Description

Outline

In our data-filled world, it is important to be able to effectively interpret data and apply it to real-world problems. This six-week course will equip you with the skills to examine and understand data analyses and visualizations, and translate this into actionable insights that drive decision-making. 

What You'll Learn:

• Identifying the Right Data: Master the art of pinpointing the data you need to solve complex problems or answer critical questions within your organization. Learn how to formulate effective research questions and translate them into actionable data requests.
• Data Quality Assessment: Develop the critical skills to evaluate data for accuracy, completeness, and consistency. You'll learn to identify potential limitations and biases in data sets, ensuring your analysis is built on a solid foundation.
• Diverse Viewpoints: Understand the importance of considering diverse perspectives when interpreting data. Learn strategies to mitigate bias and ensure your analysis reflects a well-rounded understanding of the information.
• Data-Driven Recommendations: Refine your ability to translate data insights into clear, actionable recommendations for organizational decision-making. You'll learn to communicate your findings in a way that is compelling and easy to understand for stakeholders.
• Business Intelligence (BI) Platforms: Learn about BI platforms commonly used to analyze and visualize data. This course will give you examples of how these tools are leveraged to communicate complex information to a broader audience.
• Collaboration with Experts: Develop strategies for collaborating effectively with IT and data professionals to access advanced analyses and visualizations. Learn to articulate your needs clearly and collaborate to maximize the value of data for your organization.

By the end of this course, you'll be equipped to:

• Confidently navigate the data landscape and identify the information you need to tackle real-world problems.
• Critically evaluate data quality and ensure your analysis is based on reliable information.
• Incorporate diverse perspectives to reduce bias and provide a more comprehensive interpretation.
• Develop data-driven recommendations that inform effective organizational decisions.
• Effectively communicate findings using BI platforms and collaborating with data specialists.

This course is ideal for professionals across all departments who want to leverage data to make better decisions and drive positive change within their organizations.

Course Dates and Times

The next available course runs Monday, January 13 - February 23, 2025.
Learners and instructors will meet as a group to workshop their design project at 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m. US Central Time on: 

• January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11 & 18

Course Format

This six-week course blends elements of asynchronous and synchronous components to provide learners with flexibility in project work, while also having face-to-face time with instructors and fellow learners via Zoom. 

Each week students will:

• attend one a 90-minute Zoom meeting, during which students will participate in discussions and workshop their project with the instructor and peers
• complete three hours of assignments or project work on their own

Students will be graded based on completion of assessed assignments/projects.

Technology Requirements

To participate in this course, learners will need:

• Access to Microsoft Excel
• If you do not already have Excel, you can download a free version 
   

Testimonials

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Applies Toward the Following:

• Applied Data Analysis Certificate : Required Courses