Data Visualization with Advanced Excel

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/advanced-excel

Introduction

**Course Review: Data Visualization with Advanced Excel** In today’s data-driven world, the ability to effectively analyze and communicate insights from data is a vital skill. The "Data Visualization with Advanced Excel" course on Coursera offers an excellent platform for individuals looking to enhance their proficiency in Excel while mastering the art of data visualization. This course is perfectly tailored for both professionals seeking to upskill and enthusiasts aiming to deepen their understanding of data analytics. ### Course Overview: The course provides a hands-on instructional approach to mastering advanced Excel functions, focusing on the capabilities of Excel 2013. Participants will learn to leverage PowerPivot to build databases and data models while exploring various types of scenario and simulation analysis. Practical applications include using Excel’s built-in tools such as Solver, Data Tables, Scenario Manager, and Goal Seek to make informed data-driven decisions. The latter part of the course shifts its focus to data visualization techniques, empowering students to narrate compelling stories through their data and explore complex datasets effectively. ### Syllabus Breakdown: **1. Preparing a Professional Excel:** The journey begins with learning how to develop robust data models and databases. In the first week, students will delve into key concepts such as relational database models, database keys, relationships, and joins. The course provides an overview of PowerPivot, an essential tool for importing and preparing data for analysis. By week’s end, learners will have a solid foundational knowledge of constructing a data model, setting the stage for more complex analyses in subsequent modules. **2. Advanced Scenario Analysis:** In the second week, the course shifts to advanced analytical methods. Students explore scenario analysis, sensitivity analysis, and simulation techniques, which are crucial for modeling different scenarios and handling uncertainties in data. This week features guided demonstrations and hands-on practice in Excel, allowing learners to apply their knowledge directly to real-world scenarios. **3. Data Visualization:** The third week focuses on the art and science of data visualization. Students will learn the foundational concepts and theories behind effective data visualization, emphasizing the importance of storytelling. Throughout this week, participants will gain hands-on experience creating various graphs and charts to visually communicate insights, fostering a skill set that enriches their overall analytical capabilities. **4. Dashboarding:** The final week culminates in the creation of dynamic dashboards. This module teaches students how to understand the needs of their audience and gather key requirements for dashboard development. Guiding principles for design are discussed, ensuring that students create dashboards that are not only functional but also visually appealing. Learners will have the chance to put everything they've learned into practice by building their own functional dashboard, providing a tangible end product to showcase their newfound skills. ### Recommendations: I highly recommend the "Data Visualization with Advanced Excel" course for anyone wanting to enhance their Excel skills, particularly those interested in data analysis and visualization. The structured approach, coupled with practical applications, makes it easier for learners to grasp complex concepts. The course offers not just theoretical knowledge, but also practical skills that are directly applicable to real-world scenarios. Moreover, this course is ideal for professionals in finance, marketing, operations, and any data-driven discipline eager to communicate insights effectively. With the increasing demand for data literacy, completing this course can significantly enhance your career prospects and empower you to make data-informed decisions. In conclusion, the "Data Visualization with Advanced Excel" course is a valuable resource that merges technical expertise with creative problem-solving. Whether you're looking to advance your career or improve your analytical skills, this course is a worthy investment in your professional development. Enroll today and unlock the potential of your data!

Syllabus

Preparing a Professional Excel

During this first week, you are going to learn about the development of data models and databases. We will cover the components of data sets and the relational database models, database keys, relationships, and joins. We will also look at a tool called PowerPivot that is used to import and prepare data to build relational models, as well as visualize data. By the end of the week, you will have a working knowledge of how to develop a data model. Be sure to complete lessons in the order in which they are sequenced in the course.

This week, we are going to explore three different analytical methods used to help model different scenarios and deal with variable uncertainty. These methods are scenario analysis, sensitivity analysis and simulation. We’ll look at what each method is and then go deeper into why and how you use each. Following some guided demonstration, you’ll be given a chance to practice in an Excel workbook and demonstrate what you’ve learned.

This week we are going to focus on data visualization. We will start off by discussing data visualization basics, outlining the theory and concepts behind data visualization. We will also discuss how to enable effective story telling through the correct selection, creation, and presentation of tables and charts. You’ll get a chance to learn how to create detailed graphs and charts to effectively tell a story about your data.

In the final week of this course, you are going to learn how to create a dynamic dashboard. We are going to discuss how to establish a good understanding of your audience and how to collect key requirements in order to determine what type of dashboard to build. We will talk about some guiding design principles and things to consider when building a dashboard. You’ll have a chance to practice everything you learn this week by creating your own functional dashboard in Excel.