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Douglas B. Laney
Businesses run on data, and data offers little value without analytics. The ability to process data to make predictions about the behavior of individuals or markets, to diagnose systems or situations, or to prescribe actions for people or processes drives business today. Increasingly many businesses are striving to become “data-driven”, proactively relying more on cold hard information and sophisticated algorithms than upon the gut instinct or slow reactions of humans.
Read more
Businesses run on data, and data offers little value without analytics. The ability to process data to make predictions about the behavior of individuals or markets, to diagnose systems or situations, or to prescribe actions for people or processes drives business today. Increasingly many businesses are striving to become “data-driven”, proactively relying more on cold hard information and sophisticated algorithms than upon the gut instinct or slow reactions of humans.
Read more
Businesses run on data, and data offers little value without analytics. The ability to process data to make predictions about the behavior of individuals or markets, to diagnose systems or situations, or to prescribe actions for people or processes drives business today. Increasingly many businesses are striving to become “data-driven”, proactively relying more on cold hard information and sophisticated algorithms than upon the gut instinct or slow reactions of humans.
This course will focus on understanding key analytics concepts and the breadth of analytic possibilities. Together, the class will explore dozens of real-world analytics problems and solutions across most major industries and business functions. The course will also touch on analytic technologies, architectures, and roles from business intelligence to data science, and from data warehouses to data lakes. And the course will wrap up with a discussion of analytics trends and futures.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/32g3fj/business
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What's inside
Syllabus
Course Overview & Module 1 Analytics Beyond the Spreadsheet
This first module exposes and explains key data and analytics concepts from Big Data to data warehousing to natural language query, and everything in-between. Next we will explore various analytic techniques, types of visualizations, and types of analytics solutions. The course will continue with identifying and learning about key data and analytics roles and organization structures, including chief data and analytics officers, data scientists, and analytics centers of excellence. Alternatives to direct hiring, such as outsourcing and crowdsourcing, will also be covered. Finally, the course will scrutinize analytic trends and futures.
Read more
Syllabus
Course Overview & Module 1 Analytics Beyond the Spreadsheet
This first module exposes and explains key data and analytics concepts from Big Data to data warehousing to natural language query, and everything in-between. Next we will explore various analytic techniques, types of visualizations, and types of analytics solutions. The course will continue with identifying and learning about key data and analytics roles and organization structures, including chief data and analytics officers, data scientists, and analytics centers of excellence. Alternatives to direct hiring, such as outsourcing and crowdsourcing, will also be covered. Finally, the course will scrutinize analytic trends and futures.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Serves as a solid foundational course
Develops essential analytics principles
Examines real-world applications of analytics across various industries
Introduces emerging trends and future prospects in analytics
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Reviews summary
Executive overview of business analytics
According to learners, this course provides a broad and valuable overview of business analytics. Many found it particularly useful for understanding key concepts, exploring real-world applications across various industries and business functions, and learning about analytics roles and organization structures. Students appreciated the focus on the strategic aspects of data and analytics, making it well-suited for executives and managers. However, some students noted a lack of deep technical detail, stating it is more conceptual than practical. The module on data visualization basics was highlighted as a helpful introduction to communicating findings. Overall, while it may not provide hands-on skills, students generally found it a positive and informative introduction to the field for a strategic audience.
The course content is organized logically into modules.
"The breakdown into modules made the information digestible."
"Course flows logically from concepts to applications to organization."
"Each module felt focused and covered its topic effectively."
"Structure is clear, easy to follow week by week."
Introduces principles of effective data visualization.
"The module on data visualization was a helpful primer on presenting data."
"Learned practical tips for creating better charts from the dataviz sections."
"Found the discussion on Dona Wong's guidelines particularly useful."
"A solid introduction to communicating findings visually."
Discusses analytics use cases across various industries.
"The examples from different industries were eye-opening and relevant."
"I appreciated seeing how analytics is applied in various business functions."
"Helped me see how I could apply these ideas within my own company."
"Good selection of case studies discussed throughout the course."
Provides a high-level understanding of analytics concepts.
"This course gave me a great high-level view of business analytics across many industries."
"Perfect for managers who need to grasp the potential of data without diving into code."
"I found the breadth of topics covered in the modules very helpful for context."
"An excellent starting point to understand what data analytics means for a business."
Not suitable for those seeking hands-on technical skills.
"Don't expect to learn how to *do* analytics; this is purely conceptual."
"Was hoping for more practical examples or tools, but it stays very high-level."
"If you're a data analyst, this might be too basic for your needs."
"Good for strategy, not for implementation details."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Business Analytics Executive Overview with these
activities:
Organize your notes and materials
Show steps
Keep your notes and materials organized so you can easily find what you need.
Show steps
-
Create a system for organizing your notes.
-
File your notes and materials.
-
Review your notes and materials regularly.
Follow tutorials on data analytics
Show steps
Learn new data analytics skills and techniques.
Browse courses on
Data Analytics
Show steps
-
Find tutorials online or on YouTube.
-
Follow the tutorials.
-
Practice the techniques you learn.
Explore SQL tutorials
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of SQL by exploring comprehensive tutorials.
Browse courses on
SQL
Show steps
-
Identify reputable resources for SQL tutorials.
-
Select tutorials that align with your skill level and course objectives.
-
Follow the tutorials step-by-step and work through the exercises.
-
Document any challenges or questions you encounter.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Review the textbook
Show steps
Familiarize yourself with the key concepts and techniques covered in the course.
View
Data Science for Business: What You Need to...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the assigned chapters from the textbook.
-
Take notes on the key concepts and ideas.
-
Complete the end-of-chapter exercises.
Attend a data analytics workshop
Show steps
Learn about new data analytics tools and techniques from industry experts.
Browse courses on
Data Analytics
Show steps
-
Find a data analytics workshop.
-
Register for the workshop.
-
Attend the workshop.
Complete data analysis exercises
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of data analysis concepts and techniques.
Browse courses on
Data Analysis
Show steps
-
Find practice exercises online or in textbooks.
-
Complete the exercises.
-
Check your answers.
Develop a data visualization dashboard
Show steps
Create a visual representation of data to communicate insights and findings.
Browse courses on
Data Visualization
Show steps
-
Choose a dataset to visualize.
-
Design your dashboard.
-
Develop your dashboard.
-
Present your dashboard.
Develop a data analysis project
Show steps
Apply the concepts and techniques learned in the course to a real-world problem.
Browse courses on
Data Analysis
Show steps
-
Identify a problem that you want to solve.
-
Collect and clean the data.
-
Analyze the data.
-
Develop a solution.
-
Present your findings.
Write a blog post about data analytics
Show steps
Share your knowledge and insights about data analytics with others.
Browse courses on
Data Analytics
Show steps
-
Choose a topic that you are interested in.
-
Research your topic.
-
Write your blog post.
-
Publish your blog post.
Organize your notes and materials
Show steps
Keep your notes and materials organized so you can easily find what you need.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Create a system for organizing your notes.
- File your notes and materials.
- Review your notes and materials regularly.
Follow tutorials on data analytics
Show steps
Learn new data analytics skills and techniques.
Browse courses on
Data Analytics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find tutorials online or on YouTube.
- Follow the tutorials.
- Practice the techniques you learn.
Explore SQL tutorials
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of SQL by exploring comprehensive tutorials.
Browse courses on
SQL
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable resources for SQL tutorials.
- Select tutorials that align with your skill level and course objectives.
- Follow the tutorials step-by-step and work through the exercises.
- Document any challenges or questions you encounter.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Review the textbook
Show steps
Familiarize yourself with the key concepts and techniques covered in the course.
View
Data Science for Business: What You Need to...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the assigned chapters from the textbook.
- Take notes on the key concepts and ideas.
- Complete the end-of-chapter exercises.
Attend a data analytics workshop
Show steps
Learn about new data analytics tools and techniques from industry experts.
Browse courses on
Data Analytics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a data analytics workshop.
- Register for the workshop.
- Attend the workshop.
Complete data analysis exercises
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of data analysis concepts and techniques.
Browse courses on
Data Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find practice exercises online or in textbooks.
- Complete the exercises.
- Check your answers.
Develop a data visualization dashboard
Show steps
Create a visual representation of data to communicate insights and findings.
Browse courses on
Data Visualization
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a dataset to visualize.
- Design your dashboard.
- Develop your dashboard.
- Present your dashboard.
Develop a data analysis project
Show steps
Apply the concepts and techniques learned in the course to a real-world problem.
Browse courses on
Data Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a problem that you want to solve.
- Collect and clean the data.
- Analyze the data.
- Develop a solution.
- Present your findings.
Write a blog post about data analytics
Show steps
Share your knowledge and insights about data analytics with others.
Browse courses on
Data Analytics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic that you are interested in.
- Research your topic.
- Write your blog post.
- Publish your blog post.
Career center
Learners who complete Business Analytics Executive Overview will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
As a Data Analyst, your job is to transform raw data into a usable format. You will have a strong understanding of data analysis techniques and be able to use them to identify trends and patterns. This course will equip you with the skills you need to succeed in this role, including data mining, data visualization, and statistical modeling. It will also introduce you to the latest trends and technologies in data analytics.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst is responsible for analyzing and interpreting business data to identify opportunities and solve problems. You will need to have a strong understanding of business processes and be able to use data analysis to improve them. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role, including data mining, data visualization, and statistical modeling. It will also introduce you to the latest trends and technologies in data analytics.
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
A Data Scientist uses scientific methods and algorithms to extract knowledge from data. You will need to have a strong understanding of data analysis techniques and be able to use them to solve business problems. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role, including data mining, data visualization, and statistical modeling. It will also introduce you to the latest trends and technologies in data analytics.
Market Researcher
Market Researcher
Market Researchers are responsible for gathering and analyzing data to understand customer needs and preferences. You will need to have a strong understanding of research methods and be able to use them to collect and interpret data. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role, including data mining, data visualization, and statistical modeling. It will also introduce you to the latest trends and technologies in data analytics.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts are responsible for analyzing financial data to make recommendations on investments. You will need to have a strong understanding of financial markets and be able to use data analysis to identify opportunities and risks. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role, including data mining, data visualization, and statistical modeling. It will also introduce you to the latest trends and technologies in data analytics.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analyst
An Operations Research Analyst uses mathematical and statistical techniques to solve business problems. You will need to have a strong understanding of operations research techniques and be able to use them to improve business processes. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role, including data mining, data visualization, and statistical modeling. It will also introduce you to the latest trends and technologies in data analytics.
Risk Analyst
Risk Analyst
A Risk Analyst is responsible for identifying and assessing risks to a business. You will need to have a strong understanding of risk management techniques and be able to use them to develop and implement risk management strategies. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role, including data mining, data visualization, and statistical modeling. It will also introduce you to the latest trends and technologies in data analytics.
Management Consultant
Management Consultant
A Management Consultant helps businesses improve their performance. You will need to have a strong understanding of business processes and be able to use data analysis to identify opportunities and solve problems. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role, including data mining, data visualization, and statistical modeling. It will also introduce you to the latest trends and technologies in data analytics.
Product Manager
Product Manager
A Product Manager is responsible for managing the development and launch of new products. You will need to have a strong understanding of product development and be able to use data analysis to identify customer needs and preferences. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role, including data mining, data visualization, and statistical modeling. It will also introduce you to the latest trends and technologies in data analytics.
Sales Analyst
Sales Analyst
A Sales Analyst is responsible for analyzing sales data to identify trends and opportunities. You will need to have a strong understanding of sales techniques and be able to use data analysis to improve sales performance. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role, including data mining, data visualization, and statistical modeling. It will also introduce you to the latest trends and technologies in data analytics.
Marketing Analyst
Marketing Analyst
A Marketing Analyst is responsible for analyzing marketing data to identify trends and opportunities. You will need to have a strong understanding of marketing techniques and be able to use data analysis to improve marketing performance. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role, including data mining, data visualization, and statistical modeling. It will also introduce you to the latest trends and technologies in data analytics.
Data Engineer
Data Engineer
A Data Engineer is responsible for designing and building data systems. You will need to have a strong understanding of data engineering techniques and be able to use them to build scalable and reliable data systems. This course may be useful as it provides an overview of data analytics concepts and technologies.
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer is responsible for designing and building software applications. You will need to have a strong understanding of software development techniques and be able to use them to build scalable and reliable software applications. This course may be useful as it provides an overview of data analytics concepts and technologies.
Web Developer
Web Developer
A Web Developer is responsible for designing and building websites. You will need to have a strong understanding of web development techniques and be able to use them to build scalable and reliable websites. This course may be useful as it provides an overview of data analytics concepts and technologies.
Database Administrator
Database Administrator
A Database Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining databases. You will need to have a strong understanding of database management techniques and be able to use them to ensure that databases are reliable and performant. This course may be useful as it provides an overview of data analytics concepts and technologies.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/32g3fj/business
Reading list
We've selected 12 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Business Analytics Executive Overview.
Save
As a textbook, this book offers a comprehensive coverage of business analytics principles and applications, complementing the course's focus on real-world analytics problems.
Provides practical examples and case studies of analytics applications across industries, complementing the course's focus on real-world problem-solving.
Provides a foundational understanding of data science principles and techniques, enhancing the course's exploration of analytics concepts.
Provides a comprehensive overview of data analytics concepts, techniques, and applications, making it a valuable resource for supplementing the course.
Save
Offers practical insights into predictive analytics, complementing the course's focus on understanding and implementing analytics solutions.
Save
Offers practical guidance on data visualization principles and techniques, complementing the course's emphasis on effective communication of data insights.
Save
As a more advanced text, this book offers a comprehensive coverage of data mining algorithms and techniques, providing additional depth for those interested in exploring these topics further.
Provides practical guidance on using data and analytics to drive business transformation, complementing the course's emphasis on real-world applications.
Save
Provides a detailed exploration of big data concepts, technologies, and applications, enriching the course's understanding of data and analytics landscapes.
Save
Offers an in-depth exploration of deep learning architectures and techniques, providing additional knowledge for those interested in advanced analytics methods.
Provides insights into storytelling techniques using data, enhancing the course's focus on data visualization and communication.
Provides a gentle introduction to data analytics for beginners, offering accessible explanations of key concepts.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/32g3fj/business
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Rating
4.6
Effort
Approx. 17 hours
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Instructor
Douglas B. Laney
Language
English
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