Politics and Ethics of Data Analytics in the Public Sector from Coursera

Deepen your understanding of the power and politics of data in the public sector, including how values — in addition to data and evidence — are always part of public sector decision-making. In this course, you will explore common ethical challenges associated with data, data analytics, and randomized controlled trials in the public sector. You will also navigate and understand the ethical issues related to data systems and data analysis by understanding frameworks, codes of ethics, and professional guidelines. Using two technical case studies, you will understand common ethical issues, including participation bias in populations and how slicing analysis is used to identify bias in predictive machine learning models. This course also serves as a capstone experience for the Data Analytics in the Public Sector with R Specialization, where you will conduct an applied policy options analysis using authentic data from a real-world case study. In this capstone exercise, you will review data as part of policy options analysis, create a visualization of the results, and make a recommendation.

All coursework is completed in RStudio in Coursera without the need to install additional software.

This is the fourth and final course within the Data Analytics in the Public Sector with R Specialization. The series is ideal for current or early-career professionals working in the public sector looking to gain skills in analyzing public data effectively. It is also ideal for current data analytics professionals or students looking to enter the public sector.

What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1: The Power and Politics of Data

Welcome to the fourth and the last course in the Data Analytics in the Public Sector with R Certificate— Politics and Ethics of Data Analytics in the Public Sector. This week, you will begin to develop a competent understanding of politics and ethical challenges in data analytics.

Week 2: Professional Ethics for Data Analysts

Welcome to Week 2! This week you will dive deeper into the ethical challenges in the profession of data analyst and learn how to respond to these ethical challenges. You will get learn through authentic examples and case studies.

Week 3: Bringing it All Together in a Case Study

Welcome to Week 3, the last week of this course! This week you will get to apply all that you learned in this course and the Data Analytics in the Public Sector with R Certificate through a capstone project. You will work with an authentic case study of “Providing Pensions for the Poor in Mexico.”

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Designed for public sector professionals seeking data analytics skills or students entering the field

In-demand data analytics skills for the public sector

Builds on previous courses in the specialization, providing a comprehensive learning experience

Provides practical, hands-on learning through case studies and real-world data analysis

Capstone project allows learners to apply their knowledge to a real-world policy analysis

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 Politics and Ethics of Data Analytics in the Public Sector with these activities:

Compile a Glossary of Key Terms and Concepts

Show steps

Create a glossary of key terms and concepts to enhance your understanding and recall of course material.

Browse courses on Data Analytics

Show steps

Identify and define key terms and concepts from the course.
Compile the terms and definitions into a glossary document.

Explore RStudio and Markdown for Data Analysis

Show steps

Familiarize yourself with the RStudio environment and Markdown syntax for data analysis.

Browse courses on R Programming

Show steps

Complete online tutorials or watch videos on RStudio and Markdown.
Practice writing R code and Markdown in RStudio.

Review Data Management and Statistical Concepts

Show steps

Refresh your understanding of data management and statistical concepts to strengthen your foundation for the course.

Browse courses on Data Analytics

Show steps

Review notes or textbooks on data management and statistics.
Practice solving basic statistical problems in R.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Plan an Applied Policy Options Analysis Project

Show steps

Develop a plan for an applied policy options analysis project that you will work on throughout the course.

Browse courses on Public Policy Analysis

Show steps

Identify a specific public policy issue you want to analyze.
Determine the data sources and methods you will use for your analysis.
Develop a timeline for completing your project.

Practice Data Wrangling and Exploration Techniques

Show steps

Gain proficiency in data wrangling and exploration techniques through hands-on practice.

Browse courses on Data Wrangling

Show steps

Load and clean datasets in R.
Perform exploratory data analysis using R functions and visualization techniques.

Attend a Workshop on Ethical Considerations in Data Analysis

Show steps

Deepen your understanding of ethical considerations in data analysis by attending a workshop or webinar.

Browse courses on Data Ethics

Show steps

Research and identify relevant workshops or webinars.
Attend the workshop or webinar and actively participate in discussions.

Develop a Data Analysis and Visualization Report

Show steps

Create a comprehensive data analysis and visualization report as the final deliverable for your applied policy options analysis project.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

Show steps

Analyze your data and identify patterns and trends.
Create visualizations to present your findings clearly and effectively.
Write a report summarizing your analysis and conclusions.

Volunteer in a Data-Driven Organization

Show steps

Gain practical experience in applying data analytics skills in a real-world setting.

Browse courses on Data Analytics

Show steps

Research and identify organizations that use data analytics in their work.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Participate in data-related projects or initiatives.

Career center

Learners who complete Politics and Ethics of Data Analytics in the Public Sector will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Public Administrator

A Public Administrator manages and oversees public programs and services. Public Administrators work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions. By gaining an understanding of the power and politics of data in the public sector and the ethical challenges associated with data analytics, you will be better equipped to manage public programs and services effectively and ethically.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Administrator

Statistician

A Statistician collects, analyzes, and interprets data. Statisticians work in a variety of fields, including public policy, healthcare, and finance. By gaining an understanding of the power and politics of data in the public sector and the ethical challenges associated with data analytics, you will be better equipped to use data to make informed decisions and develop effective solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data. Data Analysts work in a variety of fields, including public policy, healthcare, and finance. By gaining an understanding of the power and politics of data in the public sector and the ethical challenges associated with data analytics, you will be better equipped to use data to make informed decisions and develop effective solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Public Policy Specialist

A Public Policy Specialist develops and implements public policies. Public Policy Specialists work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, think tanks, and non-profit organizations. By gaining an understanding of the power and politics of data in the public sector and the ethical challenges associated with data analytics, you will be better equipped to develop and evaluate public policies that are based on evidence.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Policy Specialist

Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst researches, analyzes, and develops public policies. Policy Analysts work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, think tanks, and non-profit organizations. By gaining an understanding of the power and politics of data in the public sector and the ethical challenges associated with data analytics, you will be better equipped to develop and evaluate public policies that are based on evidence.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist uses data to solve problems and make predictions. Data Scientists work in a variety of fields, including finance, healthcare, and technology. By gaining an understanding of the power and politics of data in the public sector and the ethical challenges associated with data analytics, you will be better equipped to use data to make informed decisions and develop effective solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Economist

An Economist studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Economists work in a variety of fields, including public policy, finance, and academia. By gaining an understanding of the power and politics of data in the public sector and the ethical challenges associated with data analytics, you will be better equipped to use data to analyze economic trends and develop effective economic policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist

Nonprofit Manager

A Nonprofit Manager oversees the operations of a nonprofit organization. Nonprofit Managers work in a variety of fields, including social services, healthcare, and education. By gaining an understanding of the power and politics of data in the public sector and the ethical challenges associated with data analytics, you will be better equipped to manage nonprofit organizations effectively and ethically.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Management Analyst

A Management Analyst studies the organization and management of public and private organizations. Management Analysts work in a variety of fields, including healthcare, education, and government. By gaining an understanding of the power and politics of data in the public sector and the ethical challenges associated with data analytics, you will be better equipped to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of organizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Analyst

Sociologist

A Sociologist studies the social behavior and interactions of people. Sociologists work in a variety of fields, including public policy, academia, and market research. By gaining an understanding of the power and politics of data in the public sector and the ethical challenges associated with data analytics, you will be better equipped to use data to understand social trends and develop effective social policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sociologist

Political Scientist

A Political Scientist studies the political systems and processes of government. Political Scientists work in a variety of fields, including public policy, academia, and journalism. By gaining an understanding of the power and politics of data in the public sector and the ethical challenges associated with data analytics, you will be better equipped to use data to understand political trends and develop effective political strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Political Scientist

Market Research Analyst

A Market Research Analyst studies the market for goods and services. Market Research Analysts work in a variety of fields, including marketing, advertising, and product development. By gaining an understanding of the power and politics of data in the public sector and the ethical challenges associated with data analytics, you will be better equipped to use data to understand consumer trends and develop effective marketing strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Research Analyst

Survey Researcher

A Survey Researcher develops, designs, and conducts surveys to collect data for research purposes. Survey Researchers can work in a variety of fields, including public policy, marketing, and healthcare. By gaining an understanding of the power and politics of data in the public sector and the ethical challenges associated with data analytics, you will be better equipped to create and conduct surveys that collect accurate and reliable data. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to be a successful Survey Researcher.

See salaries and explore the career path for Survey Researcher

Philanthropy Officer

A Philanthropy Officer manages and oversees the fundraising and grant-making activities of a non-profit organization. Philanthropy Officers work in a variety of fields, including healthcare, education, and the arts. By gaining an understanding of the power and politics of data in the public sector and the ethical challenges associated with data analytics, you will be better equipped to develop and implement effective fundraising strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Philanthropy Officer

Business Intelligence Analyst

A Business Intelligence Analyst uses data to help businesses make better decisions. Business Intelligence Analysts work in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and retail. By gaining an understanding of the power and politics of data in the public sector and the ethical challenges associated with data analytics, you will be better equipped to use data to improve the performance of businesses.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Intelligence Analyst