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Glossary - A to Z - Definitions

Glossary of MMM terms

Market Mix Modeling (MMM)

A statistical analysis technique used to quantify the impact of various marketing activities on sales or other performance metrics.

Marketing Inputs

The different elements of a marketing strategy that can be measured and analyzed. These inputs include advertising spend, promotion spend, pricing, distribution, and product features.

 

Dependent Variable

The variable that represents the outcome or performance metric being analyzed, such as sales, market share, or revenue.

Independent Variables

The factors that are believed to influence the dependent variable. These variables include marketing inputs (advertising spend, promotion spend, etc.) as well as external factors like seasonality, competitor activity, and economic indicators.

Regression Analysis

A statistical method used in market mix modeling to estimate the relationship between the dependent variable and the independent variables. It helps identify the impact of each independent variable on the dependent variable.

Attribution

The process of assigning credit or determining the contribution of each marketing input to the overall performance metric. Attribution helps understand which marketing activities are driving sales or other outcomes.

Elasticity

A measure of the sensitivity of the dependent variable to changes in the independent variables. Elasticity indicates how much the dependent variable is likely to change in response to a change in the independent variable.

 

Baseline (Base)

The expected level of the dependent variable in the absence of any marketing

ROI (Return on Investment)

A financial metric that measures the profitability of an investment, including marketing activities. In market mix modeling, ROI helps evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of different marketing inputs.

 

Time Lag

The delay or period between the execution of a marketing activity and its impact on the dependent variable. Understanding time lags is crucial for accurately attributing the effects of marketing inputs.

Media Mix

The combination of different advertising channels or mediums utilized in a marketing campaign, such as TV, radio, print, online, or social media. Analyzing the media mix helps determine the optimal allocation of resources across channels.

ROAS (Return on Advertising Spend)

Similar to ROI, ROAS specifically measures the return generated from advertising expenditures. It helps evaluate the effectiveness of advertising campaigns and allocate budgets efficiently. Often calculated using non-incremental techniques such as classical multi touch attribution or last click / hueristic attribution.

Cannibalization

The phenomenon where sales attributed to one marketing activity or product come at the expense of another within the same company. Market mix modeling can help identify and quantify cannibalization effects.

 

Saturation

Refers to the point at which further increases in marketing inputs yield diminishing returns. Saturation analysis helps determine the optimal level of marketing spending to maximize outcomes.

Sensitivity Analysis

A technique used to assess the robustness of market mix modeling results by evaluating the impact of varying assumptions or parameters. It helps understand the range of potential outcomes.

Forecasting

The process of predicting future outcomes or performance metrics based on historical data and market mix modeling results. Accurate forecasting aids in planning and decision-making.

Model Fit

The degree to which the market mix model accurately represents the relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable. Model fit assessment helps evaluate the reliability and validity of the model.

Cross-Channel Effects

The interactions and interdependencies between different marketing inputs and channels. Market mix modeling helps identify how different channels influence each other and impact overall performance.

Incrementality

The additional impact or lift generated by a particular marketing activity or input. Understanding incrementality helps assess the true value and effectiveness of marketing efforts.

Long-Term Effects

The lasting impact of marketing activities beyond the short-term measurement period. Market mix modeling can help uncover the long-term effects and optimize marketing strategies accordingly.

 

Autocorrelation

The correlation between the values of a dependent variable at different time points. Autocorrelation analysis helps identify any patterns or dependencies in the data that may affect the accuracy of the market mix model.

Multicollinearity

The presence of high correlation between independent variables in a market mix model. Multicollinearity can make it difficult to isolate the individual effects of each independent variable and may lead to unreliable estimates.

Lagged Variables

Variables that represent the values of the dependent or independent variables from previous time periods. Including lagged variables in a market mix model helps capture the effects of past marketing activities on current performance.

Heteroscedasticity

The presence of unequal variances of the errors in a regression model. Heteroscedasticity can affect the reliability of the model's estimates and may require appropriate transformations or adjustments.

Bayesian Analysis

A statistical approach that incorporates prior knowledge or beliefs about the variables being analyzed. Bayesian market mix modeling allows for more flexible and robust estimation of parameters and uncertainties.

Interaction Effects

The combined effects of two or more independent variables on the dependent variable, which are greater than the sum of their individual effects. Market mix modeling helps identify and measure interaction effects.

Time Series Analysis

A statistical technique used to analyze and forecast data collected over time. Time series analysis is essential for understanding trends, seasonality, and other temporal patterns in market mix modeling.

Model Validation

The process of assessing the accuracy and validity of a market mix model by comparing its predictions with actual outcomes. Validation techniques include holdout samples, cross-validation, and out-of-sample testing.

 

Error Metrics

Quantitative measures used to evaluate the accuracy and goodness-of-fit of a market mix model. Common error metrics in market mix modeling include Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), and R-squared.

Hierarchical Modeling

A modeling approach that accounts for variations across different levels or categories within the data. Hierarchical market mix modeling is useful when analyzing data with multiple regions, product categories, or customer segments.

t-test

A statistical test used to determine if the coefficients of independent variables in the market mix model are statistically significant. It helps assess whether a particular marketing input has a significant impact on the dependent variable.

F-test

This test is used to determine the overall significance of the market mix model. It examines whether the regression model as a whole explains a significant portion of the variability in the dependent variable.

Durbin-Watson test

This test is used to detect the presence of autocorrelation in the residuals of a market mix model. Autocorrelation implies that the errors in the model are correlated across time, which can affect the reliability of the model's estimates.

Breusch-Pagan test

This test is employed to detect heteroscedasticity in the residuals of a market mix model. Heteroscedasticity occurs when the variability of the errors is not constant across different levels of the independent variables.

Chow test

The Chow test assesses whether there is a structural break or significant difference in the coefficients of the market mix model between two different time periods or subsets of the data. It helps determine if there are significant changes in the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.

 

Hausman test

The Hausman test is used to compare the efficiency of two different estimators, such as fixed effects and random effects, in panel data market mix models. It helps determine which estimator is more appropriate for the specific modeling scenario.

Wald test

The Wald test is used to test specific linear hypotheses about the coefficients of independent variables in the market mix model. It helps determine if certain variables or combinations of variables have a significant impact on the dependent variable.

Lagrange Multiplier test

This test is used to detect the presence of autocorrelation in a market mix model. It helps identify if the errors are correlated across time and provides insights into the model's accuracy.

KPI

KPIs, or Key Performance Indicators, are measurable values that help track and evaluate the performance and progress of an organization, team, or specific initiative. KPIs are used to assess whether objectives are being achieved and provide insights into areas that require improvement. Here are some key points about KPIs:

 

1. Purpose: KPIs are aligned with the strategic goals and objectives of an organization. They serve as quantifiable metrics that provide a clear understanding of performance, facilitating decision-making and goal-setting processes.

 

2. Measurement: KPIs are measurable, quantifiable, and based on relevant data. They can be expressed as percentages, ratios, numbers, or other units of measurement. KPIs should be reliable, consistent, and easily measurable to ensure accuracy and effectiveness.

 

3. Relevance: KPIs should be relevant to the specific area or aspect being measured. They should directly relate to the objectives or outcomes that are important to the organization. KPIs can vary across different departments or functions within an organization.

4. SMART Criteria: KPIs should adhere to the SMART criteria - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This ensures that KPIs are well-defined, actionable, and provide meaningful insights.

 

5. Leading vs. Lagging Indicators: KPIs can be classified as leading or lagging indicators. Lagging indicators measure past performance and assess the results achieved. Leading indicators, on the other hand, provide insights into future performance and help guide actions and decisions to drive desired outcomes.

 

6. Balanced Scorecard Approach: The balanced scorecard is a popular framework used to develop KPIs across different dimensions of an organization, including financial, customer, internal processes, and learning and growth perspectives. It helps provide a holistic view of performance.

 

7. Continuous Monitoring: KPIs require regular monitoring and tracking to gauge progress and make timely adjustments. They can be reviewed daily, weekly, monthly, or based on the specific requirements and timeframes of the organization or initiative.

 

8. Benchmarking: KPIs can be compared against industry standards, historical data, or internal targets to assess performance and identify areas of improvement. Benchmarking helps in setting realistic goals and identifying best practices.

 

9. Visualization and Reporting: KPIs are often presented visually through charts, graphs, dashboards, or scorecards to enhance understanding and facilitate effective communication. Reporting KPIs regularly helps stakeholders stay informed and make data-driven decisions.

 

10. Continuous Improvement: KPIs should be reviewed periodically to ensure their relevance and effectiveness. If KPIs are not providing valuable insights or driving desired outcomes, they may need to be adjusted or replaced to reflect changing priorities.

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