Strengths and weaknesses of a given visual plot
The various strengths of the given visual plot could be represented through three key points. Firstly, the use of colour for representation of men and women enable differentiation between the two groups and aids interpretation and enhanced understanding for the viewer. Secondly, the visual plot is quite compact and hence it able to capture an immense amount of information in a small space. This is apparent from the fact that the differentiation in the scores of the various performers before and after the leaving of Simon Cowell is apparent. Thirdly, there are gridlines connecting the two axis which facilitate the reading of the desired values by the user. In the absence of these gridlines, reading the values with accuracy may be difficult.
While the given visual plot does have certain strengths as highlighted above, it would be inappropriate to conclude that there are no weaknesses. The first issue with the diagram is the difficulty in interpretation of the information captured in the diagram considering that in a small place a host of information has been packed which makes it inconvenient for the user. The it is not possible to fully interpret the information contained in the circles which have to be understood in relation to their size and this notation is contributing to the overall complexity. Secondly, a major weakness of the given plot is that apparently there is no clear relationship between the two axis. The average score presented through line graph would have been adequate in this case for drawing a comparison of the performance of candidates.
The central aspect which has been highlighted through the given graph is the relative performance difference of candidates before and after the departure of Simon Cowell.
Based on the given data, it seems that on an average there has been improvement in the average ratings of the given candidates after Simon Cowell departed from the show. Another message is to provide relevant comparison with the performance rating of contestants and their respective finishing place. In general, it can be observed that contestants finishing at superior places on an average had better performance ratings than their inferior counterparts. Besides, the given graph also facilitates the comparison between male and female singers. In general, it is apparent that performance ratings of females are greater than males. This is especially true for contestants finishing at lower positions.
To reach any conclusion with regards to the given diagram being categorised as a good visual or not, it is essential that no parameter should be looked at isolation but instead an integrated approach is required. Even though, the given diagram has certain strengths but the attempt on part of the author to over-represent information has potentially backfired as it has led to issues in interpretation and enhancement of confusion especially for those who might not be familiar with the show. Thus, it would have been better if the author had not used the circles and only represented the information represented in the line chart. The circles tend to add significantly to the overall confusion without adding much value for the viewer or user.
Key messages from the visual plot
Let the shops are A, B and C and the information related to number of Easter eggs and the number of Incredible Hulk in eggs are summarized below:
Shops |
A |
B |
C |
Number of Easter eggs |
200 |
300 |
500 |
Number of Incredible Hulk in eggs |
10 |
30 |
50 |
Peter has bought number of Easter eggs |
15 |
20 |
45 |
Probability that Peter will get an Incredible Hulk from the Easter eggs purchased form shop A
Favourable case = 10
Total number of cases = 200
Probability of getting zero Incredible Hulk from shop A
Probability that Peter will get an Incredible Hulk from the Easter eggs purchased form shop B
Favourable case = 30
Total number of cases = 300
Probability of getting zero Incredible Hulk from shop B
Probability that Peter will get an Incredible Hulk from the Easter eggs purchased form shop C
Favourable case = 50
Total number of cases = 500
Probability of getting zero Incredible Hulk from shop C
Finally,
Probability that Peter will get at least one Incredible Hulk from the Easter eggs purchased form shops
Therefore, there is 0.2305 probability that Peter will get at least one Incredible Hulk from the Easter eggs purchased from shops in order to complete his collection.
It is apparent that the school has three choices as highlighted below.
- Traditional Boiler System
- Solar Powered Panels
- Wind Operated System
The requisite decision tree is indicated below.
The underlying cost dynamics of each of these three choices is discussed below.
Initial Investment = £45,000
Annual Cost = £8,000
Total expected cost over a period of 10 years = 45000 + 8000*10 = £125,000
Initial Investment = £70,000
Annual Cost = £900
However, there is a 30% probability that an additional annual cost of £4,000 would have to be borne to provide for a back-up system.
Therefore, total annual cost = 900 + 0.3*4000 = £2,100
Total expected cost over a period of 10 years = 70000 + 2100*10 = £91,000
Initial Investment = £80,000
Annual Cost = £500
No backup is required for wind power, However, maintenance cost would be incurred on an annual basis.
Low maintenance probability = 0.40, Low maintenance annual cost = £1,000
Medium maintenance probability = 0.35, Low maintenance annual cost = £2,500
High maintenance probability = 0.25, Low maintenance annual cost = £6,000
Thus, annual maintenance cost = 0.4*1000 + 0.35*2500 + 0.25*6000 = £2,775
Therefore, total annual cost = 500 + 2775 = £3,275
Total expected cost over a period of 10 years = 80000 + 10*3275 = £112,750
Based on the above computation of the total costs for a period 100 years for the three available choices, it is apparent that the lowest cost is £91,000 for the solar powered panel boiling system. Hence, this should be the preferred choice for the new building.