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Data-driven Decision Making

Welcome to Data-driven Decision Making. In this course, you'll get an introduction to Data Analytics and its role in business decisions. You'll learn why data is important and how it has evolved. You'll be introduced to “Big Data” and how it is used. You'll also be introduced to a framework for conducting Data Analysis and what tools and techniques are commonly used. Finally, you'll have a chance to put your knowledge to work in a simulated business setting.

This course was created by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP with an address at 300 Madison Avenue, New York, New York, 10017.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Data Analytics

In this module, you'll learn the basics of data analytics and how businesses use to solve problems. You'll learn the value data analytics brings to business decision-making processes. We’ll introduce you to a framework for data analysis and tools used in data analytics. Finally, we’re going to talk about careers and roles in data analytics and data science. Note: Video transcripts are auto generated and may contain spelling and punctuation errors.

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Explores the basics of data analytics and how businesses use it to solve problems

Taught by instructors from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, a leading professional services firm

Covers different types of data and how to gather it

Provides an overview of big data and its impact on businesses

Offers hands-on practice in a simulated business setting

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Reviews summary

Foundational intro to business data analytics

According to learners, this course provides a solid introductionpositive to data analytics and its role in business decision-makingneutral. Many found the content clear and the structure logical, making it accessible for beginnerspositive. The simulated business projectpositive is frequently highlighted as a valuable practical exercise, allowing students to apply concepts learned. However, some reviews indicate the course offers a high-level overviewwarning rather than deep technical detail, which might be a limitation for those seeking advanced skillswarning. The pace is generally considered good, but a few found certain sections moved too quickly or were not sufficiently detailed.

Some sections are fast, others detailed.

"Some parts of the course felt a bit rushed, while others went into just enough detail."

"I felt the introduction was comprehensive, but the tools section could have been slowed down or expanded."

"The pacing was mostly good, but I had to rewatch a few videos in the later modules."

Content is easy to follow and well-organized.

"The structure of the modules is very logical and easy to navigate."

"Explanations were clear and concise, making complex ideas understandable."

"I found the course content to be well-organized and the flow between topics was smooth."

"The videos were well-produced and the concepts explained clearly."

The final project is a valuable application.

"The project section was the highlight for me; applying the framework to a simulated business problem was very helpful."

"I really appreciated the hands-on experience provided by the final project."

"The project helped solidify the theoretical concepts learned in the modules."

"Doing the final project gave me confidence in using the data analysis framework."

Provides a clear foundation for newcomers.

"This course is a great introduction to data analytics for someone with little to no prior knowledge."

"As a complete beginner, I found the explanations easy to follow and the concepts well-presented."

"Perfect starting point if you're new to the world of data-driven decisions in business."

"I had no background in data analytics before this course, and I feel like I now have a good grasp of the basics."

Covers concepts broadly, lacks depth.

"Good for understanding the 'why' and 'what' of data analytics in business, but doesn't go deep into the 'how'."

"The course provides a broad introduction but feels more like an overview than a deep dive into techniques."

"If you are looking for detailed technical skills or specific tool training, this course might be too superficial."

"I was hoping for more practical examples of analysis techniques, but it stayed quite conceptual."

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-driven Decision Making with these activities:

Watch Introduction to Data Analytics video

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Grasp core concepts and definitions in data analytics

Browse courses on Data Analytics

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Watch the video 'Introduction to Data Analytics' hosted on Coursera

Complete Data Analytics Tutorial

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Enhance understanding of data types and roles of data analytics in decision making

Browse courses on Data Analytics

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Follow the 'Data Analytics Tutorial' hosted on Coursera

Data Analytics Discussion Group

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Engage with peers to discuss course concepts, share insights, and work through challenges, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

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Join or form a study group with fellow learners.
Meet regularly to discuss course materials, projects, and assignments.
Share resources, ask questions, and provide feedback to each other.

Three other activities

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Practice SQL Queries

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Reinforce your understanding of database querying by practicing SQL queries on provided datasets.

Browse courses on SQL

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Access the SQL practice environment.
Execute and review query results for at least 10 different queries.
Identify and correct syntax errors in queries.

Tableau Tutorial

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Enhance your data visualization skills by completing an interactive Tableau tutorial, covering chart types, data transformations, and dashboard creation.

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Enroll in an online Tableau tutorial.
Complete all modules and hands-on exercises.
Create a Tableau dashboard based on a provided dataset.

Data Analytics Project

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Apply your data analytics knowledge to address a real-world business problem by collecting, analyzing, and presenting your findings.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

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Identify a business problem that can be addressed through data analytics.
Gather and clean data from multiple sources.
Analyze data using appropriate techniques and tools.
Develop insights and recommendations based on your analysis.
Create a presentation or report to communicate your findings and recommendations.

Career center

Learners who complete Data-driven Decision Making will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst gathers, processes, and analyzes data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course provides a solid foundation in data analytics, including data collection, analysis techniques, and visualization tools. By completing this course, you'll gain the skills necessary to succeed as a Data Analyst, enabling you to contribute to data-driven decision-making within organizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist uses scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from data in various forms, both structured and unstructured. This course provides a comprehensive overview of data analytics, including big data and data analysis techniques, which are essential for success in the field. By taking this course, you'll gain the knowledge and skills to become a successful Data Scientist, enabling you to contribute to data-driven innovation and decision-making.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst identifies and analyzes business needs and develops solutions to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This course provides a strong foundation in data analytics, which is increasingly important for Business Analysts to understand and use in their work. By completing this course, you'll gain the skills to translate business requirements into data-driven solutions, enhancing your value as a Business Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Market Researcher

A Market Researcher gathers and analyzes data about consumer behavior, market trends, and industry dynamics to help businesses make informed decisions. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to data analytics and its applications in market research. By taking this course, you'll gain the skills to conduct effective market research studies and leverage data to gain insights into consumer behavior and market trends, enhancing your value as a Market Researcher.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher

Financial Analyst

A Financial Analyst analyzes financial data and trends to make investment recommendations and advise clients on financial matters. This course provides a solid foundation in data analytics, which is increasingly important for Financial Analysts to understand and use in their work. By completing this course, you'll gain the skills to analyze financial data, identify trends, and make informed recommendations, enhancing your value as a Financial Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Operations Research Analyst

An Operations Research Analyst uses mathematical and analytical techniques to solve complex business problems and improve decision-making. This course provides a strong foundation in data analytics, which is essential for Operations Research Analysts to use in their work. By completing this course, you'll gain the skills to analyze data, develop models, and optimize solutions, enhancing your value as an Operations Research Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Management Consultant

A Management Consultant advises businesses on how to improve their performance and achieve their goals. This course provides a comprehensive overview of data analytics, which is increasingly important for Management Consultants to understand and use in their work. By taking this course, you'll gain the skills to analyze data, identify trends, and make informed recommendations, enhancing your value as a Management Consultant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Data Engineer

A Data Engineer designs, builds, and maintains data pipelines and infrastructure to support data analytics. This course provides a strong foundation in data analytics, including data storage, processing, and management techniques. By completing this course, you'll gain the skills to design and implement data pipelines, enabling you to contribute to the efficient and effective use of data within organizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. This course provides a solid foundation in data analytics, which is increasingly important for Software Engineers to understand and use in their work. By completing this course, you'll gain the skills to analyze data, identify trends, and develop data-driven software solutions, enhancing your value as a Software Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Quantitative Analyst

A Quantitative Analyst uses mathematical and statistical models to analyze data and make investment decisions. This course provides a solid foundation in data analytics, which is essential for Quantitative Analysts to use in their work. By completing this course, you'll gain the skills to analyze financial data, identify trends, and develop quantitative models, enhancing your value as a Quantitative Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Actuary

An Actuary analyzes and manages financial risks for insurance companies and other financial institutions. This course provides a solid foundation in data analytics, which is increasingly important for Actuaries to understand and use in their work. By completing this course, you'll gain the skills to analyze data, identify trends, and develop risk models, enhancing your value as an Actuary.

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Statistician

A Statistician collects, analyzes, and interprets data to provide insights and make informed decisions. This course provides a strong foundation in data analytics, which is essential for Statisticians to use in their work. By completing this course, you'll gain the skills to analyze data, identify trends, and develop statistical models, enhancing your value as a Statistician.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Data Architect

A Data Architect designs and manages data infrastructure to support data analytics. This course provides a strong foundation in data analytics, including data storage, processing, and management techniques. By completing this course, you'll gain the skills to design and implement data architectures, enabling you to contribute to the efficient and effective use of data within organizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Architect

Database Administrator

A Database Administrator manages and maintains databases to ensure data integrity and performance. This course provides a strong foundation in data analytics, including data storage, processing, and management techniques. By completing this course, you'll gain the skills to manage and maintain databases, enabling you to contribute to the efficient and effective use of data within organizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst protects data and information systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course provides a solid foundation in data analytics, which is increasingly important for Information Security Analysts to understand and use in their work. By completing this course, you'll gain the skills to analyze data, identify trends, and develop security measures, enhancing your value as an Information Security Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Reading list

We've selected 27 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-driven Decision Making.

Python for Data Analysis

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Provides a hands-on introduction to data analysis with Pandas, a popular Python library for data manipulation and analysis.

Data-driven Decision Making

What's inside

Syllabus

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Save this course

Reviews summary

Foundational intro to business data analytics

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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