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Daniel Egger and Jana Schaich Borg

One of the skills that characterizes great business data analysts is the ability to communicate practical implications of quantitative analyses to any kind of audience member. Even the most sophisticated statistical analyses are not useful to a business if they do not lead to actionable advice, or if the answers to those business questions are not conveyed in a way that non-technical people can understand.

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One of the skills that characterizes great business data analysts is the ability to communicate practical implications of quantitative analyses to any kind of audience member. Even the most sophisticated statistical analyses are not useful to a business if they do not lead to actionable advice, or if the answers to those business questions are not conveyed in a way that non-technical people can understand.

In this course you will learn how to become a master at communicating business-relevant implications of data analyses. By the end, you will know how to structure your data analysis projects to ensure the fruits of your hard labor yield results for your stakeholders. You will also know how to streamline your analyses and highlight their implications efficiently using visualizations in Tableau, the most popular visualization program in the business world. Using other Tableau features, you will be able to make effective visualizations that harness the human brain’s innate perceptual and cognitive tendencies to convey conclusions directly and clearly. Finally, you will be practiced in designing and persuasively presenting business “data stories” that use these visualizations, capitalizing on business-tested methods and design principles.

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What's inside

Syllabus

About this Specialization and Course

The Coursera Specialization: Excel to MySQL: Analytic Techniques for Business, is about how 'Big Data' interacts with business, and how to use data analytics to create value for businesses. This specialization consists of four courses and a final Capstone Project, where you will apply your skills to a real-world business process. You will learn to perform sophisticated data-analysis functions using powerful software tools such as Microsoft Excel, Tableau, and MySQL. To learn more, watch the video and review the specialization overview document we provided.

In the third course of the specialization: Data Visualization and Communication with Tableau, you will learn how to communicate business-relevant implications of data analyses.

Specifically, you will:

  • craft the right questions to ensure your analysis projects succeed;
  • leverage questions to design logical and structured analysis plans;
  • create the most important graphs used in business analysis and transform data in Tableau;
  • design business dashboards with Tableau;
  • tell stories with data;
  • design effective slide presentations to showcase your data story; and
  • deliver compelling business presentations.

By the end of this course, you will know how to structure your data analysis projects to ensure the fruits of your hard labor yield results for your stakeholders. You will also know how to streamline your analyses and highlight their implications efficiently using visualizations in Tableau, the most popular visualization program in the business world. Using other Tableau features, you will be able to make effective visualizations that harness the human brain’s innate perceptual and cognitive tendencies to convey conclusions directly and clearly. Finally, you will be practiced in designing and persuasively presenting business “data stories” that use these visualizations, capitalizing on business-tested methods and design principles by completing a final peer assessed project recommending a business process change.

To get started, please begin with the video 'About This Specialization.'

I hope you enjoy this week's materials!

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Asking The "Right Questions"
Welcome! This week, you will learn how data analysts ask the right questions to ensure project success. By the end of this week, you will be able to:

  • Craft the right questions to ensure your analysis projects succeed
  • Leverage questions to design logical and structured analysis plans

Remember to refer back to the Additional Resources reading: Identifying and Eliciting Information from Stakeholders). In addition, you will complete a graded quiz.

As always, if you have any questions, post them to the Discussions.

To get started, please begin with the video “Tips for Becoming a Data Analyst.”

I hope you enjoy this week's materials!

Data Visualization with Tableau
Welcome to week 2! This week you'll install Tableau to learn how visualizing data helps you figure out what your data mean efficiently, and in the process of doing so, helps you narrow in on what factors you should take into consideration in your statistical models or predictive algorithms. Over the next two weeks, we’re going to learn how to use Tableau to implement this type of visualization and to help you find, and communicate, answers to business questions, as well as work with the Tableau functions that all data analysts should be familiar with.. In addition, through a series of practice exercises, you will use a data set to do example analyses and to answer specific sample questions about salaries for certain data-related jobs across the United State. Then for graded exercises, you will use a different data set to work out analyses and questions that will require you to directly apply the Tableau skills you have acquired through practice.

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

  • Create the most important graphs used in business analysis and transform data in Tableau

Once you have watched the "Why Tableau" video, and installed the software, remember to refer back to the Salary Data Set and to the Dognition Data Set resources posted on the course site this week. You will also complete a graded quiz at the end of the week.

As always, if you have any questions, post them to the Discussions.

To get started, please begin with the video “Use Data Visualization to Drive Your Analysis" and then review the "Written Instructions to install Tableau Desktop.

I hope you enjoy this week's materials! .

Dynamic Data Manipulation and Presentation in Tableau
Welcome to week 3! This week you'll continue learning how to use Tableau to answer data analysis questions. You will learn how to use Tableau to both find, and eventually communicate answers to business questions. You'll learn about the process of elicitation, and learn how to ensure your data story is not undermined by overgeneralization or bias and how to format your data charts to begin creating a compelling data story. By the end of this week, you will be able to:
  • Write calculations and equations in Tableau
  • Publish online business dashboards with Tableau.

Remember to refer to the additional resources for this week: “Examples of Tableau Dashboards and Stories” and "Using Tableau Dashboards When You Don't Have To."

You will also complete a graded quiz.

As always, if you have any questions, post them to the Discussions.

To get started, please begin with the video “Customizing and Sharing New Data in Tableau.”

I hope you enjoy this week's materials!

Your Communication Toolbox: Visualizations, Logic, and Stories
Welcome to week 4! This week you will become a master at getting people to agree with your data-driven business recommendations as you learn to deliver a compelling business presentation. You’ll learn about the insight from the intersection of visualization science and decision science, and what this means for you as a data analyst, who seeks to design a compelling and effective business presentations. If you intend to affect people’s decisions, you need to influence where they look. This week we will review a set of tools and concepts you can use to optimize your visualizations and your presentation style. You will soon be a master at getting people to agree with your data-driven business recommendations!

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

  • Tell stories with data
  • Design effective slide presentations to showcase your data story, and
  • Deliver compelling business presentations

Remember to refer back to the Study Guide: Designing and Delivering Effective Presentations. You will also complete a graded quiz.

As always, if you have any questions, post them to the Discussions.

To get started, please begin with the video “Using Visualization to Influence Business Decisions.”

I hope you enjoy this week's materials!

Final Project
Welcome to week 5! This week you will complete your final project. This assignment requires you to submit a recording of yourself giving a 4-5 minute presentation in which you present a data-driven business process change proposal to Dognition company management about how to increase the numbers of tests users complete. Students will give a short, peer-reviewed business presentation that uses a specified chart in Tableau. The final project will assess your mastery of the following:

  • Demonstrated understanding the Tableau functions discussed in this course
  • Adapting visualizations to make them maximally communicative
  • Storyboarding skills
  • Translating your story into a presentation ready for the boardroom
  • Effective presentation delivery
  • Evaluating business presentations

Remember to refer to the Background Information for Peer Review Assignment on the course web site before you begin. This final course project is a comprehensive assessment covering all of the course material and will take approximately 6-8 hours to complete.

As always, if you have any questions, post them to the Discussions. Thank you for your contributions to this final project!

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Covers data visualization and communication using Tableau, a popular business tool
Develops skills in data analysis and presentation for non-technical audiences
Suitable for aspiring business data analysts seeking to enhance their communication skills
Taught by Daniel Egger and Jana Schaich Borg, recognized experts in data analysis
Emphasizes practical applications and industry-tested methods
Requires access to Tableau software, which may incur additional costs

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Reviews summary

Visualizing data with simplicity

learners say this course helps you distill actionable insights from data through visualizations using the software Tableau. Structured around using “Tableau Public,” this course starts by introducing the basics of data visualization and Tableau. It then provides ample opportunities to practice using the software to clean, manipulate, and present data through interactive exercises and assessments. You'll also learn how to effectively present your findings to non-technical audiences. Students say the course goes beyond basic Tableau training as it also provides tips and tricks for presenting your analyses clearly and concisely. Engaging assignments and well prepared course content make this one of the largely positively reviewed courses in the data visualization sphere on Coursera.
The course teaches clear and concise presentation skills which reviewers say is very useful.
"Very informative and a great learning course. I enjoyed it a lot"
"The course not only give me technical skill about how to visualize the data but also the softskill about how to present your result in a best way!"
learners frequently mention finding the assignments engaging and instructive.
"Good learning source !!"
Many students indicate that the course is very useful for learning and practicing Tableau.
"Great course which helps u to learn a new skill as well as how to present it to the audience."
"Great course. The instructor is really good. I'll highly recommend this course if you really want to learn tableau."
The course is frequently described as well-structured and the explanations provided in the lectures are clear.
"Very well presented Course, It was really a great experience"
"Excellent overall. From start to finish."
Many learners complain there is inadequate support from the instructors especially in the discussion forums.
"I feel like the exercises were not well connected to the quizzes especially in week 3."
"Discussion forums were not working as it should be else a very good course"
Many reviewers encounter issues due to the course examples using an older version of the Tableau software.
"Many things have changed in the current tableau edition. "
"Only 2 out of 5 weeks are really focused on acquiring Tableau skills"

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 Data Visualization and Communication with Tableau with these activities:
Data Visualization Project
Apply your Tableau skills to a real-world data analysis project.
Browse courses on Data Visualization
Show steps
  • Choose a dataset and define your research question
  • Clean and prepare the data
  • Create interactive data visualizations using Tableau
  • Write a report that summarizes your findings
Read 'The Data Analysis Handbook'
Reinforce your understanding of data analysis concepts and enhance your skills in data visualization.
Show steps
  • Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting key concepts.
  • Apply the concepts discussed in the book to practical data analysis projects.
Explore Tableau tutorials and documentation
Supplement learning by exploring additional resources and tutorials on Tableau.
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Show steps
  • Access the Tableau Help Center
  • Review tutorials and documentation
  • Use the Tableau Community Forum
15 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 18 activities
Review Data Visualization with Tableau
Review Tableau concepts and techniques to strengthen your ability to create effective and engaging data visualizations.
Show steps
  • Read Chapter 1: Introduction to Tableau
  • Read Chapter 2: Connecting to and Preparing Data
  • Complete the hands-on exercises in Chapters 1-2
Practice Tableau Calculations
Improve your proficiency in performing calculations and transformations within Tableau.
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Show steps
  • Review the Tableau documentation on calculations
  • Complete the Tableau practice exercises on calculations
  • Create your own custom calculations based on a given dataset
Practice Tableau skills with exercises
Reinforce skills in using Tableau by completing exercises with real-world datasets.
Browse courses on Tableau
Show steps
  • Load a dataset into Tableau Desktop
  • Create different types of visualizations (e.g., bar charts, scatter plots, heat maps)
  • Apply filters and sort data
  • Use Tableau to create interactive dashboards
Review and discuss Tableau visualizations
Enhance understanding of Tableau visualizations by sharing and discussing them with peers.
Browse courses on Tableau
Show steps
  • Gather a group of peers
  • Share and present Tableau visualizations
  • Provide and receive feedback on the visualizations
  • Discuss best practices for creating effective visualizations
Follow Tableau Tutorials
Gain hands-on experience with Tableau and improve your proficiency in creating data visualizations.
Browse courses on Tableau
Show steps
  • Access Tableau's online tutorials and choose those relevant to your skill level.
  • Follow the instructions and complete the exercises provided in the tutorials.
Join a Tableau Study Group
Enhance your learning experience by collaborating and sharing knowledge with other Tableau enthusiasts.
Browse courses on Tableau
Show steps
  • Find or create a study group with other learners or professionals interested in Tableau.
  • Meet regularly to discuss Tableau concepts, share tips, and work on projects together.
Peer Review Tableau Dashboards
Gain valuable feedback and insights on your Tableau dashboards by sharing them with peers for review.
Browse courses on Tableau
Show steps
  • Present your Tableau dashboard to a peer
  • Receive constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement
  • Incorporate feedback into your dashboard
Tableau Practice Exercises
Strengthen your Tableau skills through regular practice and repetition.
Browse courses on Tableau
Show steps
  • Find online or offline Tableau practice exercises.
  • Work through the exercises, creating visualizations and solving data analysis problems.
Volunteer at a Data-Driven Organization
Gain practical experience in data analysis and visualization by volunteering your skills.
Browse courses on Tableau
Show steps
  • Research non-profit organizations or companies that rely on data analysis for decision-making.
  • Reach out to these organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Design a Tableau Dashboard
Gain hands-on experience in designing and developing interactive data dashboards using Tableau.
Browse courses on Data Visualization
Show steps
  • Identify a real-world business dataset
  • Create a Tableau dashboard that visualizes key metrics and insights from the dataset
  • Share your dashboard with others for feedback
Create a Tableau dashboard for a business case
Apply Tableau skills to a real-world business scenario by creating a dashboard that communicates data insights.
Browse courses on Tableau
Show steps
  • Identify a business question or problem
  • Gather and analyze relevant data
  • Design and build the Tableau dashboard
  • Present and communicate the dashboard findings
Create a video tutorial on a Tableau feature
Deepen understanding of Tableau by creating a video tutorial that explains a specific feature or technique.
Browse courses on Tableau
Show steps
  • Choose a Tableau feature or technique
  • Plan and write the video script
  • Record and edit the video tutorial
  • Share the video tutorial online
Explore Tableau's Advanced Features
Expand your knowledge of Tableau's advanced capabilities to enhance your data analysis and storytelling skills.
Browse courses on Tableau
Show steps
  • Watch Tableau tutorials on advanced visualization techniques
  • Experiment with different chart types and customization options
  • Create interactive visualizations that leverage Tableau's advanced features
Create Tableau Dashboards
Enhance your understanding of Tableau's capabilities and apply your skills to real-world data.
Browse courses on Tableau
Show steps
  • Identify a dataset you want to analyze and visualize.
  • Create a Tableau dashboard that effectively communicates the insights you derive from the data.
Develop a Business Presentation
Practice presenting your data analysis findings effectively to a business audience.
Browse courses on Data Presentation
Show steps
  • Identify your key takeaways and target audience
  • Create a visually appealing presentation using Tableau visualizations
  • Practice and refine your presentation skills before delivering it

Career center

Learners who complete Data Visualization and Communication with Tableau will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Data Visualization Specialist
Data Visualization Specialists create visual representations of data. They use charts, graphs, and other visuals to help businesses understand their data. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Data Visualization Specialist. You will learn how to create visual representations of data, and how to use them to help businesses understand their data.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts use data to help businesses make better decisions. They collect, analyze, and interpret data to identify trends and patterns. They then present their findings to decision-makers in a clear and concise way. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Data Analyst. You will learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret data, and how to present your findings in a way that is easy to understand.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analysts use data to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of business operations. They use mathematical and statistical models to identify and solve problems in a variety of areas, such as supply chain management, logistics, and healthcare. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Operations Research Analyst. You will learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret data, and how to develop and implement mathematical and statistical models.
Data Engineer
Data Engineers design and build the systems that store and process data. They work with data scientists and other data professionals to ensure that data is available and accessible. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Data Engineer. You will learn how to design and build data systems, and how to work with data scientists and other data professionals.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts help businesses improve their performance by identifying and solving problems. They use data and analysis to understand the needs of the business and its customers. They then develop and implement solutions that can help the business achieve its goals. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Business Analyst. You will learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret data, and how to develop and implement solutions.
Statistician
Statisticians use data to collect, analyze, interpret, and present data. They use statistical methods to draw conclusions about the world around us. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Statistician. You will learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret data, and how to draw conclusions about the world around us.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work with data scientists and other data professionals to develop software that can collect, analyze, and interpret data. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Software Engineer. You will learn how to design, develop, and maintain software applications, and how to work with data scientists and other data professionals.
User Experience (UX) Designer
User Experience (UX) Designers design and develop the user interface for websites and other applications. They work with data scientists and other data professionals to ensure that applications are easy to use and understand. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful UX Designer. You will learn how to design and develop user interfaces, and how to work with data scientists and other data professionals.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use data to solve complex problems. They develop and implement statistical and machine learning models to identify trends and patterns in data. They then use these models to make predictions and recommendations. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Data Scientist. You will learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret data, and how to develop and implement statistical and machine learning models.
Actuary
Actuaries use data to assess and manage financial risk. They use mathematical and statistical models to calculate the probability of future events, such as death, disability, and retirement. This information is used to set insurance premiums and to develop financial products. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Actuary. You will learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret data, and how to develop and implement mathematical and statistical models.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers develop and implement marketing campaigns. They work with data scientists and other data professionals to understand the target market and to develop campaigns that reach that market. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Marketing Manager. You will learn how to develop and implement marketing campaigns, and how to work with data scientists and other data professionals.
Management Consultant
Management Consultants help businesses improve their performance by identifying and solving problems. They use data and analysis to understand the needs of the business and its customers. They then develop and implement solutions that can help the business achieve its goals. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Management Consultant. You will learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret data, and how to develop and implement solutions.
Market Researcher
Market Researchers collect and analyze data about consumers and markets. They use this data to help businesses understand the needs of their customers and to develop products and services that meet those needs. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Market Researcher. You will learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret data, and how to develop and implement marketing campaigns.
Product Manager
Product Managers develop and manage the product roadmap for a company. They work with data scientists and other data professionals to understand the needs of the market and to develop products that meet those needs. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Product Manager. You will learn how to develop and manage a product roadmap, and how to work with data scientists and other data professionals.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts use data to evaluate the financial performance of companies. They use this data to make recommendations about investments and other financial decisions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a successful Financial Analyst. You will learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret data, and how to make recommendations about investments.

Reading list

We've selected 14 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 Data Visualization and Communication with Tableau.
Provides a practical guide to creating effective data visualizations that tell a clear and compelling story. It is essential reading for anyone who wants to communicate data effectively.
Provides a comprehensive guide to dashboard design. It covers the principles of dashboard design, and it provides practical advice on how to create effective dashboards.
Classic work on data visualization. It covers the principles of data visualization, and it provides practical advice on how to create effective data visualizations.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Tableau, covering all the essential concepts and techniques. It useful reference for both beginners and experienced users.
Comprehensive guide to data visualization. It covers the principles of visual perception, and it provides practical advice on how to create effective data visualizations.
Provides a practical guide to data visualization. It covers the principles of data visualization, and it provides practical advice on how to create effective data visualizations.
Provides a comprehensive guide to data visualization. It covers the principles of data visualization, and it provides practical advice on how to create effective data visualizations.
Provides a comprehensive guide to data visualization. It covers the principles of data visualization, and it provides practical advice on how to create effective data visualizations.
Beginner-friendly introduction to Tableau. It covers the basics of data visualization, and it useful resource for anyone who is new to the software.
Provides a beginner-friendly introduction to Tableau. It covers the basics of data visualization, and it useful resource for anyone who is new to the software.

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