Data Warehouse Concepts, Design, and Data Integration from Coursera

This is the second course in the Data Warehousing for Business Intelligence specialization. Ideally, the courses should be taken in sequence.

In this course, you will learn exciting concepts and skills for designing data warehouses and creating data integration workflows. These are fundamental skills for data warehouse developers and administrators. You will have hands-on experience for data warehouse design and use open source products for manipulating pivot tables and creating data integration workflows. In the data integration assignment, you can use either Oracle, MySQL, or PostgreSQL databases. You will also gain conceptual background about maturity models, architectures, multidimensional models, and management practices, providing an organizational perspective about data warehouse development. If you are currently a business or information technology professional and want to become a data warehouse designer or administrator, this course will give you the knowledge and skills to do that. By the end of the course, you will have the design experience, software background, and organizational context that prepares you to succeed with data warehouse development projects.

In this course, you will create data warehouse designs and data integration workflows that satisfy the business intelligence needs of organizations. When you’re done with this course, you’ll be able to:

* Evaluate an organization for data warehouse maturity and business architecture alignment;

* Create a data warehouse design and reflect on alternative design methodologies and design goals;

* Create data integration workflows using prominent open source software;

* Reflect on the role of change data, refresh constraints, refresh frequency trade-offs, and data quality goals in data integration process design; and

* Perform operations on pivot tables to satisfy typical business analysis requests using prominent open source software

What's inside

Syllabus

Data Warehouse Concepts and Architectures

Module 1 introduces the course and covers concepts that provide a context for the remainder of this course. In the first two lessons, you’ll understand the objectives for the course and know what topics and assignments to expect. In the remaining lessons, you will learn about historical reasons for development of data warehouse technology, learning effects, business architectures, maturity models, project management issues, market trends, and employment opportunities. This informational module will ensure that you have the background for success in later modules that emphasize details and hands-on skills.You should also read about the software requirements in the lesson at the end of module 1. I recommend that you try to install the software this week before assignments begin in week 2.

Multidimensional Data Representation and Manipulation

Now that you have conceptual background for data warehouse development, you’ll start using data warehouse tools. In module 2, you will learn about the multidimensional representation of a data warehouse used by business analysts. You’ll apply what you’ve learned in practice and graded problems using WebPivotTable, a web-based tool for manipulating pivot tables. At the end of this module, you will have solid background to communicate and assist business analysts who use a multidimensional representation of a data warehouse. To complete this module, you should proceed to the assignment and quiz involving WebPivotTable.

Data Warehouse Design Practices and Methodologies

This module emphasizes data warehouse design skills. Now that you understand the multidimensional representation used by business analysts, you are ready to learn about data warehouse design using a relational database. In practice, the multidimensional representation used by business analysts must be derived from a data warehouse design using a relational DBMS. You will learn about design patterns, summarizability problems, transformations for schema integration, and design methodologies. You will apply these concepts to mini case studies about data warehouse design. At the end of the module, you will have created data warehouse designs based on data sources and business needs of hypothetical organizations.

Data Integration Concepts, Processes, and Techniques

Module 4 extends your background about data warehouse development. After learning about schema design concepts and practices, you are ready to learn about data integration processing to populate and refresh a data warehouse. The informational background in module 4 covers concepts about data sources, data integration processes, and techniques for pattern matching and inexact matching of text. Module 4 provides detailed material about SQL statements for data integration with examples and an assignment for both Oracle Cloud and PostgreSQL. Module 4 provides a context for the software skills that you will learn in module 5.

Architectures, Features, and Details of Data Integration Tools

Module 5 extends your background about data integration from module 4. Module 5 covers architectures, features, and details about data integration tools to complement the conceptual background in module 4. You will learn about the features of two open source data integration tools, Talend Open Studio and Pentaho Data Integration. You will use Pentaho Data Integration in a guided tutorial in preparation for a graded assignment involving Pentaho Data Integration. For the tutorial and assignment, you need to connect to a database server, Oracle Cloud or PostgreSQL. If you have time, I recommend completing the data integration assignment using both Oracle Cloud and PostgreSQL.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers multidimensional representation of a data warehouse, which is standard in industry

Focuses on creating data warehouse designs and data integration workflows, which are core skills for data warehouse professionals

Led by Michael Mannino, who is recognized for his work in data warehousing and business intelligence

Requires prior knowledge of data warehousing concepts, recommending courses in sequence

Assessment includes hands-on projects, providing practical experience

Examines real-world data warehousing scenarios, increasing relevance

Reviews summary

Intermediate data warehousing

According to students, this course on concepts in data warehousing and data integration is best suited for those with some prior experience in the field. Reviewers state that the course has a strong emphasis on theory and is more academic in nature, which may not be ideal for those seeking practical, hands-on learning. Installation of multiple software programs is also required, which some reviewers found to be a hindrance.

Multiple software programs need to be installed to complete the course.

"You have to install a lot of software to follow this course, almost every part you have to use something else."

"So asking your ICT department every time is a bummer."

This course is more theoretical and academic than practical.

"Too academic, maybe normal for a University course."

"But really not a practical course for someone wanting to pick up the knowledge or skills."

"The tools are not very popular in the market, either highly enterprised Oracle or free tools."

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 Warehouse Concepts, Design, and Data Integration with these activities:

Review basic SQL concepts

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Reviewing the basics of SQL will help solidify your understanding of data manipulation and retrieval, which is essential for data warehousing.

Browse courses on SQL

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Go through your notes or textbooks on SQL syntax.
Practice writing SQL queries to create tables, insert data, and perform basic operations.

Write a blog post about data integration

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Writing about data integration will help you organize your thoughts and deepen your understanding of the subject.

Browse courses on Data Integration

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Choose a specific topic related to data integration.
Research the topic and gather information.
Write your blog post.
Publish your blog post and promote it on social media.

Participate in a data warehousing study group

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Participating in a study group will allow you to discuss course material with peers and learn from each other.

Browse courses on Data Warehousing

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Find a study group that meets your needs.
Attend study group meetings regularly.
Participate actively in discussions.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Complete the Pentaho Data Integration tutorial

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This tutorial will provide you with hands-on experience using a popular open-source data integration tool.

Browse courses on Pentaho Data Integration

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Follow the steps outlined in the official Pentaho Data Integration documentation.
Create a simple data integration workflow.

Solve data integration problems

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Solving data integration problems will help you develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the context of data warehousing.

Browse courses on Data Integration

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Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
Attempt to solve the problems without looking at the solutions.
Check your solutions against the provided answers.

Mentor a junior data warehouse developer

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Mentoring others will help you solidify your understanding of data warehousing concepts and practices.

Browse courses on Data Warehousing

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Find a junior data warehouse developer who is willing to be mentored.
Set up regular meetings to discuss data warehousing concepts and practices.
Provide guidance and support to the mentee.

Attend a data integration workshop

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Attending a workshop will allow you to learn from experts and connect with other professionals in the field.

Browse courses on Data Integration

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Find a workshop that fits your interests and schedule.
Register for the workshop.
Attend the workshop and participate actively.

Participate in a data integration competition

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Participating in a competition will challenge you to apply your skills and knowledge in a real-world setting.

Browse courses on Data Integration

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Find a competition that you are interested in.
Register for the competition.
Prepare for the competition by practicing your skills.
Compete in the competition.

Career center

Learners who complete Data Warehouse Concepts, Design, and Data Integration will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Warehouse Designer

A Data Warehouse Designer is responsible for the design and development of data warehouses. They work with business stakeholders to understand their data needs and then design a data warehouse that meets those needs. This course can help you build a strong foundation in data warehouse design concepts and methodologies. You will learn about different data warehouse architectures, design patterns, and summarizability problems. You will also gain experience in using data warehouse design tools. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Data Warehouse Designer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Warehouse Designer

Data Warehouse Administrator

A Data Warehouse Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of a data warehouse. They work with data warehouse users to ensure that they have access to the data they need and that the data is accurate and up-to-date. This course can help you build a strong foundation in data warehouse administration concepts and practices. You will learn about data warehouse architecture, data integration, and data quality. You will also gain experience in using data warehouse administration tools. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Data Warehouse Administrator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Warehouse Administrator

Data Integration Engineer

A Data Integration Engineer is responsible for designing and implementing data integration solutions. They work with data sources and data targets to create a data integration process that meets the needs of the business. This course can help you build a strong foundation in data integration concepts and techniques. You will learn about data sources, data integration processes, and data quality. You will also gain experience in using data integration tools. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Data Integration Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Integration Engineer

Business Intelligence Analyst

A Business Intelligence Analyst is responsible for analyzing data to identify trends and patterns. They work with business stakeholders to understand their business needs and then use data to help them make better decisions. This course can help you build a strong foundation in data analysis concepts and techniques. You will learn about data mining, data visualization, and data reporting. You will also gain experience in using business intelligence tools. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Business Intelligence Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Intelligence Analyst

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist is responsible for using data to solve business problems. They work with data to identify trends, patterns, and insights. They then use these insights to develop solutions that can help the business achieve its goals. This course can help you build a strong foundation in data science concepts and techniques. You will learn about data mining, machine learning, and data visualization. You will also gain experience in using data science tools. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Data Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Database Administrator

A Database Administrator is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of databases. They work with database users to ensure that they have access to the data they need and that the data is accurate and up-to-date. This course can help you build a strong foundation in database administration concepts and practices. You will learn about database design, data security, and data recovery. You will also gain experience in using database administration tools. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Database Administrator.

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Software Engineer

A Software Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of software applications. They work with software users to understand their needs and then design and develop software applications that meet those needs. This course can help you build a strong foundation in software engineering concepts and practices. You will learn about software design, software development, and software testing. You will also gain experience in using software engineering tools. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Software Engineer.

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Information Technology Manager

An Information Technology Manager is responsible for the planning, implementation, and management of information technology systems. They work with business stakeholders to understand their business needs and then develop and implement IT solutions that meet those needs. This course can help you build a strong foundation in information technology management concepts and practices. You will learn about IT planning, IT implementation, and IT management. You will also gain experience in using IT management tools. This course can help you prepare for a career as an Information Technology Manager.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager is responsible for the planning, execution, and closure of projects. They work with project stakeholders to understand their needs and then develop and execute a project plan that meets those needs. This course can help you build a strong foundation in project management concepts and practices. You will learn about project planning, project execution, and project closure. You will also gain experience in using project management tools. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Project Manager.

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Data Analyst

A Data Analyst is responsible for analyzing data to identify trends and patterns. They work with data to identify insights that can help businesses make better decisions. This course can help you build a strong foundation in data analysis concepts and techniques. You will learn about data mining, data visualization, and data reporting. You will also gain experience in using data analysis tools. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Data Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst is responsible for analyzing business processes to identify areas for improvement. They work with business stakeholders to understand their needs and then develop and implement solutions that meet those needs. This course can help you build a strong foundation in business analysis concepts and practices. You will learn about business process analysis, business requirements gathering, and business solution design. You will also gain experience in using business analysis tools. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Business Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

IT Consultant

An IT Consultant is responsible for providing advice and guidance to businesses on how to use information technology to meet their business needs. They work with businesses to identify their IT needs and then develop and implement IT solutions that meet those needs. This course can help you build a strong foundation in IT consulting concepts and practices. You will learn about IT consulting, IT service management, and IT project management. You will also gain experience in using IT consulting tools. This course can help you prepare for a career as an IT Consultant.

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Data Architect

A Data Architect is responsible for the design and implementation of data architectures. They work with data stakeholders to understand their data needs and then design and implement data architectures that meet those needs. This course can help you build a strong foundation in data architecture concepts and practices. You will learn about data modeling, data integration, and data governance. You will also gain experience in using data architecture tools. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Data Architect.

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Database Designer

A Database Designer is responsible for the design and implementation of databases. They work with data users to understand their data needs and then design and implement databases that meet those needs. This course can help you build a strong foundation in database design concepts and practices. You will learn about data modeling, data normalization, and database security. You will also gain experience in using database design tools. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Database Designer.

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Data Engineer

A Data Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of data pipelines. They work with data sources and data targets to create a data pipeline that meets the needs of the business. This course can help you build a strong foundation in data engineering concepts and practices. You will learn about data integration, data transformation, and data quality. You will also gain experience in using data engineering tools. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Data Engineer.

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