Data for Effective Policy Making from edX

Dario, a worker in an NGO in Colombia and a participant in the course, points out that he applied the knowledge from the course to create DATASIMUS, a portal for urban mobility data that compares over 400 variables from transportation systems in the region. Discover more testimonials about the impact of this course below.

Thanks to this course, through videos and real-life cases, you will strengthen your abilities to use, understand, and interpret data. In this way, you will learn to define research problems, identify methodologies for data collection and analysis, interpret graphs, and acquire the foundations to support the decision making process in public management with verifiable data.

This course is "self-paced" so you can enroll at any time, even if the course has been open for a while.

If you choose the Audit Track , you can complete the course for free, but you won't have access to graded activities, and you won't be able to obtain a certificate upon course completion.

If you opt for the Verified Track , you can access the course unlimitedly and complete the graded assessments until the closing date by making a payment of USD 25. By doing so, if you pass the course, in addition to the verified certificate, you will receive a digital badge that allows you to transform how you share your academic and professional achievements, for example, on social media.

Do you know about edX financial aid to apply for the verified certificate and digital badge?

EdX offers financial assistance to students who have difficulties in making the payment. Enroll in the course and fill out this financial aid application.

See more information in the Frequently Asked Questions section below.

What you'll learn

This MOOC has been certified by Quality Matters (QM), a non-profit organization recognized as a leader in quality assurance in online education.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

Recognize the importance of the relationship between data analysis and decision making in public management.
Define the research problem, the starting hypothesis, the analysis variables and some methods to verify the hypotheses.
Identify the methodology that best addresses the problems of data collection, interpretation and analysis.
Interpret different types of visualizations and identify best practices for creating effective visualizations.
Identify the steps for creating and evaluating a data-driven policy.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Recognize the importance of the relationship between data analysis and decision making in public management.
Define the research problem, the starting hypothesis, the analysis variables and some methods to verify the hypotheses.
Identify the methodology that best addresses the problems of data collection, interpretation and analysis.

Interpret different types of visualizations and identify best practices for creating effective visualizations.
Identify the steps for creating and evaluating a data-driven policy.

Recognize the importance of the relationship between data analysis and decision making in public management.
Define the research problem, the starting hypothesis, the analysis variables and some methods to verify the hypotheses.
Identify the methodology that best addresses the problems of data collection, interpretation and analysis.
Interpret different types of visualizations and identify best practices for creating effective visualizations.
Identify the steps for creating and evaluating a data-driven policy.

Syllabus

Module 1: The Importance of Data in Decision Making.

Module 2: Converting Concepts into Measurable Parameters.

Module 3: Understanding Data Analysis.

Module 4: Displaying the Results.

Module 5: Closing the Loop: from Data to Planning.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides practical guidance on applying data analysis to public management

Offers a step-by-step approach to creating and evaluating data-driven policies

Instructors are recognized experts in data analysis and public management

Certified by Quality Matters, ensuring course quality

Covers a broad range of topics, from data collection to visualization and interpretation

Suitable for learners with a basic understanding of data analysis

Self-paced format may be challenging for learners who prefer a structured schedule

Verified Track requires a payment, which may be a barrier for some learners

Reviews summary

Policy data methods

Learners say that Data for Effective Policy Making provides valuable concepts for consultants in a rigorous format.

Students found the course to be challenging but worthwhile.

"It was rigorous within certain respects"

Students find the concepts and approaches taught to be useful.

"This coure was, undoubtedly, very informative."

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 Data for Effective Policy Making with these activities:

Read 'Data Analytics Made Accessible'

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Gain insights into real-world data analytics applications and case studies.

View Big Data: Second Edition on Amazon

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Read chapters relevant to the course topics.
Take notes and summarize key concepts.

Brush up on Data Analysis

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Review basic data analysis concepts to ensure a strong foundation for the course.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

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Review lecture notes or textbooks from previous data analysis courses.
Complete practice problems or exercises online or in a workbook.

Explore Online Data Analysis Resources

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Expand your knowledge by following interactive online tutorials.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

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Search for online tutorials on specific data analysis topics.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step and apply the concepts to your own projects.

Five other activities

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Participate in Study Groups

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Enhance your understanding through discussions and collaboration with peers.

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Join or form a study group with classmates.
Discuss course materials, share insights, and work through problems together.

Create a Data Visualization Portfolio

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Develop your skills in creating effective data visualizations to communicate insights from data.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Choose a dataset and a specific data analysis question to explore.
Use data visualization software to create multiple visualizations that represent the data and answer the question.
Refine the visualizations based on best practices and design principles.
Compile the visualizations into a portfolio that showcases your skills.

Practice Data Analysis Techniques

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Reinforce your understanding by practicing data analysis techniques.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

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Find practice problems or exercises online or in textbooks.
Solve the problems using the techniques covered in the course.
Check your answers and identify areas for improvement.

Build a Data Analytics Dashboard

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Put your skills to the test by building a data analytics dashboard for a specific business problem.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Identify a business problem that can be solved using data analysis.
Collect and prepare relevant data.
Design and build a dashboard using data visualization tools.
Test and refine the dashboard based on user feedback.

Develop a Data-Driven Policy Proposal

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Apply your knowledge to create a comprehensive data-driven policy proposal.

Browse courses on Public Policy

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Identify a public policy issue and research related data.
Analyze the data and identify insights that support your policy proposal.
Develop a policy proposal that addresses the issue and is supported by evidence.

Career center

Learners who complete Data for Effective Policy Making will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Public Health Analyst

Public Health Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to improve the health of communities. They use their findings to develop and implement public health programs. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Public Health Analyst. You'll learn how to define research problems, identify methodologies for data collection and analysis, interpret graphs, and acquire the foundations to support the decision making process in public management with verifiable data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Analyst

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve complex problems. They develop and implement machine learning models to identify patterns and trends in data. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Data Scientist. You'll learn how to define research problems, identify methodologies for data collection and analysis, interpret graphs, and acquire the foundations to support the decision making process in public management with verifiable data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use data to solve complex problems in business and industry. They develop and implement mathematical models to optimize processes. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Operations Research Analyst. You'll learn how to define research problems, identify methodologies for data collection and analysis, interpret graphs, and acquire the foundations to support the decision making process in public management with verifiable data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, interpret, and present data. They use their findings to help businesses, governments, and other organizations make better decisions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Statistician. You'll learn how to define research problems, identify methodologies for data collection and analysis, interpret graphs, and acquire the foundations to support the decision making process in public management with verifiable data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Market Research Analyst

Market Research Analysts conduct research to understand consumer needs and preferences. They use their findings to help businesses develop new products and services. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Market Research Analyst. You'll learn how to define research problems, identify methodologies for data collection and analysis, interpret graphs, and acquire the foundations to support the decision making process in public management with verifiable data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Research Analyst

Program Manager

Program Managers plan, implement, and evaluate programs. They use data to track progress and make decisions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Program Manager. You'll learn how to define research problems, identify methodologies for data collection and analysis, interpret graphs, and acquire the foundations to support the decision making process in public management with verifiable data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. They use data to track progress and make decisions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Project Manager. You'll learn how to define research problems, identify methodologies for data collection and analysis, interpret graphs, and acquire the foundations to support the decision making process in public management with verifiable data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Data Analyst

Data Analysts are responsible for collecting, cleaning, analyzing, and interpreting data. They use their findings to help businesses make better decisions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Data Analyst. You'll learn how to define research problems, identify methodologies for data collection and analysis, interpret graphs, and acquire the foundations to support the decision making process in public management with verifiable data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Data Engineer

Data Engineers design, build, and maintain data systems. They use data to develop and implement data-driven solutions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Data Engineer. You'll learn how to define research problems, identify methodologies for data collection and analysis, interpret graphs, and acquire the foundations to support the decision making process in public management with verifiable data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Business Intelligence Analyst

Business Intelligence Analysts use data to help businesses make better decisions. They identify trends, patterns, and insights in data. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Business Intelligence Analyst. You'll learn how to define research problems, identify methodologies for data collection and analysis, interpret graphs, and acquire the foundations to support the decision making process in public management with verifiable data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Intelligence Analyst

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the causes and patterns of disease. They use their findings to develop and implement public health programs to prevent and control disease. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Epidemiologist. You'll learn how to define research problems, identify methodologies for data collection and analysis, interpret graphs, and acquire the foundations to support the decision making process in public management with verifiable data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They use their findings to develop and recommend policy solutions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Policy Analyst. You'll learn how to define research problems, identify methodologies for data collection and analysis, interpret graphs, and acquire the foundations to support the decision making process in public management with verifiable data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They use data to improve the performance and functionality of software. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Software Engineer. You'll learn how to define research problems, identify methodologies for data collection and analysis, interpret graphs, and acquire the foundations to support the decision making process in public management with verifiable data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists research and develop new computer technologies. They use data to solve complex problems and develop new solutions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Computer Scientist. You'll learn how to define research problems, identify methodologies for data collection and analysis, interpret graphs, and acquire the foundations to support the decision making process in public management with verifiable data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. They use data to improve the user experience and functionality of websites. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Web Developer. You'll learn how to define research problems, identify methodologies for data collection and analysis, interpret graphs, and acquire the foundations to support the decision making process in public management with verifiable data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer