A county government is creating a budget for the next fiscal year. They wish to use analytics to guide their decisions about costs. Which analytic method can the county apply to this issue?

While the median cost provides a central value for the county’s own project expenditures, it does not offer a comparative perspective. Without understanding how these costs align with similar counties, the median alone may lead to misinformed budget decisions that do not account for external economic factors or best practices.

The median number of projects completed reflects past performance but does not directly inform future budgeting strategies regarding costs. This metric focuses on quantity rather than financial implications, making it less relevant for understanding how to allocate funds effectively for upcoming projects.

Similar to the median number of projects, the average number completed offers insight into the county's past activity levels but does not address cost management. This metric focuses on the volume of projects rather than the financial resources required, limiting its usefulness in budget planning discussions.