| PROFILES |
The Profiles procedure allows the user to compare cases based on a number of selected variables (to develop a “profile” for each case). Unlike standards, which are absolute measures, the results here are interpreted as relative (to all the other cases of the data set). Report cards (one for each case) show the standardized values of the selected variables. Standardization is necessary in order to display in the same report card variables with various ranges. After standardization, the values for each variable have the mean =0 and the standard deviation =1, which makes it possible show them in bars of equal length. If the value of the indicator is under the average (the average for all cases in analysis – Leningrad Oblast ), the yellow bar is placed on the left; similarly, if the value of the indicator is above the average, the yellow bar is placed on the right.
Example: Profiles for Leningrad Oblast using indicators regarding dwellings facilities.
BOKSITOGORSK DISTRICT
| %DWELLINGS_WATER | 61.10 | |
| %DWELLINGS_BATH | 59.00 | |
| %DWELLINGS_SEWAGE | 60.60 | |
| %DWELLINGS_CENTR_HEATING | 60.80 | |
| %DWELLINGS_HOT_WATER | 58.60 | |
| %DWELLINGS_GAS | 76.10 |
KIRISHI DISTRICT
| %DWELLINGS_WATER | 89.10 | |
| %DWELLINGS_BATH | 86.70 | |
| %DWELLINGS_SEWAGE | 88.70 | |
| %DWELLINGS_CENTR_HEATING | 88.70 | |
| %DWELLINGS_HOT_WATER | 88.30 | |
| %DWELLINGS_GAS | 83.50 |
If we compare the profiles of BOKSITOGORSK DISTRICT and KIRISHI DISTRICT we can observe that those regions have different profiles according to the analyzed indicators.
KIROVSK DISTRICT
| %DWELLINGS_WATER | 74.00 | |
| %DWELLINGS_BATH | 64.00 | |
| %DWELLINGS_SEWAGE | 69.00 | |
| %DWELLINGS_CENTR_HEATING | 70.00 | |
| %DWELLINGS_HOT_WATER | 58.00 | |
| %DWELLINGS_GAS | 67.00 |
KOLTUSHI VOLOST
| %DWELLINGS_WATER | 69.00 | |
| %DWELLINGS_BATH | 63.00 | |
| %DWELLINGS_SEWAGE | 66.00 | |
| %DWELLINGS_CENTR_HEATING | 63.00 | |
| %DWELLINGS_HOT_WATER | 60.00 | |
| %DWELLINGS_GAS | 62.00 |
If we compare the profile of KIROVSK DISTRICT with the profile of KOLTUSHI VOLOST we will find that those two regions have a similar situation according to the analyzed indicators.
The cards show the differences or the similarities among the cases and this procedure can be used as a basis for finding an explanation (why there are such strong differences) and outline certain interventions.