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Ian Littlejohn

If you want to learn simple, effective techniques to create impactful Excel Dashboards and Data Analysis, this course is the one you're looking for. Updated with full high definition video, this course teaches you practical skills you can apply in your work environment immediately. Just take a look at the recent comments and reviews.

COURSE 

Read more

If you want to learn simple, effective techniques to create impactful Excel Dashboards and Data Analysis, this course is the one you're looking for. Updated with full high definition video, this course teaches you practical skills you can apply in your work environment immediately. Just take a look at the recent comments and reviews.

COURSE 

The ability to ask questions of your data is a powerful competitive advantage, resulting in new income streams, better decision making and improved productivity.  A recent McKinsey Consulting report has identified that data analysis is one of the most important skills required in the American economy at the current time.

During the course you will understand why the form of analysis is important and also provide examples of analysis using Excel. 

The following methods of analysis are included:

  • Key Metrics

  • Comparison Analysis

  • Trend Analysis

  • Ranking Analysis

  • Interactive Dashboards

  • Contribution Analysis

  • Variance Analysis

  • Pareto Analysis

  • Frequency Analysis

  • Correlations

This course is designed for all business professionals who want to take their ability to turn data into information to the next level. If you are an Excel user then you will want to learn the easy-to-use techniques that are taught in this course.

This course is presented using Excel in Office 365.  However, the course is also suitable for:

  • Excel 2013

  • Excel 2016

  • Excel 2019

Please note that this course does not include any complicated formulas, VBA or macros.  The course utilizes drag and drop techniques to create the majority of the different data analysis techniques.

I specialise in training business users to learn powerful methods and techniques to transform data into useful information and intelligence as well as learning strong data analysis methodology using Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power BI, Looker Studio (formerly Google Data Studio), Amazon QuickSight and ChatGPT.

WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING:

  • Informative lesson and there are activites that I can follow along to practice what I have learned. Amazing course for beginners regarding Business Data Analysis

  • It was easy to understand. This will help me greatly with my data analysis. Following through on the course hands-on was also helpful

  • This course was great as an overview of the powers of Excel, i've gained some great insight and pointers to use in the future. The practical tasks after each learning part where helpful to solidify my skills.

With the right skills and a proactive approach, a data analyst can reach unprecedented heights. I currently offer the following 14 courses on Udemy covering a wide variety of tools and skills that will empower you to confidently explore the dynamic realm of data analysis, gain valuable skills in data interpretation and drive intelligent, data driven decisions.

Microsoft Excel

  • Introduction to Analyzing Data with Excel Pivot Tables

  • Complete Introduction to Excel Power Pivot

  • Complete Introduction to Excel Power Query

  • Excel Interactive Dashboards and Data Analysis

  • Complete Introduction to Business Data Analysis

  • Tables and Formulas with Excel

Microsoft Power BI

  • Complete Introduction to Microsoft Power BI

  • Complete Introduction to Power BI Query Editor

  • Power BI Master Class-Data Models and DAX Formulas

  • Power BI Master Class - Dashboards and Power BI Service

Google

  • Complete Introduction to Google Sheets Pivot Tables

  • Complete Introduction to Looker Studio (formerly Google Data Studio)

Amazon QuickSight

  • Complete Introduction to Amazon QuickSight

ChatGPT

  • Introduction to Analyzing Data with ChatGPT

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Enjoy clear and concise step by step lessons from a best selling udemy instructor in full hd 1080 p
  • Transform data into insight and intelligence using powerful methods of analysis, techniques and tools
  • Learn data analysis using easy to master drag and drop techniques - no confusing formulas, macros or vba
  • Learn 8 different techniques for data analysis that can be easily implemented in excel (2010 - office 365)
  • Life time access to course materials and practice activities from a best selling udemy instructor
  • Learn to ask the right questions of your data using comparison, trend, ranking, variance, pareto and many other techniques
  • Learn best practices for data analysis and data presentation
  • Learn best practices for the design and setup of interactive dashboards

Syllabus

Introduction

In this lesson we discuss the overview of the course and also review the different types of data analysis that you will learn in this course.

Read more
Introduction to Data Analysis
About the Course

Please download the training data files to complete the activities in the course.

Preparing Data for Analysis
Introduction to Data Preparation
Introduction to Preparing for Data Analysis

In this lesson you will learn the best practices for preparing data for analysis.

In this lesson you will learn to deal with common data problems that may affect your ability to do data analysis.

Data Analysis - Key Metrics
Introduction to Key Metrics
Introduction to Key Metrics Analysis

Creating key metric and key performance indicator calculations.

Creating key metric and key performance indicator calculations.

Key Metric Practical Activity

The completed key metric activity

Comparison Analysis

Overview of using comparison analysis to create reports and graphs.

Using comparison analysis to create reports, graphs and tables of data analysis

Practical Activity Comparison Analysis

The completed comparison analysis practical activity

Trend Analysis

In this lesson we provide an overview of the different trend analysis techniques and methods

Learn to create trend graphs and tables. Learn to apply different trend lines.

Learn to create trend graphs and tables. Learn to apply different trend lines.

Practical Activity Trend Analysis

In this lesson we show how to complete the trend analysis practical activity

Ranking Analysis

Overview of ranking analysis and discussion about how to use the techniques

Ranking analysis including Top 10 analysis techniques

Ranking analysis including Top 10 analysis techniques

Practical Activity Ranking Analysis

Completion of the ranking analysis activity

Interactive Dashboard Creation

How to create interactive dashboards using key metrics, comparison analysis, trend analysis and rankings

Variance Analysis

Introduction and overview of variance analysis concepts

Download the Sales Budget Data file

How to use and create variance analysis calculations and analysis

Practical Activity Variance Analysis

How to complete the variance analysis practical analysis activity

Contribution Analysis

Introduction and explanation of contribution analysis

How to create different contribution analysis calculations and techniques

Contribution Analysis Practical Activity

How to complete the contribution analysis practical activity

Frequency Analysis

Introduction and overview of frequency analysis. Learn to easily create frequency histograms and groupings

Learn to create and analyze age groupings and histograms

Learn to create and analyze age groupings and histograms

Frequency Analysis Practical Activity

How to complete the frequency practical activity

Correlation Analysis

Introduction and overview of correlation analysis. Explains the principles and concepts of correlation analysis

Pareto Analysis

How to perform pareto analysis

Example of pareto analysis

Conclusion

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches data analysis techniques like trend, ranking, and variance analysis, which are highly applicable to various business contexts and decision-making processes
Focuses on drag-and-drop techniques within Excel, making it accessible for users who prefer a more visual and less formula-heavy approach to data analysis
Covers interactive dashboard creation, enabling learners to present data insights in a dynamic and engaging manner, which is valuable for communication and reporting
Utilizes Excel versions from 2013 onwards, which may exclude users with older versions and could limit the applicability of certain features or functionalities
Emphasizes practical application with activities and downloadable training data files, allowing learners to immediately apply the techniques they learn
Does not delve into complicated formulas, VBA, or macros, which may not suit advanced Excel users seeking to expand their expertise in these areas

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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 Complete Introduction to Business Data Analysis with these activities:
Review Excel Fundamentals
Reinforce your understanding of basic Excel functions and formulas. This will provide a solid foundation for the data analysis techniques covered in the course.
Browse courses on Excel Formulas
Show steps
  • Review basic Excel functions like SUM, AVERAGE, and COUNT.
  • Practice creating simple formulas using cell references.
  • Familiarize yourself with common Excel shortcuts.
Review 'Excel Data Analysis For Dummies'
Supplement your learning with a comprehensive guide to data analysis in Excel. This book provides clear explanations and practical examples of the techniques covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters related to the data analysis techniques covered in the course.
  • Work through the examples provided in the book using the course data.
  • Take notes on key concepts and techniques.
Practice Creating Key Metrics
Solidify your understanding of key metrics by creating them from sample datasets. This will help you apply the concepts learned in the course to real-world scenarios.
Show steps
  • Download sample datasets from online sources.
  • Identify relevant key metrics for each dataset.
  • Create the key metrics in Excel using appropriate formulas and functions.
  • Visualize the key metrics using charts and graphs.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Review 'Storytelling with Data'
Improve your data presentation skills by learning how to tell compelling stories with data. This book will help you create more engaging and impactful visualizations.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on data visualization principles and best practices.
  • Analyze examples of effective and ineffective data visualizations.
  • Apply the principles learned to improve your own data visualizations.
Create a Data Analysis Report
Apply your knowledge by creating a comprehensive data analysis report using the techniques learned in the course. This will demonstrate your ability to transform data into actionable insights.
Show steps
  • Choose a dataset relevant to your interests or profession.
  • Identify key questions you want to answer with the data.
  • Apply the data analysis techniques learned in the course to answer your questions.
  • Create a report summarizing your findings, including visualizations and key takeaways.
Build an Interactive Dashboard
Test your skills by building an interactive dashboard that allows users to explore data and gain insights. This will showcase your ability to create dynamic and engaging data visualizations.
Show steps
  • Select a dataset with multiple dimensions and measures.
  • Design the layout and functionality of your dashboard.
  • Create interactive charts and graphs using Excel's dashboarding features.
  • Add filters and slicers to allow users to explore the data.

Career center

Learners who complete Complete Introduction to Business Data Analysis will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Data Analyst
A data analyst interprets data, identifies patterns, and provides insights to help organizations make better decisions. This course helps someone aspiring to be a data analyst. It includes several data analysis techniques directly relevant to the role such as variance, pareto, and frequency analysis and correlations. The course focuses on using Excel, a common tool for data analysis. By learning to create interactive dashboards and ask the right questions of data, a prospective data analyst taking this course will have a strong start to their career.
Business Analyst
A business analyst uses data to identify trends, create reports, and make recommendations. This course, with its focus on practical data analysis techniques in Excel, directly prepares you for these tasks. The course covers key metrics, comparison analysis, trend analysis, and ranking analysis, all methods used by a business analyst to understand business performance. The course also teaches building interactive dashboards which a business analyst may use to present findings. This course provides a strong foundation for a business analyst to use data to drive strategic decisions.
Financial Analyst
A financial analyst needs to interpret financial data to provide insights and recommendations to their organization. The techniques taught in this course strongly prepares one to be a financial analyst. The course covers key metrics, comparison, trend, and variance analysis, all techniques a financial analyst would use to understand financial performance. Also, the course teaches practical skills in Excel, a tool used extensively by financial analysts. This course helps build a foundation for someone who wants to use data to inform financial decision-making.
Operations Analyst
An operations analyst examines business processes and performance to identify areas of improvement. This course helps someone who wants to be an operations analyst. The course specifically covers techniques like variance analysis, contribution analysis, and frequency analysis, which can help an operations analyst to understand business operations. The course also focuses on building interactive dashboards to present findings. This course helps build a strong foundation for an operations analyst.
Data Visualization Specialist
A data visualization specialist focuses on creating visual representations of data to communicate insights effectively. The course's emphasis on interactive dashboards directly aligns with the skills needed for this role. The course teaches various analysis techniques, which are necessary to make informed decisions about data visualization. The skills learned from this course, particularly in Excel, can build a foundation for a data visualization specialist.
Sales Analyst
A sales analyst analyzes sales data to identify trends, measure effectiveness, and provide recommendations for sales strategies. This course will be relevant to one who wishes to become a sales analyst. The course teaches techniques such as key metrics, trend analysis, and ranking analysis, all highly relevant to sales analysis. The course emphasizes practical application with Excel, a tool often used by sales analysts. Because of the interactive dashboards, the course may be useful to one who wants to communicate their insights.
Management Consultant
A management consultant analyzes complex business problems and develops solutions for clients. This course's focus on practical data analysis techniques may be useful for a management consultant. The course covers techniques like key metrics, comparison analysis, and trend analysis which are helpful in understanding business challenges. The course’s focus on data presentation using interactive dashboards is very useful. The skills taught in this course can help a management consultant in their work.
Research Associate
A research associate supports research projects by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. This course's focus on practical data analysis techniques in Excel is useful for a research associate. The course covers a variety of analysis including frequency and correlation analysis which are relevant to research. A research associate can use the course to learn the practical skills to work with data. This course can help build a foundation for a research associate.
Market Research Analyst
A market research analyst studies market conditions, consumer behavior, and competitor activity. The knowledge of data analysis from this course is very useful for this role. A market research analyst applies different techniques such as comparison analysis, trend analysis, and ranking analysis to analyze market data. This course helps a market research analyst to be able to build dashboards and present analysis. This course may be useful for one who wishes to enter the market research field.
Supply Chain Analyst
A supply chain analyst is responsible for examining supply chain processes, identifying inefficiencies, and finding solutions. This course may help one who wants to be a supply chain analyst. The course covers techniques like key metrics, trend analysis, and variance analysis, all of which will be useful in supply chain analysis. The interactive dashboards taught in the course will help communicate their findings. This course may be useful to someone who wants to make data-driven decisions in supply chain operations.
Pricing Analyst
A pricing analyst reviews cost structures, market conditions, and competitive landscapes to develop pricing strategies. A pricing analyst might find the course helpful. It covers techniques like comparison analysis, contribution analysis, and correlation analysis, which will be relevant to understanding pricing dynamics. The course also includes practice with interactive dashboards for presenting insights. This course’s focus on data analysis may be useful to one who wants to be a pricing analyst.
Statistician
A statistician develops and applies statistical theories and methods to collect, analyze, and interpret numerical data, requiring advanced degrees. This course may be useful to someone wanting to be a statistician. The course teaches various data analysis techniques, including trend analysis, pareto analysis, and correlations. The course helps build skills in using tools such as Excel for data analysis. This course may be useful for one who wants to pursue a career as a statistician.
Actuary
An actuary analyzes risks and assesses financial impacts for insurance and financial institutions, often requiring advanced degrees. This course may be helpful to someone wanting to be an actuary. The course teaches different analysis techniques, including variance and correlation, which can help one understand financial data. The course also emphasizes data presentation and interactive dashboards. These skills may be helpful in communicating findings. This course may be useful for someone pursuing an actuarial path.
Project Manager
A project manager must track progress, identify issues, and ensure alignment with project goals. Though this course is not directly about project management, the data-driven approach might help. The course teaches analysis techniques like key metrics, trend analysis, and variance analysis that can help a project manager in monitoring project performance. The course's focus on interactive dashboards may be helpful to communicate project status. This course may help one interested in becoming a project manager.
Database Administrator
A database administrator manages and maintains databases, ensuring data security, integrity, and availability. Though this course is not directly about database administration, the focus on data analysis may be helpful. The course teaches various analysis techniques, which can help a database administrator understand data better. The course’s focus on data presentation may be helpful to communicate insights about databases. This course may be helpful to one who wishes to work with data as a database administrator.

Reading list

We've selected two 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 Complete Introduction to Business Data Analysis.
Provides a comprehensive overview of data analysis techniques in Excel. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic formulas to more advanced statistical analysis. It is particularly useful for beginners who want to learn how to use Excel for data analysis. This book can be used as a reference guide throughout the course.
Focuses on the art of communicating data effectively through visualizations. It teaches you how to choose the right charts and graphs, design clear and concise visuals, and tell compelling stories with your data. While not strictly about Excel, it provides valuable insights into data presentation. This book is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference.

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