare against the deadline.
5. Log risks and dependencies — use references/risks_dependencies.md to document anything that could delay or invalidate the plan (data gaps, external approvals, methodology uncertainty).
6. Produce the plan — fill in assets/analysis_plan_template.md; for projects with stakeholder kickoffs use assets/kickoff_doc_template.md.

Inputs the skill needs

• Analysis brief or requirements doc (from stakeholder-requirements-gathering skill)
• Available data sources
• Deadline and resource constraints

Output

• Completed analysis plan with sequenced steps and time estimates (analysis_plan_template.md)
• Kickoff doc for stakeholder alignment (optional, kickoff_doc_template.md)
• Risk / dependency log