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Jim Pautz

In the modern workplace, it’s crucial to know how to analyze, synthesize, and tell stories with data. This self-paced career development course will help you learn how to use a spreadsheet application (like Microsoft Excel) as a powerful analytical and communication tool. You will perform real-world market and financial analyses and practice presenting your findings visually for maximum impact. By the end of the course, you will be able to make data-driven decisions that help your organization grow and prosper.

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In the modern workplace, it’s crucial to know how to analyze, synthesize, and tell stories with data. This self-paced career development course will help you learn how to use a spreadsheet application (like Microsoft Excel) as a powerful analytical and communication tool. You will perform real-world market and financial analyses and practice presenting your findings visually for maximum impact. By the end of the course, you will be able to make data-driven decisions that help your organization grow and prosper.

This is the fourth course in Fullbridge’s four-part Career Development XSeries, designed to prepare you to succeed in the modern workplace.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How to use spreadsheet applications like microsoft excel to execute basic analyses
  • How to determine the most appropriate excel functions for different tasks
  • How to calculate and analyze market size and market share
  • How to visualize and communicate data with charts and graphs
  • How to critically read visualized data
  • How to communicate different types of revenue, cost, and key profitability metrics

Syllabus

This is a self-paced course and can be completed according to your own schedule. Our recommendation is to complete the course over four weeks, with one to two hours of time spent working through the course per week. After the Course Introduction, each section should take approximately one to two hours to complete.
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Section 0: Course IntroductionReview course logistics, including the course overview, schedule, components, grading, and support.
Section 1: Spreadsheet Basics with ExcelLearn strategies and techniques that will enable you to effectively use spreadsheet applications like Excel to perform basic analyses.
Section 2: Market AnalysisFamiliarize yourself with market analysis and learn how to visualize data in a persuasive, honest way.
Section 3: Financial AnalysisMaster how to plan and execute effective financial analyses, including how to evaluate investments.
Section 4: Final Assessment and Course RecapDemonstrate your mastery of the course content in the final assessment.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches data analysis and spreadsheet applications, which are standard in industry
Taught by Jim Pautz, who is recognized for their work in spreadsheet applications
Develops data visualization and analysis skills, which are essential for decision-making and problem-solving in the workplace
Examines market and financial analysis using Excel, which are highly relevant to business professions
Covers spreadsheet basics with Excel, making it accessible to learners with limited experience
Requires students to take other courses first as prerequisites

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Reviews summary

Business data analysis overview

learners say Business and Data Analysis Skills provides a solid foundational overview of business and data analytics, including key concepts, tools, techniques, and practical applications.
The course covers a wide range of topics that are relevant to the field of analytics.
"--provides a solid foundational overview of key concepts and techniques"

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 and Data Analysis Skills with these activities:
Review Data Analytics Using Excel by Michael Alexander
Review this book to refresh knowledge of data analytics and Microsoft Excel.
Show steps
  • Get a copy of the book.
  • Read through the chapters that cover the foundational concepts of data analytics and Microsoft Excel.
  • Complete the practice problems at the end of each chapter.
Review Storytelling with Data by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic
Review this book to gain insights on communicating data effectively.
Show steps
  • Get a copy of the book.
  • Read through the chapters that cover the foundational concepts of data storytelling.
  • Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.
Participate in a study group with other students in the course
A study group will help you stay motivated and reinforce your understanding of the course material.
Browse courses on Collaboration
Show steps
  • Find other students in the course who are interested in forming a study group.
  • Set up a regular meeting schedule.
  • Review course material together.
  • Work on practice problems and projects together.
  • Quiz each other on the material.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Volunteer with a non-profit organization that uses data analysis
Volunteering will provide you with hands-on experience in data analysis and Excel.
Browse courses on Data Analysis
Show steps
  • Identify a non-profit organization that uses data analysis.
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Complete the necessary training.
  • Assist the organization with data analysis projects.
Complete Excel drills on market analysis and financial analysis
Practice drills will help you reinforce your understanding of market and financial analysis in Excel.
Browse courses on Market Analysis
Show steps
  • Find a set of Excel drills on market analysis and financial analysis.
  • Complete the drills, making sure to check your answers against the provided solutions.
  • Review the concepts that you struggled with.
Create a blog post or article on a topic related to data analysis with Microsoft Excel
Creating a blog post or article will help you solidify your understanding of data analysis and Excel.
Browse courses on Data Analysis
Show steps
  • Choose a topic related to data analysis with Microsoft Excel.
  • Research the topic thoroughly.
  • Write a blog post or article that is informative and engaging.
  • Publish your blog post or article on a relevant platform.
Create a data visualization dashboard in Microsoft Excel
Creating a dashboard will help you apply your Excel skills and demonstrate your ability to communicate data effectively.
Browse courses on Data Visualization
Show steps
  • Gather data from a reliable source.
  • Clean and prepare your data in Excel.
  • Select appropriate charts and graphs to visualize your data.
  • Design a user-friendly dashboard layout.
Develop a financial model in Microsoft Excel
Developing a financial model will challenge your knowledge of financial analysis and Excel.
Browse courses on Financial Modeling
Show steps
  • Identify a business or investment opportunity to analyze.
  • Gather financial data from relevant sources.
  • Build out a financial model in Excel, including assumptions, calculations, and projections.
  • Analyze the results of your model and make recommendations.

Career center

Learners who complete Business and Data Analysis Skills will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Data Analyst
Data Analysts are responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as how to use spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel to execute basic analyses, how to determine the most appropriate Excel functions for different tasks, and how to visualize and communicate data with charts and graphs. By taking this course, you will be well-prepared to enter or advance your career as a Data Analyst.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts are responsible for analyzing financial data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as how to use spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel to execute basic analyses, how to determine the most appropriate Excel functions for different tasks, and how to communicate different types of revenue, cost, and key profitability metrics. By taking this course, you will be well-prepared to enter or advance your career as a Financial Analyst.
Market Research Analyst
Market Research Analysts are responsible for conducting research to help businesses understand their target market. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as how to use spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel to execute basic analyses, how to determine the most appropriate Excel functions for different tasks, and how to calculate and analyze market size and market share. By taking this course, you will be well-prepared to enter or advance your career as a Market Research Analyst.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing business processes to help businesses improve their efficiency and effectiveness. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as how to use spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel to execute basic analyses, how to determine the most appropriate Excel functions for different tasks, and how to visualize and communicate data with charts and graphs. By taking this course, you will be well-prepared to enter or advance your career as a Business Analyst.
Consultant
Consultants are responsible for providing advice and guidance to businesses on a variety of topics. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as how to use spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel to execute basic analyses, how to determine the most appropriate Excel functions for different tasks, and how to visualize and communicate data with charts and graphs. By taking this course, you will be well-prepared to enter or advance your career as a Consultant.
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for managing the development and launch of new products. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as how to use spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel to execute basic analyses, how to determine the most appropriate Excel functions for different tasks, and how to calculate and analyze market size and market share. By taking this course, you will be well-prepared to enter or advance your career as a Product Manager.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and implementing marketing campaigns. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as how to use spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel to execute basic analyses, how to determine the most appropriate Excel functions for different tasks, and how to calculate and analyze market size and market share. By taking this course, you will be well-prepared to enter or advance your career as a Marketing Manager.
Operations Manager
Operations Managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a business. This course may help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as how to use spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel to execute basic analyses and how to determine the most appropriate Excel functions for different tasks. By taking this course, you will gain a better understanding of how to analyze data and make informed decisions, which can be helpful in an operations management role.
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning and executing projects. This course may help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as how to use spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel to execute basic analyses and how to determine the most appropriate Excel functions for different tasks. By taking this course, you will gain a better understanding of how to analyze data and make informed decisions, which can be helpful in a project management role.
Sales Manager
Sales Managers are responsible for leading and motivating sales teams. This course may help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as how to use spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel to execute basic analyses and how to determine the most appropriate Excel functions for different tasks. By taking this course, you will gain a better understanding of how to analyze data and make informed decisions, which can be helpful in a sales management role.
Auditor
Auditors are responsible for examining the financial records of a business to ensure that they are accurate and compliant with regulations. This course may help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as how to use spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel to execute basic analyses and how to determine the most appropriate Excel functions for different tasks. By taking this course, you will gain a better understanding of how to analyze financial data and make informed decisions, which can be helpful in an auditing role.
Tax Accountant
Tax Accountants are responsible for preparing and filing tax returns for individuals and businesses. This course may help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as how to use spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel to execute basic analyses and how to determine the most appropriate Excel functions for different tasks. By taking this course, you will gain a better understanding of how to analyze financial data and make informed decisions, which can be helpful in a tax accounting role.
Accountant
Accountants are responsible for managing the financial records of a business. This course may help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as how to use spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel to execute basic analyses and how to determine the most appropriate Excel functions for different tasks. By taking this course, you will gain a better understanding of how to analyze financial data and make informed decisions, which can be helpful in an accounting role.
Financial Planner
Financial Planners are responsible for helping individuals and families plan for their financial future. This course may help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as how to use spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel to execute basic analyses and how to determine the most appropriate Excel functions for different tasks. By taking this course, you will gain a better understanding of how to analyze financial data and make informed decisions, which can be helpful in a financial planning role.
Investment Analyst
Investment Analysts are responsible for evaluating and recommending investments. This course may help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, such as how to use spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel to execute basic analyses and how to determine the most appropriate Excel functions for different tasks. By taking this course, you will gain a better understanding of how to analyze financial data and make informed decisions, which can be helpful in an investment analyst role.

Reading list

We've selected 38 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 and Data Analysis Skills.
Aligns well with the course's focus on using Excel for data analysis and visualization. It provides a comprehensive guide to Excel's features and techniques, making it a valuable reference for learners looking to enhance their proficiency in the software.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Microsoft Excel, covering all the essential features and functions. It is particularly useful for beginners who are looking to gain a solid foundation in Excel.
Thought-provoking look at the process of data analysis. It good resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the principles of data analysis.
This beginner-friendly book provides a solid introduction to data analysis using Excel. It covers essential concepts and techniques, making it a good starting point for learners with limited experience in data analysis.
A handy reference for beginners seeking to learn the basics and more about Excel's capabilities.
Eric Siegel’s book is written for a broad audience interested in how businesses are using predictive analytics to make better decisions.
John Walkenbach’s book can serve as a reference guide as you work with formulas and functions in Excel.
Provides a comprehensive guide to using Excel and Power BI for data analysis. It covers a wide range of topics, from data cleaning and preparation to data visualization and interpretation. This book is helpful as a reference for specific Excel and Power BI functions.
Covers advanced Excel techniques and functions, such as data analysis, financial modeling, and business intelligence. It valuable resource for users who want to expand their Excel skills and knowledge.
Provides a solid foundation in statistics, which is essential for data analysis. It covers the fundamental concepts and techniques of statistics, making it a useful reference for learners who want to strengthen their understanding of statistical principles.
Beginner-friendly guide to using Excel for data analysis. It covers a wide range of topics, including data cleaning, data manipulation, and data visualization.
Practical guide to creating effective data visualizations in Excel. It covers a wide range of topics, including chart types, data formatting, and color theory.
Practical guide to using Excel for data analysis. It covers topics such as data cleaning, data manipulation, and statistical analysis. It useful reference for users who want to use Excel for data-driven decision-making.
Practical guide to using Excel for business analysis. It covers a wide range of topics, including data analysis, financial analysis, and project management.
Practical guide to telling stories with data. It good resource for anyone who wants to learn how to make their data more engaging and persuasive.
Al Sweigart’s book good way to learn Python, which popular programming language used in data science.
While this book focuses on Tableau rather than Excel, it provides valuable insights into data visualization techniques that can complement the course's content. Learners interested in expanding their data visualization skills beyond Excel may find this book beneficial.
Provides a step-by-step guide to building financial models in Excel. It covers topics such as financial statement analysis, forecasting, and valuation. It valuable resource for users who want to use Excel for financial planning and analysis.
Comprehensive guide to Microsoft Excel. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic to advanced. This book is helpful as a reference for specific Excel functions.
Is an intermediate-level guide to using Excel for data analysis. It covers a wide range of topics, including data cleaning, data manipulation, and data visualization.
Foster Provost and Tom Fawcett have written an approachable guide to data science that can add breadth to the course.
Is an introduction to data science. It covers a wide range of topics, including data cleaning, data manipulation, and data visualization. It good resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the basics of data science.
Covers the principles and techniques of data visualization using Excel. It provides guidance on how to create effective charts, graphs, and dashboards that communicate data insights clearly and visually.
Provides a comprehensive guide to using Power BI for data visualization. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic to advanced. This book may be useful as additional reading for learners who want to learn more about data visualization using Power BI.
Provides a comprehensive guide to using R for data science. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic to advanced. This book may be useful as additional reading for learners who want to learn more about data analysis using R.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to statistics and its applications in business and economics. It covers topics such as descriptive statistics, probability, inference, and regression analysis. It useful resource for users who want to understand the statistical concepts and methods used in data analysis.
Provides a comprehensive guide to using Python for data analysis. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic to advanced. This book may be useful as additional reading for learners who want to learn more about data analysis using Python.
Is an introduction to machine learning. It covers a wide range of topics, including supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and deep learning. It good resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the basics of machine learning.
Provides a comprehensive overview of statistical learning. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of probability to the latest advances in machine learning. This book is helpful in providing background knowledge on statistical learning.
Provides a comprehensive guide to time series analysis and forecasting. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of time series analysis to the latest advances in the field. This book is helpful in providing background knowledge on time series analysis and forecasting.
Provides a comprehensive guide to using Python for deep learning. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic to advanced. This book may be useful as additional reading for learners who want to learn more about deep learning using Python.
Provides a comprehensive guide to econometrics. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of econometrics to the latest advances in the field. This book is helpful in providing background knowledge on econometrics.
Provides an introduction to econometrics, with a focus on business and economic forecasting. It covers topics such as time series analysis, regression analysis, and forecasting models. It valuable resource for users who want to use econometrics for data-driven decision-making.
Provides a comprehensive overview of econometric forecasting methods. It covers topics such as time series analysis, regression analysis, and forecasting models. It valuable resource for users who want to use econometrics for data-driven forecasting.

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