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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.

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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.

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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.
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Creating Visualizations and Dashboards with Spreadsheets
In this module, you will learn about creating advanced charts and visualizations and learn about the basics of dashboarding and how to create a simple dashboard using a spreadsheet.
Creating Visualizations and Dashboards with Cognos Analytics
In this module, you will be introduced to another dashboarding solution called Cognos Analytics. After registering with Cognos Analytics, you will then explore the platform capabilities by creating visualizations, building a simple dashboard, and discovering its advanced features. Optionally, you can explore Google Looker Studio to create visualizations and build dashboards.
Final Project
Congratulations! You have now completed the modules for this course. In this module, you will complete the final assignment that will be graded by your peers. In the first part of the final assignment, you will use provided sample data to create some visualizations using Excel for the web. In the second part of the final assignment, you will create some visualizations and add them to a dashboard using Cognos Analytics or Google Looker Studio.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, 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

Leading dashboards with excel and cognos

Learners say this course enables them to understand data visualization using pivot charts, databases, and dashboards. You’ll also be able to identify key takeaways from data and create a data-driven story for more effective reporting. IBM Cognos analytics is taught as the primary software, learners also get a 90-day trial period. The labs and hands-on exercises are highly praised, with many reviews agreeing that they are useful for increasing understanding and maximizing the features in the programs. However, some reviews note the Cognos instruction could benefit from being more in-depth. Overall, learners call this course well-explained, engaging, and highly-informative.
You will learn best practices for presenting data in a way that highlights key insights and aids effective decision-making.
"Data Visualization and Dashboards with Excel and Cognos is a very informative course"
"It was a gentle overview of Data visualization and dashboards with Excel and Cognos."
The course focuses on teaching IBM Cognos Analytics for creating dashboards and data visualization.
"This course teaches you how to create interactive visualizations using Excel and Cognos Analytics."
"This course was really enjoyable and I am amazed by how powerful and intuitive IBM Cognos is to use."
"The course is detailed and very helpful for someone who is looking for a furture in data analytics."
This course provides plenty of practice through labs and assignments that help you develop skills you can apply to your career.
"Hands on labs are always useful in this kind of topics."
"The labs & HW are really good practice for maximizing use of the features in excel and Cognos"
"A decent introduction to Pivot Charts, and a very good introduction to Cognos."
While you will be able to practice using Cognos, some learners felt it wasn’t as hands-on as it could be.
"I wish there were more hands-on assignments on IBM Cognos Analytics."
Some learners have reported that the Cognos portion of the course could benefit from updates.
"IBM Cognos is not used widely, PowerBI or Tableau would have been an appropirate choice."
"The course requires several updates."
"Instructions for Cognos do not match the actual user interface of the current version of Cognos."

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
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'
Reinforce your understanding of data visualization principles and techniques by reviewing a comprehensive book on the subject.
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
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
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Show all 14 activities
Excel Charting Exercises
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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