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Sandip Saha Joy,
Steve Ryan,
and
Kevin McFaul
Learn how to create data visualizations and dashboards using spreadsheets and analytics tools. This course covers some of the first steps for telling a compelling story with your data using various types of charts and graphs. You'll learn the basics of visualizing data with Excel and IBM Cognos Analytics without having to write any code.
Read more
Learn how to create data visualizations and dashboards using spreadsheets and analytics tools. This course covers some of the first steps for telling a compelling story with your data using various types of charts and graphs. You'll learn the basics of visualizing data with Excel and IBM Cognos Analytics without having to write any code.
Read more
Learn how to create data visualizations and dashboards using spreadsheets and analytics tools. This course covers some of the first steps for telling a compelling story with your data using various types of charts and graphs. You'll learn the basics of visualizing data with Excel and IBM Cognos Analytics without having to write any code.
You'll start by creating simple charts in Excel such as line, pie and bar charts. You will then create more advanced visualizations with Treemaps, Scatter Charts, Histograms, Filled Map Charts, and Sparklines. Next you’ll also work with the Excel PivotChart feature as well as assemble several visualizations in an Excel dashboard.
This course also teaches you how to use business intelligence (BI) tools like Cognos Analytics to create interactive dashboards. By the end of the course you will have an appreciation for the key role that data visualizations play in communicating your data analysis findings, and the ability to effectively create them.
Throughout this course there will be numerous hands-on labs to help you develop practical experience for working with Excel and Cognos. There is also a final project in which you’ll create a set of data visualizations and an interactive dashboard to add to your portfolio, which you can share with peers, professional communities or prospective employers.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/yk6vmd/data
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What's inside
Syllabus
Visualizing Data Using Spreadsheets
In this module, you will be introduced to the basics of charts and the Excel functions that are used to create basic charts and pivot chart visualizations. By learning how to manipulate these features and creating visualizations, you will begin to understand the important role charts play in telling a data-driven story.
Read more
Syllabus
Visualizing Data Using Spreadsheets
In this module, you will be introduced to the basics of charts and the Excel functions that are used to create basic charts and pivot chart visualizations. By learning how to manipulate these features and creating visualizations, you will begin to understand the important role charts play in telling a data-driven story.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Strong focus on visualization techniques for data analysis and communication
Teaches industry-standard tools like Excel and IBM Cognos Analytics
Offers hands-on labs and practical experience in data visualization
Provides the opportunity to build a portfolio with visualizations and dashboards
Covers both basic and advanced visualization techniques, making it suitable for learners with varying experience levels
May require access to additional software or tools, which could pose financial barriers for some learners
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Reviews summary
Practical excel and cognos data visualization
According to students, this course is a largely positive experience for those looking to develop practical data visualization skills. It provides a solid foundation in creating charts and dashboards using both Excel and IBM Cognos Analytics, with a strong emphasis on hands-on labs and a final project to build a portfolio. Learners appreciate the no-code approach, making it accessible even for beginners. While the course excels at introducing these tools, some note that specific software versions might require occasional updates, and the peer-graded project may vary in feedback quality, which can be a minor concern.
Ideal for those who prefer visual data tools over programming.
"As someone new to data, the no coding required aspect made this course very approachable."
"It's great to learn data visualization without getting bogged down in programming languages."
"I appreciate that the course focuses on using the software's features directly."
Culminates in a substantial project to enhance professional portfolios.
"The final project was a fantastic opportunity to build something for my portfolio."
"I now have a dashboard to showcase my skills to prospective employers."
"The peer-graded assignment pushed me to create a comprehensive visualization set."
Emphasizes proficiency in industry-relevant data visualization software.
"Learning to visualize data effectively with Excel and Cognos was exactly what I needed."
"The focus on Cognos Analytics was a great introduction to a powerful BI tool."
"I found the methods taught for both spreadsheet and BI tool visualizations very relevant."
Delivers valuable practical experience through extensive labs.
"The hands-on labs were incredibly helpful for understanding how to apply concepts in Excel."
"I really appreciated the practical exercises; they helped solidify my understanding of creating dashboards."
"This course provided me with practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."
Course content may require minor adjustments due to software updates.
"The Cognos Analytics interface has changed slightly since the course content was recorded."
"While useful, some lectures felt a bit outdated due to software updates."
"I sometimes had to search for current features as the tools evolve quickly."
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 Dashboards with Excel and Cognos with these
activities:
Review Data Visualization Fundamentals
Show steps
Review the basics of data visualization, including types of charts and graphs, to enhance your foundational knowledge before diving into the course content.
Browse courses on
Data Visualization
Show steps
-
Read introductory articles or textbooks on data visualization.
-
Explore online tutorials or videos on basic chart and graph creation.
-
Practice creating simple charts in a spreadsheet software, such as Excel or Google Sheets.
Review 'Data Visualization: A Practical Introduction'
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of data visualization principles and techniques by reviewing a comprehensive book on the subject.
View
Data Visualization: A Successful Design Process...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book to gain insights into the theory and application of data visualization.
-
Make notes and highlight key concepts to enhance your learning.
-
Complete the exercises and examples provided in the book to practice your skills.
Study Group Discussions
Show steps
Collaborate with peers to discuss course concepts, share insights, and provide mutual support, fostering a deeper understanding of data visualization techniques.
Show steps
-
Form study groups with classmates.
-
Meet regularly to discuss assigned topics or review course materials.
-
Share knowledge, ask questions, and engage in peer learning.
11 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 14 activities
Excel Charting Exercises
Show steps
Sharpen your Excel charting skills through guided exercises and practice problems to solidify your understanding of various chart types and their applications.
Show steps
-
Complete online exercises or download practice workbooks on Excel charting.
-
Experiment with different chart types and explore their strengths and weaknesses.
-
Analyze datasets and choose appropriate chart types to convey insights effectively.
Create a daily data visualization workbook
Show steps
Stay current with the course material by creating a daily personal workbook filled with various data visualizations using the techniques learned in the course.
Show steps
-
Create a document for each day of the month
-
Set aside 30 minutes each day to explore the data provided in the course and create visualizations to showcase your findings.
-
Choose from different visualization types such as bar charts, line charts, and scatter plots to represent the data.
Cognos Analytics Tutorials
Show steps
Enhance your knowledge of IBM Cognos Analytics through guided tutorials that cover its features, functionalities, and best practices for data visualization and dashboarding.
Show steps
-
Explore official Cognos Analytics documentation and tutorials.
-
Follow online courses or workshops to learn advanced techniques.
-
Experiment with Cognos Analytics features and apply them to real-world scenarios.
Analyze visualizations from reputable sources
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of effective data visualization techniques by analyzing dashboards created by industry professionals.
Browse courses on
Data Visualization
Show steps
-
Visit reputable websites and platforms such as Tableau Public, Datawrapper, and Information is Beautiful.
-
Explore dashboards created by experts in the field.
-
Note the design principles and techniques used to convey insights clearly.
Join a study group to discuss data visualization challenges
Show steps
Engage with peers to exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and receive feedback on data visualization projects.
Show steps
-
Reach out to classmates or colleagues to form a study group.
-
Set regular meeting times to discuss course topics and work on projects.
-
Share visualizations, ask questions, and provide constructive criticism to improve understanding.
Attend a data visualization workshop
Show steps
Enhance your skills and stay up-to-date with industry trends by participating in a data visualization workshop.
Browse courses on
Data Visualization
Show steps
-
Research and identify data visualization workshops offered by reputable organizations.
-
Attend the workshop to learn new techniques and best practices.
-
Engage in hands-on exercises and ask questions to deepen your understanding.
Interactive Dashboard for a Business Case
Show steps
Apply your learnings by creating an interactive dashboard using a business analytics tool, such as IBM Cognos Analytics, based on a real-world business scenario.
Show steps
-
Identify a business scenario or dataset for your dashboard.
-
Gather and clean the necessary data for your visualizations.
-
Design and create interactive visualizations using the Cognos Analytics platform.
-
Organize and assemble your visualizations into a cohesive dashboard.
-
Share and present your dashboard for feedback.
Create a dashboard to track personal or professional goals
Show steps
Apply the skills learned in the course to create a personalized dashboard that tracks and monitors your progress towards goals.
Browse courses on
Data Visualization
Show steps
-
Identify the key metrics or data points relevant to your goals.
-
Choose an appropriate visualization type for each metric.
-
Use Excel or Cognos Analytics to create a dashboard that displays the visualizations.
DataViz Challenge
Show steps
Test your skills and push your creativity by participating in a data visualization challenge or competition, where you can showcase your abilities and learn from others.
Show steps
-
Identify and register for a relevant data visualization competition.
-
Gather and analyze a given dataset.
-
Design and create compelling visualizations to convey insights.
-
Submit your work for evaluation and feedback.
Participate in online data visualization challenges
Show steps
Test your skills and gain recognition by participating in online challenges that require you to create effective data visualizations.
Browse courses on
Data Visualization
Show steps
-
Search for data visualization challenges on websites like Kaggle and Driven Data.
-
Select a challenge that aligns with your interests and skill level.
-
Develop a data visualization solution and submit it for evaluation.
Create a collection of your best data visualizations
Show steps
Showcase your data visualization skills by compiling your best work into a portfolio.
Show steps
-
Select the visualizations that best represent your capabilities and demonstrate your understanding of the course material.
-
Create a presentation or online portfolio to showcase your visualizations.
-
Share your portfolio with potential employers, peers, or industry professionals.
Review Data Visualization Fundamentals
Show steps
Review the basics of data visualization, including types of charts and graphs, to enhance your foundational knowledge before diving into the course content.
Browse courses on
Data Visualization
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read introductory articles or textbooks on data visualization.
- Explore online tutorials or videos on basic chart and graph creation.
- Practice creating simple charts in a spreadsheet software, such as Excel or Google Sheets.
Review 'Data Visualization: A Practical Introduction'
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of data visualization principles and techniques by reviewing a comprehensive book on the subject.
View
Data Visualization: A Successful Design Process...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book to gain insights into the theory and application of data visualization.
- Make notes and highlight key concepts to enhance your learning.
- Complete the exercises and examples provided in the book to practice your skills.
Study Group Discussions
Show steps
Collaborate with peers to discuss course concepts, share insights, and provide mutual support, fostering a deeper understanding of data visualization techniques.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Form study groups with classmates.
- Meet regularly to discuss assigned topics or review course materials.
- Share knowledge, ask questions, and engage in peer learning.
11 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 14 activities
Excel Charting Exercises
Show steps
Sharpen your Excel charting skills through guided exercises and practice problems to solidify your understanding of various chart types and their applications.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Complete online exercises or download practice workbooks on Excel charting.
- Experiment with different chart types and explore their strengths and weaknesses.
- Analyze datasets and choose appropriate chart types to convey insights effectively.
Create a daily data visualization workbook
Show steps
Stay current with the course material by creating a daily personal workbook filled with various data visualizations using the techniques learned in the course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Create a document for each day of the month
- Set aside 30 minutes each day to explore the data provided in the course and create visualizations to showcase your findings.
- Choose from different visualization types such as bar charts, line charts, and scatter plots to represent the data.
Cognos Analytics Tutorials
Show steps
Enhance your knowledge of IBM Cognos Analytics through guided tutorials that cover its features, functionalities, and best practices for data visualization and dashboarding.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Explore official Cognos Analytics documentation and tutorials.
- Follow online courses or workshops to learn advanced techniques.
- Experiment with Cognos Analytics features and apply them to real-world scenarios.
Analyze visualizations from reputable sources
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of effective data visualization techniques by analyzing dashboards created by industry professionals.
Browse courses on
Data Visualization
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Visit reputable websites and platforms such as Tableau Public, Datawrapper, and Information is Beautiful.
- Explore dashboards created by experts in the field.
- Note the design principles and techniques used to convey insights clearly.
Join a study group to discuss data visualization challenges
Show steps
Engage with peers to exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and receive feedback on data visualization projects.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Reach out to classmates or colleagues to form a study group.
- Set regular meeting times to discuss course topics and work on projects.
- Share visualizations, ask questions, and provide constructive criticism to improve understanding.
Attend a data visualization workshop
Show steps
Enhance your skills and stay up-to-date with industry trends by participating in a data visualization workshop.
Browse courses on
Data Visualization
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify data visualization workshops offered by reputable organizations.
- Attend the workshop to learn new techniques and best practices.
- Engage in hands-on exercises and ask questions to deepen your understanding.
Interactive Dashboard for a Business Case
Show steps
Apply your learnings by creating an interactive dashboard using a business analytics tool, such as IBM Cognos Analytics, based on a real-world business scenario.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a business scenario or dataset for your dashboard.
- Gather and clean the necessary data for your visualizations.
- Design and create interactive visualizations using the Cognos Analytics platform.
- Organize and assemble your visualizations into a cohesive dashboard.
- Share and present your dashboard for feedback.
Create a dashboard to track personal or professional goals
Show steps
Apply the skills learned in the course to create a personalized dashboard that tracks and monitors your progress towards goals.
Browse courses on
Data Visualization
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the key metrics or data points relevant to your goals.
- Choose an appropriate visualization type for each metric.
- Use Excel or Cognos Analytics to create a dashboard that displays the visualizations.
DataViz Challenge
Show steps
Test your skills and push your creativity by participating in a data visualization challenge or competition, where you can showcase your abilities and learn from others.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify and register for a relevant data visualization competition.
- Gather and analyze a given dataset.
- Design and create compelling visualizations to convey insights.
- Submit your work for evaluation and feedback.
Participate in online data visualization challenges
Show steps
Test your skills and gain recognition by participating in online challenges that require you to create effective data visualizations.
Browse courses on
Data Visualization
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for data visualization challenges on websites like Kaggle and Driven Data.
- Select a challenge that aligns with your interests and skill level.
- Develop a data visualization solution and submit it for evaluation.
Create a collection of your best data visualizations
Show steps
Showcase your data visualization skills by compiling your best work into a portfolio.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select the visualizations that best represent your capabilities and demonstrate your understanding of the course material.
- Create a presentation or online portfolio to showcase your visualizations.
- Share your portfolio with potential employers, peers, or industry professionals.
Career center
Learners who complete Data Visualization and Dashboards with Excel and Cognos will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical models to analyze data. Many Quantitative Analysts use programs, such as Excel and Cognos Analytics, to help them make informed decisions, and this course will introduce you to the basics of using these programs. The course will teach you how to create a variety of data visualizations, which will be key for communicating your findings to others. Additionally, you will learn about the basics of dashboarding, which will help you to create interactive tools for exploring and understanding your data. Overall, this course will provide you with a strong foundation in the skills and knowledge you need to be successful as a Quantitative Analyst.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data in order to identify trends and patterns. This course will introduce you to the basics of data visualization, using both spreadsheets and analytics tools. You will learn how to create charts, graphs, and dashboards that clearly and effectively communicate your findings. This course is particularly relevant to Data Analysts who are looking to develop their skills in using Excel and Cognos Analytics.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Analysts help businesses to understand their data and make better decisions. This course will teach you how to use Excel and Cognos Analytics to create data visualizations and dashboards. These tools will help you to communicate your findings to business stakeholders, and make data-driven recommendations. This course is particularly relevant for Business Analysts who want to develop their skills in using these specific tools.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts use data to evaluate investments and make recommendations. This course will teach you how to create data visualizations and dashboards that clearly and effectively communicate your findings. You will learn how to use Excel and Cognos Analytics to create charts, graphs, and tables that will help you to identify trends and patterns in financial data. This course is particularly relevant for Financial Analysts who want to develop their skills in using these specific tools.
Market Research Analyst
Market Research Analyst
Market Research Analysts collect and analyze data to understand consumer behavior. This course will teach you how to use Excel and Cognos Analytics to create data visualizations and dashboards. These tools will help you to communicate your findings to stakeholders, and make data-driven recommendations. This course is particularly relevant for Market Research Analysts who want to develop their skills in using these specific tools.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analysts use data to solve business problems. This course will teach you how to use Excel and Cognos Analytics to create data visualizations and dashboards. These tools will help you to communicate your findings to stakeholders, and make data-driven recommendations. This course is particularly relevant for Operations Research Analysts who want to develop their skills in using these specific tools.
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use data to build predictive models and solve business problems. This course will teach you how to use Excel and Cognos Analytics to create data visualizations and dashboards. These tools will help you to communicate your findings to stakeholders, and make data-driven recommendations. This course is particularly relevant for Data Scientists who want to develop their skills in using these specific tools.
Statistician
Statistician
Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data to draw conclusions about the world around us. This course will teach you how to use Excel and Cognos Analytics to create data visualizations and dashboards. These tools will help you to communicate your findings to stakeholders, and make data-driven recommendations. This course is particularly relevant for Statisticians who want to develop their skills in using these specific tools.
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. This course will teach you how to use Excel and Cognos Analytics to create data visualizations and dashboards. These tools can be used to track the progress of software development projects, and to identify areas for improvement. This course is particularly relevant for Software Engineers who want to develop their skills in using these specific tools.
Data Engineer
Data Engineer
Data Engineers build and maintain the infrastructure that stores and processes data. This course will teach you how to use Excel and Cognos Analytics to create data visualizations and dashboards. These tools can be used to monitor the performance of data pipelines, and to identify areas for improvement. This course is particularly relevant for Data Engineers who want to develop their skills in using these specific tools.
Database Administrator
Database Administrator
Database Administrators maintain the databases that store data. This course will teach you how to use Excel and Cognos Analytics to create data visualizations and dashboards. These tools can be used to monitor the performance of databases, and to identify areas for improvement. This course is particularly relevant for Database Administrators who want to develop their skills in using these specific tools.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access. This course will teach you how to use Excel and Cognos Analytics to create data visualizations and dashboards. These tools can be used to track the security of computer systems and networks, and to identify areas for improvement. This course is particularly relevant for Information Security Analysts who want to develop their skills in using these specific tools.
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Systems Analysts design and implement computer systems. This course will teach you how to use Excel and Cognos Analytics to create data visualizations and dashboards. These tools can be used to track the performance of computer systems, and to identify areas for improvement. This course is particularly relevant for Computer Systems Analysts who want to develop their skills in using these specific tools.
Network Analyst
Network Analyst
Network Analysts design and implement computer networks. This course will teach you how to use Excel and Cognos Analytics to create data visualizations and dashboards. These tools can be used to track the performance of computer networks, and to identify areas for improvement. This course is particularly relevant for Network Analysts who want to develop their skills in using these specific tools.
Business Intelligence Analyst
Business Intelligence Analyst
Business Intelligence Analysts use data to help businesses make better decisions. This course will teach you how to use Excel and Cognos Analytics to create data visualizations and dashboards. These tools can be used to track the performance of business processes, and to identify areas for improvement. This course is particularly relevant for Business Intelligence Analysts who want to develop their skills in using these specific tools.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/yk6vmd/data
Reading list
We've selected eight 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 Dashboards with Excel and Cognos.
Save
Comprehensive reference for data visualization techniques. It provides in-depth coverage of chart types, design principles, and best practices, offering valuable additional reading for learners seeking a deeper understanding.
Provides a solid foundation for creating interactive dashboards and data visualizations using Excel. It is highly relevant to the hands-on aspect of the course by covering features such as pivot tables and charts.
Save
Focuses on the design principles behind effective dashboards. It provides guidance on organizing and presenting data clearly, enhancing the course's coverage of dashboard creation.
Save
Provides a broader perspective on data visualization, covering design principles and statistical concepts. It complements the course's focus on technical skills by emphasizing the importance of effective visual communication.
While the course does not cover Python or JavaScript, this book offers insights into data visualization techniques using these languages. It provides a different perspective and introduces learners to additional tools for data manipulation and visualization.
While not directly related to data visualization, this book provides valuable insights into software development principles and best practices. It offers foundational knowledge that can enhance the learner's overall understanding of data manipulation and visualization techniques.
Provides a broad introduction to data science, including data visualization. It offers a high-level overview of the field and can serve as a starting point for learners interested in exploring data science beyond the scope of this course.
Focuses on data visualization in R using the ggplot2 package. While not directly related to the course, it provides a valuable introduction to another data visualization platform and expands the learner's skillset.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/yk6vmd/data
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Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
IBM
Instructors
Sandip Saha Joy
Steve Ryan
Kevin McFaul
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
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