Instant Cancellation Buffer Time

Given a dataset (~4 columns, datetime-heavy), suggest an appropriate buffer time for instant cancellation requests; deliver a report, ppt slides and Excel output by the next day.

Asked in the Take-home case study stage. Round 2 take-home.

Requirements

1. Inspect and validate the datetime fields, including timezone, ordering, missing values, duplicates, and impossible intervals.
2. Define the cancellation timing metric and recommend a buffer period using the observed request and cancellation patterns.
3. Explain the trade-off between honoring instant cancellations and allowing operational processing time.
4. Produce a concise report, presentation slides, and Excel workbook containing calculations, charts, assumptions, and the recommendation.
5. State limitations and identify additional data needed before production implementation.

Data Available

A small dataset with approximately four columns, primarily datetime fields. The exact schema and business definitions must be inferred and documented during the analysis.