Data analytics in budgeting for cultural institutions

: the case study of Casa da Música

Abstract

This study explores the application of data analytics to support budgeting and management control processes within cultural institutions, through the case study of Fundação Casa da Música. By adopting the CRISP-DM methodology, the project developed a twofold solution: (i) a descriptive model to automate classification and reporting of accounting transactions, and (ii) a predictive model to forecast monthly financial performance. The automation reduced the time spent on transaction classification by over 98%, significantly enhancing efficiency and scalability. Additionally, statistical forecasting techniques— namely Holt-Winters Exponential Smoothing—were applied to project future revenues, expenses, and earnings. The outputs were integrated into a Power BI environment, offering dynamic, interactive dashboards that supported financial oversight and strategic planning. Results indicate that data analytics can not only streamline reporting workflows but also foster proactive decision-making in the cultural sector. The findings highlight the transformative potential of analytical tools in bridging operational efficiency with institutional sustainability.

Date of Award	4 Jul 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Vera Lúcia Miguéis Oliveira e Silva (Supervisor)