A short overview of an online course on sorting and analysing data and presenting compelling data-driven business strategies using Tableau.
In today’s data-driven world, the ability to analyze data is only half the battle. The true value lies in using data to inform decisions and drive action. Effective communication of data insights is crucial for ensuring that analysis translates into tangible outcomes. Without this skill, valuable insights remain hidden, and opportunities may be missed.
The course, ‘Data Visualization and Communication with Tableau’, offered online by Duke University on the popular learning platform, Coursera, focuses on developing the ability to communicate the practical implications of data analysis. It addresses the challenge of translating complex quantitative information into actionable insights for any audience. The curriculum covers structuring data analysis projects for impactful results and the overall goal is to equip participants with the skills to transform data into clear, understandable, and actionable information.
Module 1: About this Course
The introductory module contains a combination of short videos and readings to help learners familiarise themselves with the course curriculum, meet the course team, interact with fellow learners, and set up the tools and resources needed to complete the course. Learners are encouraged to head over to an interactive discussion forum to introduce themselves and share their motivation behind enrolling in the course. While this is the shortest module in the course investing some time to interact with fellow learners gives a bigger picture of the industry-wide applications of data visualisation in Tableau.
Duration: 1 hour
Videos: 4
Readings: 8
Assignments: None
Module 2: Asking the Right Questions
The second module is all about asking the right questions to ensure project success. Learners are taught how to craft questions related to the analysis project, leverage questions to design logical and structured analysis plans, and get tips on how to get started on becoming a data analyst. The module includes additional learning resources that will help learners identify and elicit information from stakeholders.
Duration: 1 hour
Videos: 8
Readings: 2
Assignments: 1
Module 3: Data Visualisation with Tableau
A step-by-step guide on installing the Tableau software is provided in this module. Learners are taught how to efficiently identify the important and relevant information in a data set. The module also teaches how to narrow in on the factors that should be taken into consideration in statistical models and predictive algorithms. Additional topics in the module include Tableau functions, an example analyses using a sample data set, and creating meaningful graphs for communicating information.
Duration: 8 hours
Videos: 16
Readings: 6
Assignment: 1
Module 4: Dynamic Data Manipulation and Presentation in Tableau
This module focuses on finding and communicating answers to business questions. Concepts taught in this module are the process of elicitation, data stories, overgeneralisation, bias, formatting data charts, and creating data stories. By the end of the module, learners should be able to write calculations and equations and publish online business dashboards in Tableau. The module includes supplementary resources that contain examples of Tableau dashboards and stories.
Duration: 6 hours
Videos: 12
Readings: 3
Assignments: 1
Module 5: Your Communication Toolbox
The objective of this module is to teach learners how to deliver compelling business presentations to get people to agree with data-driven business recommendations. The module provides a review of a set of tools and concepts that can be used to optimise visualisation and presentation styles to draw attention to the most prominent figures in a data-driven story.
Duration: 3 hours
Videos: 16
Readings: 1
Assignments: 1
Module 6: Final Project
Combining everything that has been taught in all the previous models, learners are required to prepare a 5-minute presentation. Learners are required to present a data-driven business process change proposal to the management team at Dognition about how to increase the number of tests users complete. The final project is peer-reviewed and the marking is based on how well learners can demonstrate their understanding of Tableau functions, storyboarding skills, and the level of effectiveness in communicating data-driven business strategies.
Duration: 3 hours
Videos: None
Readings: 1
Assignments: 1
COURSE OVERVIEW
Platform: Coursera
Difficulty: Intermediate
Duration: 3 weeks
Flexibility: Self-paced
