This course introduces students to the science of business analytics while casting a keen eye toward the artful use of numbers found in the digital space. The goal is to provide businesses and managers with the foundation needed to apply data analytics to real-world challenges they confront daily in their professional lives. Students will learn to identify the ideal analytic tool for their specific needs; understand valid and reliable ways to collect, analyze, and visualize data; and utilize data in decision making for their agencies, organizations or clients.
Introduction to Business Analytics: Communicating with Data
Offered By
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
16 hours to complete
Module 1
This module, will help you earn the foundation needed to become a good data communicator. After completion of this module, you will know the history of data visualizaiton, understand today’s dataviz tools, make connections with visuals, and evaluate the effectiveness of data visualizations.
7 videos (Total 47 min), 7 readings, 3 quizzes
7 videos
Welcome to Introduction to Business Analytics: Communicating with Data9m
Module 1 Overview1m
Lecture 1-1: Studying The History of Dataviz9m
Lecture 1-2: Understanding Today's Dataviz Tools6m
Lecture 1-3: Making Connections With Visuals8m
Lecture 1-4: Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Dataviz8m
7 readings
Syllabus30m
About the Discussion Forums10m
Glossary10m
Brand Descriptions10m
Update Your Profile10m
Module 1 Overview20m
Module 1 Readings1h 30m
2 practice exercises
Orientation Quiz10m
Module 1 Graded Quiz30m
Week
24 hours to complete
Module 2
This module will walk you through various methods to access data. The data could be either publicly available or company internal. The module also reviews why it is important for analysts to define clear objectives for their analysis. You will also be introduced to frameworks that help guide digital marketing analysis and their importance to data visualization.
5 videos (Total 35 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes
5 videos
Lecture 2-1: Understanding The Growth Of Data6m
Lecture 2-2: Evaluating Methods Of Data Access8m
Lecture 2-3: Focusing Your Communication Journey8m
Lecture 2-4: Planning Your Data Story9m
2 readings
Module 2 Overview20m
Module 2 Readings7m
1 practice exercise
Module 2 Graded Quiz30m
Week
34 hours to complete
Module 3
In this module, you will learn an approach to finding patterns in data through visualization. You will see how charts can be used to communicate messages that can be conceptual or data driven and declarative or exploratory. Next, we will learn how to use different charting techniques to reveal data patterns. Visual aids play a major role in identifying ideas and, as a result, we will learn how to match the appropriate visual technique to the ideas we hope to expose. Next, we will explore analysis tools. RStudio is one of the most commonly used tools, and we will explore its visual capabilities. Finally, we will discuss a framework that will help analysts effectively plan for data collection, analysis, and, ultimately, visualization.
5 videos (Total 29 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes
5 videos
Lecture 3-1: Finding Patterns In Data9m
Lecture 3-2: Being Planful When Creating Dataviz5m
Lecture 3-3: Understanding The Components of Visual Form3m
Lecture 3-4: Creating Inviting Dataviz8m
2 readings
Module 3 Overview20m
Module 3 Readings30m
1 practice exercise
Module 3 Graded Quiz30m
Week
44 hours to complete
Module 4
This module explores telling stories, through data, that connect emotionally with your audience. It will also review examples and figures that make the concept easy to understand. You will learn the major do’s and don’ts of creating dataviz and rules that lead to the clear depiction of your findings. This unit specifically focuses on Dona Wong’s guidelines for good data visualization and charts. The last leg of Module 4 teaches the three tests that help you improve your visualization. In the final step of dataviz execution, you will learn the McCandless Method for presenting visualizations. This five-step process produces the most effective communication of the graphics to your audience.
5 videos (Total 35 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes
5 videos
Lecture 4-1: Enriching Content Through Connection8m
Lecture 4-2: Bringing Sophistication To Charts8m
Lecture 4-3: Improving Chart Legibility8m
Lecture 4-4: Presenting Dataviz With Impact8m
2 readings
Module 4 Overview20m
Module 4 Readings1h
1 practice exercise
Module 4 Graded Quiz30m
4.8
12 ReviewsTop reviews from Introduction to Business Analytics: Communicating with Data
Great course. I learned more than I expected and I have greater insight into the methodology for creating better visuals from data.
Amazing learning from professor Kevin. Thank you so much for all the insight.
Instructor
Kevin Hartman
Visiting Professor & Head of Analytics at GoogleCollege of Business
Start working towards your Master's degree
This course is part of the 100% online Master of Business Administration (iMBA) from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
If you are admitted to the full program, your courses count towards your degree learning.
About University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a world leader in research, teaching and public engagement, distinguished by the breadth of its programs, broad academic excellence, and internationally renowned faculty and alumni. Illinois serves the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and finding solutions to critical societal needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
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