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Introduction to Business Analytics

Communicating with Data

Kevin Hartman and Unnati Narang

This course introduces students to the science of business analytics while casting a keen eye toward the artful use of numbers found in the digital space. The goal is to provide businesses and managers with the foundation needed to apply data analytics to real-world challenges they confront daily in their professional lives. Students will learn to identify the ideal analytic tool for their specific needs; understand valid and reliable ways to collect, analyze, and visualize data; and utilize data in decision making for their agencies, organizations or clients.

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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.

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what should give you pause

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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

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Reviews summary

Business analytics: data communication fundamentals

According to learners, this course offers a solid introduction to business analytics with a strong focus on communicating data effectively. Students widely praise the clear explanations and the way complex concepts are made understandable for beginners. The modules on data visualization principles and telling a data story are frequently highlighted as particularly useful. While the course provides a strong conceptual foundation relevant for professionals, some feedback suggests that learners looking for deep dives into specific tools like R might find the coverage relatively basic or supplemental.

Assignments reinforce concepts but could be more hands-on.

"The assignments helped solidify the concepts learned in the lectures."

"I felt some assignments could be more challenging or involve more direct data manipulation/visualization practice."

"Quizzes tested understanding well, but I wished for more practical application exercises."

Excellent for beginners; might be basic for others.

"This is a great starting point if you are new to analytics and data communication."

"As someone with some existing data background, I found parts of it a bit too introductory."

"Good overview, but don't expect to become an expert; it's firmly an introduction."

Concepts directly applicable to business roles.

"Highly relevant content for anyone working in a business environment who needs to understand and use data."

"The frameworks provided can be immediately applied to real-world business challenges I face daily."

"This course gave me the foundation needed to start applying data analytics in my professional life."

Strong emphasis on visualizing and presenting data.

"The focus on the 'art' of communicating data is what makes this course unique and incredibly valuable."

"Learned practical tips and frameworks for telling a story with data that resonates with the audience."

"The modules on data visualization and getting your story across were the most impactful for me."

Concepts are explained well, suitable for beginners.

"The course content was clear and easy to understand, even for someone with no prior background in analytics."

"I found the explanations very accessible. They broke down complex ideas into simple terms."

"Perfect for beginners, explanations are crystal clear and lectures are engaging."

Focus is conceptual, not on specific software/tools.

"While it mentions tools like R, the course doesn't provide hands-on training in them, which was a minor disappointment."

"If you're looking to learn specific software for visualization or analysis, this course is more about the 'why' and 'how' of communication, not the 'with what'."

"It would be great if there were more practical exercises using actual data analysis 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 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.

Browse courses on Statistics

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Success Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Visualization Specialist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

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

Reading list

We've selected 12 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 Introduction to Business Analytics: Communicating with Data .

Data Visualization

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Provides a comprehensive overview of data visualization techniques, with a focus on practical applications. It valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more about how to effectively communicate data.

Introduction to Business Analytics

Communicating with Data

Two deals to help you save

What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Business analytics: data communication fundamentals

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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