Business intelligence and data analytics: Generate insights from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Basics of insight generation

Organisations and governments everywhere want to exploit data to predict behaviors and extract valuable real-world insights. Billions of devices and social media conversations are fueling the rate at which humanity is producing data. Therefore, we need more skills to understand data and make our systems, policies and governance models more efficient. This week we will highlight the potential of generating insights with the help of data in allowing individuals, businesses, and governments to make effective decisions.

Basic statistics: Foundations of quantitative insights

In week 2, we’ll focus on basic statistics. It’s one of the most important components of Data Analytics and it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of all the related concepts to be successful in the data industry. Statistics provide us with a set of tools that offer ways to convert quantitative data and qualitative data into information that we can use to generate insights.

The normal distribution and histograms

Businesses must constantly strive to offer “better” products and services than their competitors. One of the oldest and time-proven techniques by which we can visualise and think about quality in a methodological way is via normal distributions or bell curves. So in week 3, we’ll start by learning about histograms and the normal curve and then have a look at empirical rule which gives us a quick rough estimate about the spread of the given data. Finally, we’ll learn about the measures that quantify the interrelationships between two data variables. Correlation and covariance are two important measures that quantify the relationship between variables and we’ll study both.

Data visualisation

Visualisation is a key technique which can provide answers hidden in data. In this week, you will explore various data visualisations available and how to use them for analysis. These techniques will empower you to create compelling stories and dashboards from your data that the non-analyst community can also understand easily. As a person working in the data industry, you don’t just need to deal with data and solve data-driven problems but the incumbent also needs to convince company executives and government officials of the right decisions to make. These executives/officials may not be well versed in data science, so the incumbent must but be able to present and visualise the data’s story in a way they will understand. And this module will help you achieve that.

Advanced charts and dashboards

This week we learn how to create bar and bullet charts, and dashboards. Data visualization helps to tell stories by curating data into a form easier to understand. A good visualisation tells a story, by removing the noise from data and highlighting the useful information.

Demand forecasting

This week we’ll look at how, by using predictive modelling, we can generate actionable insights that when implemented will provide businesses with a predictable future outcome. Predictive modeling is a group of methods and algorithms that you can employ to forecast an outcome. Utilising basic predictive modelling techniques, we will also explore consumer demand forecasting.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops skills in data analytics and insights generation, which are in high demand in various industries

Applies data analytics concepts to sustainability-oriented innovation, addressing current challenges and opportunities

Covers future-proofing skills like teamwork, stakeholder collaboration, and ethical decision-making, which are essential for navigating future organizational challenges

Provides a comprehensive overview of data analytics and its applications, making it suitable for beginners and those seeking to enhance their understanding

Emphasizes the use of real-world challenges for practical application of data analytics techniques

Requires access to statistical software for hands-on exercises, which may incur additional costs for learners

Reviews summary

Tableau-based business intelligence and data analytics

Learners say that this course is well received by students and provides a solid introduction to business intelligence, data analytics, and Tableau. The beginner-friendly course offers step-by-step guidance, engaging assignments, and hands-on practice with Tableau where students can generate insights for better decision making. Although some students mention that the difficulty increases towards the end of the course and that some questions may have incorrect answers, overall, the positive feedback suggests that students find this course to be informative, engaging, and helpful in developing their data analytics skills.

Course materials are organized and presented in a logical manner.

"Overall the course is well presented and structured."

"A wonderful journey i had with prof conor stead really a calm teacher with the right easy and understandable choose of words he made me do this thankyou very much to each and every contributer"

"The Course give deep insight into data analytics tool (tableau) and the quiz is also really amazing."

Suitable for learners with little to no prior knowledge.

"This course is very beginner-friendly."

"The course is amazing, on going step by step practice recalls and assignments help an individual to revise his/her own concept."

"Easy to follow and with interesting insights as also exercises to understand Tableau and its different functionalities properly."

Course includes practical exercises and assignments to reinforce learning.

"Very well-prepared assignments to follow and actual hands-on practice in SAS Visuals system."

"It was a great course very explanatory and with great practice tests."

"It has very practical information and assignments, I recommend it!"

Heavy emphasis on using Tableau for data analysis and visualization.

"Great way to learn with concepts as well as handson experience with Tableau"

"The course provides lot of useful insights to analyze data and produce various charts and graphs for different analysis requirements"

"This Course given a good insights in applying techniques in real life work expereince"

Some students report an increase in difficulty towards the end of the course.

"The course gets a little too complex towards the end, regarding demand forecasting."

"This course provides good overview on how to generate insights using Tableau.Overall the course is well presented and structured."

"Please provide more business cases or examples . The course has too much statistics and sometimes in order to answer the questions of the you have to acquire knowledge on your own from books or statistics websites."

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 intelligence and data analytics: Generate insights with these activities:

Read 'Megatrends: How the World Will Change and Shape Our Lives'

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Gain a comprehensive overview of the key megatrends shaping the future by reading this seminal work.

View Megatrends 2000 on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes on the main points.
Identify the key megatrends and their potential implications.
Consider how these megatrends might impact your organization or industry.

Collaborate with peers on a data analysis project

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Strengthen your analytical skills by working with peers to solve a complex data analysis problem.

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Form a study group with other students in the course.
Choose a data analysis project that interests the group.
Divide the work among group members.
Meet regularly to discuss progress and share insights.
Present the final project to the class.

Practice interpreting basic statistics

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Build a solid foundation in statistics by completing practice exercises that reinforce the concepts covered in Week 2.

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Review the provided statistical concepts and formulas.
Solve the practice problems using the provided datasets.
Check your answers and compare them with the solutions.

Four other activities

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Design a data-driven infographic

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Enhance your data visualization skills by creating an infographic that effectively communicates key insights from a given dataset.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Choose a dataset and identify the key insights you want to convey.
Select an appropriate infographic format and design.
Use data visualization principles to create clear and engaging visuals.
Share your infographic with others for feedback.

Explore advanced visualization techniques

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Expand your understanding of data visualization by following tutorials that showcase advanced techniques for presenting data insights.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Identify the appropriate advanced visualization technique for a given dataset.
Find and follow online tutorials to learn how to implement the technique.
Create your own visualizations using the learned techniques.

Contribute to a data analytics open-source project

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Gain practical experience in data analytics by contributing to a real-world open-source project.

Browse courses on Data Analytics

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Identify an open-source data analytics project that aligns with your interests.
Learn about the project's goals and codebase.
Identify a specific area where you can contribute your skills.
Submit a pull request with your proposed changes.
Collaborate with the project maintainers to refine and merge your contributions.

Develop a sustainability-focused innovation proposal

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Apply the concepts of sustainability and innovation by creating a proposal that outlines a novel solution to a real-world challenge.

Browse courses on Sustainability

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Identify a specific sustainability-related issue.
Research and explore potential solutions.
Develop a detailed proposal outlining your innovative solution.
Present your proposal to a group of peers or mentors for feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Business intelligence and data analytics: Generate insights will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst is responsible for analyzing data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, including data analysis, visualization, and communication. You will also learn how to use data to identify trends and patterns, and how to make recommendations based on your findings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Business Intelligence Analyst

A Business Intelligence Analyst is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, including data analysis, visualization, and communication. You will also learn how to use data to identify trends and patterns, and how to make recommendations based on your findings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Intelligence Analyst

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist is responsible for developing and implementing data-driven solutions to business problems. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, including data analysis, machine learning, and deep learning. You will also learn how to communicate your findings to non-technical audiences.

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Market Researcher

A Market Researcher is responsible for conducting research to help businesses understand their customers and make informed decisions. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, including data analysis, survey design, and qualitative research methods. You will also learn how to use data to identify trends and patterns, and how to make recommendations based on your findings.

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Data Engineer

A Data Engineer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining data systems. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, including data architecture, database management, and cloud computing. You will also learn how to work with big data and how to use data to solve business problems.

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Management Consultant

A Management Consultant is responsible for helping businesses improve their performance. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, including problem-solving, analytical thinking, and communication. You will also learn how to use data to identify trends and patterns, and how to make recommendations based on your findings.

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Operations Research Analyst

An Operations Research Analyst is responsible for using mathematical and analytical techniques to solve business problems. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, including optimization, simulation, and queuing theory. You will also learn how to use data to identify trends and patterns, and how to make recommendations based on your findings.

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Financial Analyst

A Financial Analyst is responsible for analyzing financial data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, including financial analysis, modeling, and valuation. You will also learn how to use data to identify trends and patterns, and how to make recommendations based on your findings.

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Risk Analyst

A Risk Analyst is responsible for identifying and assessing risks to businesses. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, including risk management, modeling, and scenario analysis. You will also learn how to use data to identify trends and patterns, and how to make recommendations based on your findings.

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Product Manager

A Product Manager is responsible for developing and managing products. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, including product development, marketing, and customer research. You will also learn how to use data to identify trends and patterns, and how to make recommendations based on your findings.

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Data Architect

A Data Architect is responsible for designing and managing data architectures. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, including data modeling, data integration, and data governance. You will also learn how to use data to identify trends and patterns, and how to make recommendations based on your findings.

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Statistician

A Statistician is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, including statistical analysis, modeling, and forecasting. You will also learn how to use data to identify trends and patterns, and how to make recommendations based on your findings.

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Database Administrator

A Database Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining databases. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, including database design, database administration, and data security. You will also learn how to use data to identify trends and patterns, and how to make recommendations based on your findings.

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Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst is responsible for protecting businesses from cyberattacks. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, including information security, risk assessment, and incident response. You will also learn how to use data to identify trends and patterns, and how to make recommendations based on your findings.

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Software Engineer

A Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role, including programming, software design, and testing. You will also learn how to use data to identify trends and patterns, and how to make recommendations based on your findings. Some Software Engineers who specialize in data analysis may find this course especially helpful.

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