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Robert J. Brunner

Welcome to Data Analytics Foundations for Accountancy II! I'm excited to have you in the class and look forward to your contributions to the learning community.

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Welcome to Data Analytics Foundations for Accountancy II! I'm excited to have you in the class and look forward to your contributions to the learning community.

To begin, I recommend taking a few minutes to explore the course site. Review the material we’ll cover each week, and preview the assignments you’ll need to complete to pass the course. Click Discussions to see forums where you can discuss the course material with fellow students taking the class.

If you have questions about course content, please post them in the forums to get help from others in the course community. For technical problems with the Coursera platform, visit the Learner Help Center.

Good luck as you get started, and I hope you enjoy the course!

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Orientation
You will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course.
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Module 1: Introduction to Machine Learning
This module provides the basis for the rest of the course by introducing the basic concepts behind machine learning, and, specifically, how to perform machine learning by using Python and the scikit learn machine learning module. First, you will learn how machine learning and artificial intelligence are disrupting businesses. Next, you will learn about the basic types of machine learning and how to leverage these algorithms in a Python script. Third, you will learn how linear regression can be considered a machine learning problem with parameters that must be determined computationally by minimizing a cost function. Finally, you will learn about neighbor-based algorithms, including the k-nearest neighbor algorithm, which can be used for both classification and regression tasks.
Module 2: Fundamental Algorithms
This module introduces several of the most important machine learning algorithms: logistic regression, decision trees, and support vector machine. Of these three algorithms, the first, logistic regression, is a classification algorithm (despite its name). The other two, however, can be used for either classification or regression tasks. Thus, this module will dive deeper into the concept of machine classification, where algorithms learn from existing, labeled data to classify new, unseen data into specific categories; and, the concept of machine regression, where algorithms learn a model from data to make predictions for new, unseen data. While these algorithms all differ in their mathematical underpinnings, they are often used for classifying numerical, text, and image data or performing regression in a variety of domains. This module will also review different techniques for quantifying the performance of a classification and regression algorithms and how to deal with imbalanced training data.
Module 3: Practical Concepts in Machine Learning
This module introduces several important and practical concepts in machine learning. First, you will learn about the challenges inherent in applying data analytics (and machine learning in particular) to real world data sets. This also introduces several methodologies that you may encounter in the future that dictate how to approach, tackle, and deploy data analytic solutions. Next, you will learn about a powerful technique to combine the predictions from many weak learners to make a better prediction via a process known as ensemble learning. Specifically, this module will introduce two of the most popular ensemble learning techniques: bagging and boosting and demonstrate how to employ them in a Python data analytics script. Finally, the concept of a machine learning pipeline is introduced, which encapsulates the process of creating, deploying, and reusing machine learning models.
Module 4: Overfitting & Regularization
This module introduces the concept of regularization, problems it can cause in machine learning analyses, and techniques to overcome it. First, the basic concept of overfitting is presented along with ways to identify its occurrence. Next, the technique of cross-validation is introduced, which can mitigate the likelihood that overfitting can occur. Next, the use of cross-validation to identify the optimal parameters for a machine learning algorithm trained on a given data set is presented. Finally, the concept of regularization, where an additional penalty term is applied when determining the best machine learning model parameters, is introduced and demonstrated for different regression and classification algorithms.
Module 5: Fundamental Probabilistic Algorithms
This module starts by discussing practical machine learning workflows that are deployed in production environments, which emphasizes the big picture view of machine learning. Next this module introduces two additional fundamental algorithms: naive Bayes and Gaussian Processes. These algorithms both have foundations in probability theory but operate under very different assumptions. Naive Bayes is generally used for classification tasks, while Gaussian Processes are generally used for regression tasks. This module also discusses practical issues in constructing machine learning workflows.
Module 6: Feature Engineering
This module introduces an important concept in machine learning, the selection of the actual features that will be used by a machine learning algorithm. Along with data cleaning, this step in the data analytics process is extremely important, yet it is often overlooked as a method for improving the overall performance of an analysis. This module beings with a discussion of ethics in machine learning, in large part because the selection of features can have (sometimes) non-obvious impacts on the final performance of an algorithm. This can be important when machine learning is applied to data in a regulated industry or when the improper application of an algorithm might lead to discrimination. The rest of this module introduces different techniques for either selecting the best features in a data set, or the construction of new features from the existing set of features.
Module 7: Introduction to Clustering
This module introduces clustering, where data points are assigned to larger groups of points based on some specific property, such as spatial distance or the local density of points. While humans often find clusters visually with ease in given data sets, computationally the problem is more challenging. This module starts by exploring the basic ideas behind this unsupervised learning technique, as well as different areas in which clustering can be used by businesses. Next, one of the most popular clustering techniques, K-means, is introduced. Next the density-based DB-SCAN technique is introduced. This module concludes by introducing the mixture models technique for probabilistically assigning points to clusters.
Module 8: Introduction to Anomaly Detection
This module introduces the concept of an anomaly, or outlier, and different techniques for identifying these unusual data points. First, the general concept of an anomaly is discussed and demonstrated in the business community via the detection of fraud, which in general should be an anomaly when compared to normal customers or operations. Next, statistical techniques for identifying outliers are introduced, which often involve simple descriptive statistics that can highlight data that are sufficiently far from the norm for a given data set. Finally, machine learning techniques are reviewed that can either classify outliers or identify points in low density (or outside normal clusters) areas as potential outliers.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Assists professionals in the accounting industry by offering practical expertise and implementation support
Incorporates popular programming languages and packages, such as Python and Sci-kit Learn, to enhance the practical utility of its teachings
Explores the most up-to-date theories and methodologies in machine learning, staying at the forefront of the industry
Provides a comprehensive guide to all aspects of the machine learning process, including data preparation, model selection, and result interpretation
Demonstrates the application of machine learning in the real world, preparing students for job application
Led by Robert J. Brunner, who has extensive experience in the field and is recognized for his contributions to machine learning

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Reviews summary

Mixed opinions on data analytics course

According to students, Data Analytics Foundations for Accountancy II is a course with mixed opinions. While some learners found the course to be useful and engaging, others reported encountering issues with outdated Python libraries and autograders.
Useful for accounting and auditing
"I like this course. Because it is very useful to accounting and auditing ."
Outdated Python libraries and autograders
"Outdated Python libraries and autograder issues"

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 Analytics Foundations for Accountancy II with these activities:
Review Basic Machine Learning Concepts
Reviewing core concepts in machine learning can help ensure a strong understanding of the foundation of this course.
Browse courses on Machine Learning
Show steps
  • Review linear regression concepts and algorithms.
  • Go over neighbor-based algorithms, such as k-nearest neighbor.
  • Refresh your knowledge of logistic regression and its role in classification.
Refresh your Python skills
Review foundational Python concepts and techniques to ensure proficiency before starting the course.
Browse courses on Python
Show steps
  • Review basic syntax and data types
  • Practice data manipulation and cleaning techniques
  • Explore data visualization libraries and techniques
Review the book 'Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras, and TensorFlow'
Gain a deeper understanding of machine learning concepts and practical implementation techniques through a detailed review of this comprehensive book.
Show steps
  • Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting important concepts
  • Engage with the exercises and examples provided in the book to reinforce your understanding
  • Create a summary or mind map that captures the key takeaways from each chapter
Six other activities
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Show all nine activities
Join a study group to work on course exercises and projects together
Collaborate with peers to reinforce course concepts, discuss different perspectives, and enhance your problem-solving abilities.
Show steps
  • Find or form a study group with other students
  • Meet regularly to work on course exercises and projects together
  • Discuss different approaches and solutions, and learn from each other's perspectives
Follow online tutorials on advanced machine learning techniques
Enhance your understanding of complex machine learning topics by seeking out and following guided tutorials that delve into specific algorithms and techniques.
Browse courses on Machine Learning
Show steps
  • Identify specific topics or techniques you want to explore further
  • Find reputable online tutorials or courses that cover these topics
  • Complete the tutorials and apply the learned techniques to your own projects
Solve LeetCode problems related to machine learning algorithms
Challenge yourself and refine your problem-solving skills by tackling LeetCode problems that test your understanding of machine learning concepts.
Browse courses on Machine Learning
Show steps
  • Select LeetCode problems that cover specific machine learning algorithms or concepts
  • Read and understand the problem statement and requirements
  • Implement the solution using appropriate machine learning techniques
  • Debug and refine your solution to meet the time and space complexity requirements
Develop a data analysis dashboard for a non-profit organization
Showcase your data analysis skills by creating a visual and interactive tool that helps a non-profit organization understand and communicate their impact.
Browse courses on Data Visualization
Show steps
  • Meet with the non-profit organization to understand their needs
  • Design and develop the dashboard using appropriate tools
  • Present the dashboard to the non-profit organization and gather feedback
Create a blog post or article summarizing the key concepts of machine learning
Solidify your understanding by explaining machine learning concepts in your own words and sharing your knowledge with others.
Browse courses on Machine Learning
Show steps
  • Choose a specific topic or aspect of machine learning to focus on
  • Research and gather information on the topic
  • Write a clear and concise blog post or article that explains the topic
  • Publish your article and share it with others
Build a machine learning model to predict customer churn
Apply course concepts to a practical project, gaining hands-on experience in building and evaluating machine learning models.
Browse courses on Machine Learning
Show steps
  • Gather and pre-process real-world customer data
  • Choose and implement appropriate machine learning algorithms
  • Evaluate model performance and refine the model as needed
  • Communicate findings and insights from the model

Career center

Learners who complete Data Analytics Foundations for Accountancy II will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Data Analyst
Data Analysts gather data, use analytics to interpret that data, and communicate findings to help businesses make better decisions. They collaborate with other departments to find ways to make processes more efficient by streamlining collection and analysis techniques. This course in Data Analytics Foundations for Accountancy II will help build foundational skills in machine learning, data analysis, and statistics. These skills are essential for Data Analysts who use data to identify trends, patterns, and deviations that can then be used to help businesses address unmet needs.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists work with enormous volumes of data, structured or unstructured, to uncover patterns, trends, and actionable insights. They combine their knowledge of mathematics, statistics, and programming to develop and implement algorithms and models to help businesses translate this data into strategic advantages. This course will help students develop the skills they need to clean, process, analyze, and interpret large and complex datasets, which are core skills for Data Scientists.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts analyze business performance using data and make recommendations for investment strategies. They are typically involved in advising on mergers and acquisitions, issuing stock recommendations, and analyzing the performance of companies or entire industries. This course will provide foundational knowledge and skills in machine learning, data analysis, and statistics, which are in high demand in the financial industry.
Market Research Analyst
Market Research Analysts study market conditions to help businesses make better decisions about their products, services, and marketing strategies. They collect and analyze data from a variety of sources, including surveys, questionnaires, and interviews. This course covers important data analysis techniques including linear regression, decision trees, and support vector machines, which Market Research Analysts use to analyze market trends and customer behavior.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts use their knowledge of business processes and data analysis techniques to help organizations improve their performance. They work with stakeholders to identify and understand business needs, and then use data to develop solutions that can improve efficiency and profitability. This course will build the skills needed to collect, analyze, and interpret data, which are essential for Business Analysts in identifying opportunities for improvement and making recommendations for change.
Accountant
Accountants manage the financial records of businesses, ensuring that they are accurate and compliant with regulations. They analyze financial data to help businesses understand their performance and make sound financial decisions. This course will help build a foundation in data analysis techniques, including linear regression, decision trees, and support vector machines, which are increasingly being used by Accountants to improve the accuracy and efficiency of financial reporting.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers plan and execute marketing campaigns to promote products and services. They oversee all aspects of marketing, including market research, advertising, public relations, and sales promotion. This course covers important data analysis techniques that are essential for Marketing Managers to understand market trends, customer behavior, and marketing campaign effectiveness.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and analytical techniques to solve complex business problems. They work with businesses to improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability by analyzing data and developing recommendations for improvement. This course will provide a foundation in data analysis techniques, including linear regression, decision trees, and support vector machines, which are essential for Operations Research Analysts to develop and implement effective solutions.
Risk Manager
Risk Managers identify, assess, and manage risks that can impact a business. They work with businesses to develop and implement risk management strategies to minimize the impact of potential risks. This course will provide a foundation in data analysis techniques, including linear regression, decision trees, and support vector machines, which are essential for Risk Managers to develop and implement effective risk management strategies.
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze financial data and make investment decisions. They work with hedge funds, investment banks, and other financial institutions to develop and implement trading strategies. This course will build a foundation in data analysis techniques, including linear regression, decision trees, and support vector machines, which are essential for Quantitative Analysts to develop and implement effective trading strategies.
Statistician
Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make better decisions. They work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. This course will provide a foundation in data analysis techniques, including linear regression, decision trees, and support vector machines, which are essential for Statisticians to design and conduct effective statistical studies.
Data Engineer
Data Engineers design and build the infrastructure that is used to store and process data. They work with data scientists and other stakeholders to ensure that data is available and accessible for analysis. This course will provide a foundation in data analysis techniques, including linear regression, decision trees, and support vector machines, which are essential for Data Engineers to develop and implement efficient and scalable data storage and processing systems.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work with businesses to develop software solutions that meet their specific needs. This course will provide a foundation in data analysis techniques, including linear regression, decision trees, and support vector machines, which can be applied to develop software applications that can analyze and interpret data.
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine Learning Engineers develop and implement machine learning models to solve complex business problems. They work with businesses to identify and solve problems that can be addressed using machine learning techniques. This course will provide a foundation in data analysis techniques, including linear regression, decision trees, and support vector machines, which are essential for Machine Learning Engineers to develop and implement effective machine learning models.
Data Architect
Data Architects design and build data architectures that enable businesses to manage and use their data effectively. They work with businesses to develop data strategies and ensure that data is available and accessible for analysis. This course will provide a foundation in data analysis techniques, including linear regression, decision trees, and support vector machines, which are essential for Data Architects to develop and implement scalable and efficient data architectures.

Reading list

We've selected 14 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 Data Analytics Foundations for Accountancy II.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to pattern recognition and machine learning. It covers a wide range of topics, from supervised and unsupervised learning to Bayesian inference.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to machine learning from a probabilistic perspective. It covers a wide range of topics, from Bayesian inference to supervised and unsupervised learning.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to machine learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras, and TensorFlow. It covers a wide range of topics, from data preprocessing to model deployment.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to deep learning. It covers a wide range of topics, from neural networks to deep learning architectures.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to Python for data analysis. It covers a wide range of topics, from data manipulation to data visualization.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to R for data science. It covers a wide range of topics, from data manipulation to data visualization.
Provides a comprehensive overview of machine learning. It covers a wide range of topics, from machine learning algorithms to applications of machine learning.
Provides a practical introduction to machine learning for business. It covers a wide range of topics, from data preprocessing to model deployment.
Provides a practical introduction to data mining techniques. It covers a wide range of topics, from data preprocessing to model evaluation.
Provides a practical introduction to machine learning for hackers. It covers a wide range of topics, from data preprocessing to model deployment.

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