Introduction to Business Analytics: Communicating with Data from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Introduction and Module 1: Pictures You See With Your Brain

This module, will help you earn the foundation needed to become a good data communicator. After completion of this module, you will know the history of data visualizaiton, understand today’s dataviz tools, make connections with visuals, and evaluate the effectiveness of data visualizations.

Module 2: Working Fast and Thinking Slow

This module will walk you through various methods to access data. The data could be either publicly available or company internal. The module also reviews why it is important for analysts to define clear objectives for their analysis. You will also be introduced to frameworks that help guide digital marketing analysis and their importance to data visualization.

Module 3: Finding Your Data Story

In this module, you will learn an approach to finding patterns in data through visualization. You will see how charts can be used to communicate messages that can be conceptual or data driven and declarative or exploratory. Next, we will learn how to use different charting techniques to reveal data patterns. Visual aids play a major role in identifying ideas and, as a result, we will learn how to match the appropriate visual technique to the ideas we hope to expose. Next, we will explore analysis tools. RStudio is one of the most commonly used tools, and we will explore its visual capabilities. Finally, we will discuss a framework that will help analysts effectively plan for data collection, analysis, and, ultimately, visualization.

Module 4: Getting Your Story Across

This module explores telling stories, through data, that connect emotionally with your audience. It will also review examples and figures that make the concept easy to understand. You will learn the major do’s and don’ts of creating dataviz and rules that lead to the clear depiction of your findings. This unit specifically focuses on Dona Wong’s guidelines for good data visualization and charts. The last leg of Module 4 teaches the three tests that help you improve your visualization. In the final step of dataviz execution, you will learn the McCandless Method for presenting visualizations. This five-step process produces the most effective communication of the graphics to your audience.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Delves into the use of visuals to communicate data in the digital space

Provides a foundation in data analytics for business professionals

Covers data visualization best practices and tools

Teaches data collection, analysis, and visualization techniques

Instructors Kevin Hartman and Unnati Narang bring expertise in business analytics

Examines the effective use of data for decision-making

Reviews summary

Introduction to business analytics: communicating through data

learners say this course is largely positive and engaging. It covers lectures, readings, exams, quizzes, and homework assignments that are well received. Students commend the instructor, Professor Kevin Hartman, for his ability to explain complex material clearly and his knowledgeable and engaging lectures. The course provides students with a strong foundation in data visualization and its applications in business. Students also appreciate the practical assignments and real-world examples, which help them to apply their learning directly to their own projects. Overall, this course is a highly recommended introduction to data visualization and its relevance in business today.

Assignments that apply learning to real-world scenarios

"The most valuable part of the course was an introduction to new tools and applying different models/rules to build a story that your audience can connect!"

"The Peer Assignments were great test runs for one day applying those practices in my own line of work."

"It gives students the opportunity to apply what they have learned."

Relatable and applicable examples

"Great visual and lecturers"

"Very straight forward, informational, and useful."

"Great art I should say."

Practical and useful techniques for communicating data

"Good course to understand the fundamentals of data visualization and how to effectively communicate through visuals instead of plain words or number tables"

"I learnt many new things about data communication."

"Great course to get insights on Data Visualization"

Engaging and knowledgeable instructor

"Amazing professor who is knowledgeable, interesting and captivating."

"Excellent information, I have a wide experiencience with analytics, and this course is a very good explanation with excellent examples and tools."

"Fantastic introduction course and very well explained."

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 Introduction to Business Analytics: Communicating with Data with these activities:

Review linear algebra

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Linear algebra is a cornerstone for data analytics, and refreshing skills in this area will provide you a useful advantage.

Browse courses on Linear Algebra

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Review notes and textbooks
Practice solving problems

Review statistical concepts

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Statistics is a key tool for analyzing data, building models, and drawing conclusions.

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Review notes and textbooks
Practice solving problems

Follow tutorials on Python

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Python is the standard language of data science. This will ensure you have the essential Python skills.

Browse courses on Python

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Find reputable Python tutorials
Work through the tutorial exercises

Five other activities

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Practice data manipulation with R

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R is the other main language in data science. Strengthening your skills in R will help you be a more versatile practitioner.

Browse courses on Data Manipulation

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Find online data manipulation exercises
Work through the exercises

Compile notes and resources

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This will aid in your success by ensuring that you can easily find the information that you need.

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Gather your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams
Organize the materials

Create a data visualization dashboard

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This will test your ability to apply the concepts learned in the course to a real-world problem.

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Choose a dataset
Design the dashboard
Implement the dashboard

Contribute to an open-source data analytics project

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This will give you hands-on experience in applying your skills in a collaborative environment.

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Find an open-source project to contribute to
Fix bugs or add features

Attend industry events and meetups

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This will allow you to network with other professionals in the field and learn about the latest trends.

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Find industry events and meetups
Attend the events and meet people

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Business Analytics: Communicating with Data will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst transforms raw data into meaningful insights that can inform business decisions. This course can provide the foundation necessary for success in this role by providing a comprehensive overview of data visualization techniques and best practices. By learning how to effectively communicate data-driven insights, individuals can enhance their ability to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies in data, enabling them to make informed recommendations and drive business growth.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist uses statistical and machine learning techniques to extract knowledge from data. This course can help individuals develop the skills needed for this role by providing a solid understanding of data visualization principles and best practices. By learning how to present data in a clear and concise manner, Data Scientists can effectively communicate their findings to stakeholders, enabling informed decision-making and strategic planning.

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 can provide valuable insights for individuals in this role by equipping them with the skills needed to effectively communicate data-driven insights to stakeholders. By understanding how to visualize data in a compelling and persuasive manner, Business Analysts can effectively convey their recommendations and drive organizational change.

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Marketing Analyst

A Marketing Analyst uses data to understand customer behavior and optimize marketing campaigns. This course can provide individuals in this role with the skills needed to effectively analyze and visualize data, enabling them to gain insights into customer preferences, campaign performance, and market trends. By learning how to communicate data-driven insights in a clear and actionable manner, Marketing Analysts can optimize marketing strategies and drive business growth.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Analyst

Financial Analyst

A Financial Analyst uses data to evaluate and make recommendations on investments. This course can provide individuals in this role with the skills needed to effectively analyze and visualize financial data, enabling them to make informed investment decisions. By learning how to communicate data-driven insights in a clear and concise manner, Financial Analysts can effectively present their findings to clients and stakeholders, enabling sound investment strategies and wealth management.

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Operations Analyst

An Operations Analyst uses data to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of business operations. This course can provide individuals in this role with the skills needed to effectively analyze and visualize operational data, enabling them to identify bottlenecks, optimize processes, and drive performance improvement. By learning how to communicate data-driven insights in a clear and actionable manner, Operations Analysts can effectively present their findings to stakeholders and drive operational excellence.

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Product Manager

A Product Manager is responsible for the development and launch of new products or features. This course can provide individuals in this role with the skills needed to effectively analyze and visualize user data, enabling them to understand customer needs, identify market opportunities, and optimize product design. By learning how to communicate data-driven insights in a clear and concise manner, Product Managers can effectively present their findings to stakeholders and drive product development and innovation.

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Sales Manager

A Sales Manager is responsible for leading and motivating a sales team to achieve revenue goals. This course can provide individuals in this role with the skills needed to effectively analyze and visualize sales data, enabling them to track performance, identify opportunities, and optimize sales strategies. By learning how to communicate data-driven insights in a clear and actionable manner, Sales Managers can effectively present their findings to stakeholders and drive sales growth.

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Customer Success Manager

A Customer Success Manager is responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction and retention. This course can provide individuals in this role with the skills needed to effectively analyze and visualize customer data, enabling them to understand customer needs, identify pain points, and develop strategies for improving customer experience. By learning how to communicate data-driven insights in a clear and concise manner, Customer Success Managers can effectively present their findings to stakeholders and drive customer loyalty and growth.

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Consultant

A Consultant provides expert advice and guidance to clients on a variety of business issues. This course can provide individuals in this role with the skills needed to effectively analyze and visualize data, enabling them to understand client needs, identify opportunities, and develop tailored solutions. By learning how to communicate data-driven insights in a clear and compelling manner, Consultants can effectively present their findings to clients and drive strategic decision-making.

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Data Visualization Specialist

A Data Visualization Specialist designs and develops data visualizations that communicate complex data in a clear and compelling manner. This course can provide individuals in this role with the skills needed to effectively analyze and visualize data, enabling them to understand data patterns, identify trends, and create engaging and informative visualizations. By learning how to communicate data-driven insights in a clear and concise manner, Data Visualization Specialists can effectively present their findings to stakeholders and drive data-informed decision-making.

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UX Designer

A UX Designer designs and evaluates user interfaces to ensure a positive user experience. This course can provide individuals in this role with the skills needed to effectively analyze and visualize user data, enabling them to understand user behavior, identify pain points, and optimize user experience. By learning how to communicate data-driven insights in a clear and compelling manner, UX Designers can effectively present their findings to stakeholders and drive user-centric design and innovation.

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Market Researcher

A Market Researcher conducts research to understand market trends and customer behavior. This course can provide individuals in this role with the skills needed to effectively analyze and visualize data, enabling them to identify market opportunities, develop marketing strategies, and measure campaign effectiveness. By learning how to communicate data-driven insights in a clear and concise manner, Market Researchers can effectively present their findings to stakeholders and drive informed decision-making.

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Journalist

A Journalist researches, writes, and reports on current events and issues. This course can provide individuals in this role with the skills needed to effectively analyze and visualize data, enabling them to uncover hidden trends, identify patterns, and present complex information in a clear and compelling manner. By learning how to communicate data-driven insights in a clear and concise manner, Journalists can effectively inform the public and drive social change.

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Educator

An Educator teaches and supports students in their learning journey. This course may be helpful for individuals in this role by providing them with the skills needed to effectively analyze and visualize data, enabling them to track student progress, identify areas for improvement, and develop targeted interventions. By learning how to communicate data-driven insights in a clear and concise manner, Educators can effectively present their findings to stakeholders and drive student achievement and success.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educator