Business Metrics for Data-Driven Companies from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

About This Specialization and Course

This Coursera Specialization: Excel to MySQL: Analytic Techniques for Business, is about how 'Big Data' interacts with business, and how to use data analytics to create value for businesses. This specialization consists of four courses and a final Capstone Project, where you will apply your skills to real-world business process. You will learn to perform sophisticated data-analysis functions using powerful software tools such as Microsoft Excel, Tableau, and MySQL. To learn more, watch the video and review the specialization overview document we provided. In the first course of the specialization: Business Metrics for Data-Driven Companies, you will be able to learn best practices for using data analytics to make any company more competitive and more profitable; learn to recognize the most critical business metrics and distinguish those from mere data; understand the vital but different roles business analysts, business data analysts, and data scientists each play in various types of companies; and know exactly the skills required to be hired for, and succeed at, these high-demand jobs. Finally, using a 20-item checklist for evaluating a business, you'll be able to score any company on how effectively it is embracing big data culture. Digital companies like Amazon, Uber and Airbnb are transforming entire industries through their creative use of big data. You’ll understand why these companies are so disruptive, and how they use data-analytics techniques to out-compete traditional companies.To get started, please begin with the video 'About This Specialization.'I hope you enjoy this week's materials!

Introducing Business Metrics

Welcome! This week we will explore business metrics - the critical numbers that help companies figure out how to survive and thrive. Inside every pile of data is a vital metric trying to get out! By the end of this week, you will be able to: distinguish business metrics from mere business data; identify critical business metrics such as cash flow, profitability, and online retail marketing metrics; distinguish revenue, profitability and risk metrics; and distinguish traditional from dynamic metrics. Included in this week’s course materials is a Cash Flow and P&L statement for Egger’s Roast Coffee, as a supplemental document, so be sure to review it carefully and refer to the glossary for key information.

Working in the Business Data Analytics Marketplace

Welcome! This week, we will meet some great people - all former students of mine - now working at super-interesting and exciting jobs as business analysts, business data analysts, or data scientists. We’ll explore what they do, how their role relates to big data, and the skills they needed to get hired! Our hope is this information will give you a better understanding of the type of data-related job you might apply for once you've completed this specialization, and a sense of the type of company you would find most appealing to work for. By the end of this week, you will be able to: differentiate among different job roles within a company that work with data; identify how each role works with data; and describe the skills required to perform each job role. You will differentiate how different types of companies relate to big data culture, and rank any company according to a 20-item checklist. You will also learn to differentiate how different types of companies relate to big data culture. Included in this week’s materials is a 20-item checklist to rank companies. This week also includes in-video polls so you can see how others are ranking their businesses.

Going Deeper into Business Metrics

Welcome! This week we’re going to go deeper into the critically-important metrics for web marketing - metrics every type of business needs to understand in order to survive. We’ll dive into the 'vertical' market of financial services - where digital companies are threatening to take away the market from traditional 'brick-and- mortar' companies.By the end of this week, you will be able to: Identify critical business metrics for all companies engaged in web-based marketing; and identify critical business metrics for financial services companies. You’ll find additional website links that expand some of the course materials covered in this week’s video lectures.

Applying Business Metrics to a Business Case Study

This week contains the final course assignment, a peer assessment in which you will identify business metrics of interest in a case example, describe those metrics, and propose a business process change that could be supported by the metric chosen.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores business metrics and data analytics, a core skill for data analysts and business professionals

Provides a clear understanding of the roles of business analysts, business data analysts, and data scientists

Introduces hands-on tools and techniques, including Microsoft Excel, Tableau, and MySQL

Suitable for individuals interested in pursuing a career in business analytics or data science

Provides insights into the use of data analytics by disruptive digital companies

Reviews summary

Business drivers and metrics

Learners say this is a largely positive course on business metrics that begins with the basics, including definitions and examples, and ends with a complex case study and peer review. The course engaging assignments and outstanding instructor make it a popular choice for those looking to enter into the field of data analytics or business analysis. It sets a good foundation for future courses in the specialization on analytic techniques for business.

Learners find the pace of the course to be appropriate.

"It was a great experience, some topics should have been discussed in detail."

"This course is very well put together and presented clearly."

Learners say that reviews are helpful in understanding the material.

"I say so because I live in bengaluru, India sitting at 14,000 km apart. Thank you"

"The videos change very abruptly. There is very little flow and continuity between the videos. It feels like a collection of short videos, as compared to being a course/module."

Learners say that the assignments are effective in reinforcing the material.

"Great course. The peer graded assignment was a particularly effective review of the material presented in the course."

"The course is very useful, concise and straight to the point."

The final case study is a highlight for many learners.

"The final project homework is a bit challenging and takes in-depth understanding of the course content."

"Highly recommend it!!"

The examples in the course are practical and relevant to the business world.

"This course helped me a lot in understanding how metrics are associated to different business process and how we can measure them to make changes in an organization."

"The instructor did a great job of explaining the various business concepts. I truly enjoyed the course."

Learners appreciate the instructor's clarity and enthusiasm.

"This course has definiately given me new insight of data analytics job. I thanks the Professor for such good course."

"Great course with very important topics covered.Very good way of explaining the topics and brilliant examples."

A few learners express concern regarding the dated content of the course.

"this course seems to deep dive in some areas like money markets that are only really applicable if the you work or want to work in those areas."

"Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of courses available to become a rockstar product-metric developer. Though I learned several bits and pieces, as I am not a beginner, there is very little takeaway for me."

A small number of learners find the focus on finance to be too detailed.

"Found the overview of metrics insightful. Financial portion harder to follow, would have preferred more high level, same as other metrics discussed."

"A deep dive into finance too. very interesting if you are interested in Stocks and finance (which is my case), but probably a little specific for the large audience of this course."

Some learners struggle with the lack of hands-on learning.

"The topics covered are kind of not very interlinked (of course they relate to each other, but it seemed to me a bit too much of jumping from one topic to another)."

"A great information for beginner. The only reason for the 4 stars - couple technical mistakes in some of the calculations which then require more time to comprehend the material."

Some learners find the content to be too basic.

"Finished first week of work. Not designed for people with business degree who are looking to expand technical data analysis skills. It goes over many fundamental concepts of Business Administration."

"This course provides very basic about business metrics for data-driven companies, nice reading materials."

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 Metrics for Data-Driven Companies with these activities:

Seek mentorship from experienced business analytics professionals

Show steps

Seeking mentorship from experienced business analytics professionals will provide you with valuable insights, guidance, and support as you navigate your career.

Show steps

Identify potential mentors in your field
Reach out and request mentorship
Meet with your mentor regularly and seek their advice

Review financial data concepts

Show steps

Reviewing financial data concepts will help you understand the metrics used in business analytics.

Browse courses on Financial Concepts

Show steps

Review your notes and materials from previous financial courses, if any.
Read articles and blog posts about financial data concepts.
Take practice quizzes or tests to assess your understanding.

Practice SQL queries

Show steps

Practicing SQL queries will help you to improve your data analysis skills.

Browse courses on SQL Queries

Show steps

Find a dataset to work with.
Write SQL queries to retrieve and analyze the data.
Challenge yourself to write more complex and efficient queries.

Seven other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all ten activities

Read 'Data Analytics for Business' by Evan Stubbs

Show steps

Reading 'Data Analytics for Business' by Evan Stubbs will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the field and help you understand the key concepts and applications of data analytics in business.

View Big Data Big Innovation: Enabling Competitive... on Amazon

Show steps

Purchase or borrow a copy of the book
Read the book and take notes
Complete the exercises and case studies in the book

Create a data visualization using Tableau

Show steps

Creating a data visualization using Tableau will give you hands-on experience with a valuable business analytics tool.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

Show steps

Choose a dataset to work with.
Learn the basics of Tableau, such as how to create charts and graphs.
Create a data visualization that tells a story or provides insights.
Share your data visualization with others and get feedback.

Discuss business analytics case studies

Show steps

Discussing business analytics case studies with peers will allow you to share ideas, learn from others, and gain a deeper understanding of how businesses use data analytics to solve real-world problems.

Show steps

Review a case study and identify the key business issues
Prepare a presentation or discussion points to share with your peers
Participate in the peer discussion and share your insights

Write a blog post about a business analytics topic

Show steps

Writing a blog post about a business analytics topic will help you to synthesize your knowledge and improve your communication skills.

Browse courses on Business Analytics

Show steps

Choose a topic that you are interested in and that is relevant to business analytics.
Research your topic thoroughly.
Write a clear and concise blog post that is easy to read and understand.
Edit and proofread your blog post carefully.

Explore advanced data analytics techniques

Show steps

Exploring advanced data analytics techniques will expand your knowledge and prepare you for more complex and challenging roles in business analytics.

Show steps

Identify different advanced data analytics techniques
Research and learn about these techniques using online tutorials and resources
Apply these techniques to real-world datasets to gain hands-on experience

Develop a data analytics solution for a business problem

Show steps

Developing a data analytics solution for a business problem will allow you to apply your skills and knowledge to solve a real-world challenge and demonstrate your value as a business analyst or data scientist.

Show steps

Identify a business problem that can be solved using data analytics
Gather and analyze data relevant to the problem
Develop a data analytics solution that addresses the problem
Present your solution to stakeholders and get feedback

Mentor junior business analysts or data scientists

Show steps

Mentoring junior business analysts or data scientists will allow you to share your knowledge and experience, while also reinforcing your own understanding of the subject matter.

Show steps

Identify opportunities to mentor others
Provide guidance and support to mentees
Share your insights and best practices

Career center

Learners who complete Business Metrics for Data-Driven Companies will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Scientist

Data Scientists are responsible for developing and implementing data-driven solutions. They use data to help businesses make better decisions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to use data analytics to make any company more competitive and more profitable. Additionally, you will gain a clear picture of the different roles business analysts, business data analysts, and data scientists each play in various types of companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Business Analyst

Business Analysts excel when they are able to use their knowledge to help companies respond more effectively to their customers. This course can help you develop those skills, by teaching you hoe to recognize the most critical business metrics and distinguish those from mere data. Furthermore, you will learn about the vital but different roles business analysts play in various types of companies, and you will know exactly what skills are required to be hired for, and succeed at, this high-demand job.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Data Analyst

Data Analysts are responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data. They use this data to help businesses make better decisions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to use data analytics to make any company more competitive and more profitable. Additionally, you will gain a clear picture of the different roles business analysts, business data analysts, and data scientists each play in various types of companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Business Intelligence Analyst

Business Intelligence Analysts are in high demand, and they help companies make better decisions by providing them with the information they need. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to use data analytics to make any company more competitive and more profitable. Additionally, you will gain a clear picture of the different roles business analysts, business data analysts, and data scientists each play in various types of companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Intelligence Analyst

Consultant

Consultants help businesses to identify and solve problems. They often use data analytics to help businesses make better decisions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to use data analytics to make any company more competitive and more profitable. Additionally, you will gain a clear picture of the different roles business analysts, business data analysts, and data scientists each play in various types of companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Statistician

Statisticians use data analytics to collect, analyze, and interpret data. They use this information to help businesses make better decisions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to use data analytics to make any company more competitive and more profitable. Additionally, you will gain a clear picture of the different roles business analysts, business data analysts, and data scientists each play in various types of companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use data analytics to make predictions about the future. They use this information to help businesses make better decisions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to use data analytics to make any company more competitive and more profitable. Additionally, you will gain a clear picture of the different roles business analysts, business data analysts, and data scientists each play in various types of companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Web Analyst

Web Analysts use data analytics to measure the effectiveness of websites. They use this information to improve the design and content of websites. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to use data analytics to make any company more competitive and more profitable. Additionally, you will gain a clear picture of the different roles business analysts, business data analysts, and data scientists each play in various types of companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Analyst

Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use data analytics to help businesses improve their operations. They use data to identify and solve problems. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to use data analytics to make any company more competitive and more profitable. Additionally, you will gain a clear picture of the different roles business analysts, business data analysts, and data scientists each play in various types of companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Risk Analyst

Risk Analysts use data analytics to identify and manage risks. They use this information to help businesses make better decisions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to use data analytics to make any company more competitive and more profitable. Additionally, you will gain a clear picture of the different roles business analysts, business data analysts, and data scientists each play in various types of companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Analyst

Market Research Analyst

Market Research Analysts help businesses to understand their customers. They use data analytics to gather insights about customer behavior. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to use data analytics to make any company more competitive and more profitable. Additionally, you will gain a clear picture of the different roles business analysts, business data analysts, and data scientists each play in various types of companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Research Analyst

Sales Analyst

Sales Analysts use data analytics to help businesses improve their sales performance. They use this information to identify new opportunities and to make decisions about sales strategy. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to use data analytics to make any company more competitive and more profitable. Additionally, you will gain a clear picture of the different roles business analysts, business data analysts, and data scientists each play in various types of companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Analyst

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for developing and launching new products. They use data analytics to understand customer needs and to make decisions about product development. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to use data analytics to make any company more competitive and more profitable. Additionally, you will gain a clear picture of the different roles business analysts, business data analysts, and data scientists each play in various types of companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Teacher

Teachers use data analytics to help students learn more effectively. They use this information to identify areas where students need extra help and to develop lesson plans that are more effective. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to use data analytics to make any company more competitive and more profitable. Additionally, you will gain a clear picture of the different roles business analysts, business data analysts, and data scientists each play in various types of companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Writer

Writers use data analytics to create content that is more engaging and effective. They use this information to identify what topics are most popular and to develop content that is more likely to be shared. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to use data analytics to make any company more competitive and more profitable. Additionally, you will gain a clear picture of the different roles business analysts, business data analysts, and data scientists each play in various types of companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer