OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Course image
Coursera logo

Introduction to Data Management

Brandon Larkin

This course explores the basics of data management. You will learn the role that data plays in making decisions and the standard methods of data collection and quality management. You will gain an understanding of data storage systems and data storage architecture. You will examine the fundamentals of data privacy and compliance, as well as the basics of machine learning.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the fundamentals of data collection and data quality management

• Explain data storage solutions and architectures, including big data management

Read more

This course explores the basics of data management. You will learn the role that data plays in making decisions and the standard methods of data collection and quality management. You will gain an understanding of data storage systems and data storage architecture. You will examine the fundamentals of data privacy and compliance, as well as the basics of machine learning.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the fundamentals of data collection and data quality management

• Explain data storage solutions and architectures, including big data management

• Define data security, privacy and governance principles

This course is for learners who want to gain foundational knowledge of data management.

Enroll now

Here's a deal for you

Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Valid until March 12, 2027
Save 40% Off 3 Months
Access thousands of top-rated learning programs with a Coursera Plus monthly subscription and take 40% off 3 months for a limited time.
Take
40%
off
Get offer

What's inside

Syllabus

Collecting Data
In this module, you will learn the basics of data collection and quality management. You will discover how data supports decision-making, identify common data sources, and explore various data collection methods and tools. You will also gain skills in managing data quality to ensure its reliability and accuracy, empowering you to make better data-driven decisions.
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops background knowledge and core skills that are useful for working in an organizational setting where data plays a role in decision-making
Covers essential concepts that provide a strong foundation for understanding data management
Provides an overview of machine learning, a valuable tool for data analysis and prediction
Taught by experienced instructors who are highly knowledgeable in data management
Requires some foundational knowledge of data management concepts, which may not be suitable for complete beginners

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Foundational data management overview

According to students, this course offers a largely positive and comprehensive introduction to data management. Learners frequently highlight its strength as a foundational course, covering essentials from data collection and storage to security, privacy, and governance. The course is praised for its well-structured content and clear lectures, making complex topics digestible for beginners. While it excels in providing a broad overview, some indicate it might lack in-depth practical application or that certain sections could feel superficial for those with prior experience. Overall, it is highly recommended for building a strong initial understanding of data principles.
Generally current, though minor sections may feel dated.
"The course content felt a bit dated in some areas, especially around data storage technologies. I was expecting more modern approaches."
"While some foundational concepts are timeless, I felt the examples could be updated to reflect current industry practices."
"I found the introduction to machine learning basics particularly insightful and relevant for today's data landscape."
Explanations are clear and easy to follow.
"The lectures were easy to follow and the quizzes reinforced learning effectively."
"The instructor's explanations were clear. It served its purpose as an introduction well."
"The content is well-structured and presented clearly, making it easy to grasp complex concepts."
Covers a wide array of essential data management topics.
"It provided a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of data handling."
"A good starting point. I appreciate the breadth, covering data collection to security."
"The course covers a lot of ground, from data collection to storage and security, which is great for an intro."
An excellent starting point for new learners.
"This course is perfect for beginners. It provided a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of data handling."
"Truly an excellent foundational course. The sections on data quality and governance were particularly strong and well-explained."
"I appreciate how it broke down complex topics into digestible modules, making it accessible for someone new to data management."
Could benefit from more practical examples.
"My only minor feedback is that it could use a bit more practical examples in the 'Using Data' module."
"It was okay, but I was hoping for more hands-on exercises. It's very theoretical."
"I wish there were more practical case studies or projects to apply the concepts learned."
Offers broad coverage but may lack deep dives.
"I felt some parts, like big data management, were a bit superficial and didn't go into enough detail for real-world application."
"While it covers a lot, if you have any prior experience, some sections might feel too basic. It's more of a general overview than an in-depth dive."
"It was okay, but I was hoping for more hands-on exercises. It's very theoretical."

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 Data Management with these activities:
Complete practice data collection drills
Refresh your knowledge of data collection methods to lay a strong foundation for the course.
Browse courses on Data Collection
Show steps
  • Review multiple-choice questions on different data collection methods
  • Apply these methods to real-world scenarios to test your understanding
Refresh Data Analysis Basics
Review core data analysis concepts to strengthen your foundation in data management.
Browse courses on Data Analysis
Show steps
  • Review fundamental statistical concepts (mean, median, standard deviation)
  • Go over data visualization techniques (e.g., bar charts, scatterplots)
  • Practice data exploration and manipulation using a tool like Excel or Python
Create a data management plan
Creating a data management plan is a detailed plan that documents how data will be collected, stored, and analyzed. This will force you to think carefully about the data you need for your research and how you will handle it.
Show steps
  • Define the scope of your research project
  • Identify the types of data you will collect
  • Determine how you will collect the data
  • Decide how you will store the data
  • Develop a plan for analyzing the data
12 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 15 activities
Solve data analysis and visualization challenges
Enhance your data analysis and visualization skills through targeted practice.
Browse courses on Data Analysis
Show steps
  • Find online platforms offering data analysis and visualization challenges
  • Select a challenge and work through it
  • Review your solutions and identify areas for improvement
Data Collection Methods Practice
Reinforce your understanding of data collection methods and techniques.
Browse courses on Data Collection
Show steps
  • Explore different data sources (e.g., surveys, interviews, sensors)
  • Practice designing and implementing data collection plans
  • Assess data quality and identify potential biases
Complete tutorials on data quality management
Data quality management is an important part of data management. This will help you to identify and correct errors in your data, which will improve the quality of your analysis.
Browse courses on Data Quality Management
Show steps
  • Find tutorials on data quality management
  • Complete the tutorials
  • Apply the techniques you learned to your own data
Attend live webinars on data storage solutions
Engage with industry experts and gain insights into cutting-edge data storage solutions.
Show steps
  • Register for upcoming webinars on data storage
  • Actively participate and ask questions during the live sessions
Visualize Data Trends
Enhance your data analysis skills by creating data visualizations.
Browse courses on Data Visualization
Show steps
  • Select a relevant dataset and identify key trends
  • Design and create data visualizations using tools like Tableau or Google Data Studio
  • Present and interpret your findings
Collaborative Data Project
Apply your data management and analysis skills through a collaborative project.
Browse courses on Data Management
Show steps
  • Form a study group with classmates
  • Identify a real-world data management problem to solve
  • Collect and analyze data as a team
  • Present your findings and recommendations
Attend hands-on workshops on data privacy and compliance
Gain practical experience in implementing data security and compliance measures.
Browse courses on Data Security
Show steps
  • Identify relevant workshops in your area
  • Register and attend the workshops
  • Participate in hands-on exercises and discussions
Big Data Management Case Studies
Gain practical insights into managing big data through real-world case studies.
Browse courses on Big Data Management
Show steps
  • Analyze case studies of successful big data implementations
  • Identify best practices and challenges in big data management
  • Explore emerging technologies and trends in big data
Develop a data management plan for your own project
Apply course concepts to a real-world project and gain a deeper understanding of data management.
Browse courses on Data Collection
Show steps
  • Identify a project that requires data management
  • Outline a data management plan for the project
  • Consider data collection methods, storage solutions, security measures, and data analysis techniques
Join a non-profit organization working on data-related projects
Gain practical experience and contribute to the community while applying data management principles.
Show steps
  • Research non-profit organizations involved in data-related work
  • Identify opportunities to volunteer your skills and knowledge
Data Analytics Competition
Test and showcase your data analytics skills through a competition.
Browse courses on Data Analytics
Show steps
  • Identify a relevant data analytics competition
  • Form a team or participate individually
  • Develop a solution and submit your results
Contribute to open-source data management projects
Enhance your skills and make a valuable contribution to the data management community.
Show steps
  • Identify open-source data management projects that align with your interests
  • Explore the project's documentation and codebase
  • Identify areas where you can contribute your skills

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Data Management will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Introduction to Data Management.
GenAI for Customer Analytics and Insights with JUNE
Most relevant
Evaluating Public Health Programs at Scale
Most relevant
Six Sigma Tools for Define and Measure
Most relevant
Algorithms, Data Collection, and Starting to Code
Most relevant
Data Warehousing with Microsoft Azure Synapse Analytics
Most relevant
Implementing Parent Feedback with Google Forms
Most relevant
Use SurveyMonkey to Create a Survey and Analyze Results
Most relevant
The Measure Phase for the 6 σ Black Belt
Most relevant
Teaching Impacts of Technology: Data Collection, Use, and...
Most relevant

Coursera Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

Accredited University Partner
Free Trial & Audit

7-Day Free Trial & Free Audit

7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions; free audit option available on most individual courses to explore video lectures and readings at no charge.

Return & Refund Policy

14-Day Refund Guarantee

14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus subscriptions and single-course purchases prior to certificate issuance. Monthly subscriptions do not offer refunds once billed.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

Accredited university and industry certifications (e.g. Stanford, Google, IBM, Yale), secure SSL payment processing, and verifiable digital certificate links.

Key Purchase Protections
14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus and single courses
7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions
Free course audit option for lectures and readings
Verified certificates from top universities & companies
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
Course image
Effort
4 weeks of study, 5-6 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Meta
Instructor
Brandon Larkin
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops background knowledge and core skills that are useful for working in an organizational setting where data plays a role in decision-making
Covers essential concepts that provide a strong foundation for understanding data management
Provides an overview of machine learning, a valuable tool for data analysis and prediction
Taught by experienced instructors who are highly knowledgeable in data management
Requires some foundational knowledge of data management concepts, which may not be suitable for complete beginners
Share this
Share to help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Begin learning today
Enroll now to gain full access to Introduction to Data Management.
Enroll now
Save for later
Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.
Save
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser