Define descriptive analytics.

Descriptive analytics refers to the process of summarizing historical data to provide insights into past events and trends. This type of analysis focuses on what has happened in the past by utilizing various statistical methods to capture and present data in a meaningful way. It helps organizations understand their past performance, identify patterns or anomalies, and gain insights that can inform future decisions.

In the context of data-driven decision making, descriptive analytics serves as a foundation for other analytics types by providing a clear picture of historical performance. For instance, businesses may analyze past sales data to determine which products were most popular in a given time frame, thereby assisting in inventory management and marketing strategies.

This aspect of data analysis does not involve making predictions about future outcomes, strategizing with current data, or focusing on data collection methods. Instead, it is solely concerned with what has already transpired, highlighting its critical role in understanding historical trends and performance.