Business Intelligence and Visual Analytics

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/business-intelligence-visual-analytics

Introduction

### Course Review: Business Intelligence and Visual Analytics on Coursera In today’s data-driven world, the ability to glean insights from data through effective visualization has become more critical than ever. Understanding this need, Coursera offers an exceptional course titled ***Business Intelligence and Visual Analytics***. This course builds upon foundational knowledge in data warehousing and emphasizes practical skills in data visualization and visual analytics using SAS Viya, a leading cloud-based analytics platform. #### Overview This course is expertly designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of data visualization and visual analytics. The curriculum starts with a fundamental overview of data visualization's significance in business reporting and progresses to an in-depth exploration of visual analytics techniques. Throughout the course, participants gain access to hands-on experience with SAS Viya, which allows them to develop practical skills that are essential in today’s competitive business landscape. #### Syllabus Breakdown The course is structured in four well-defined modules, each aimed at gradually building your competence in data visualization. 1. **Data Visualization and Visual Analytics**: - The first module sets the stage by discussing why data visualization is crucial in the realm of business reporting. Participants learn about various types of visualizations and their specific applications. Engaging activities help learners articulate what makes an effective visualization and how to extract actionable insights from data. 2. **Visual Analytics Basics and SAS Viya Platform**: - Module two delves into SAS Visual Analytics and SAS Viya. Here, students familiarize themselves with the phases and features of the platform. An essential part of this module is the hands-on activity where participants explore the import process for datasets and identify useful reports tailored to specific data sets. 3. **Developing Advanced Visualizations with SAS Viya**: - In the third module, participants take a deeper dive into utilizing SAS Viya for creating sophisticated data visualizations. You will learn to navigate the platform, recognizing key features and functions that differentiate SAS from other analytic tools. Activities include creating interactive data reports, enhancing your ability to communicate insights effectively. 4. **Advanced Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing Topics**: - The final module addresses advanced concepts such as machine learning, big data, and cloud-based architectures. Students culminate their learning experience with a graded assignment that requires designing and implementing a comprehensive dashboard in SAS Visual Analytics, thereby telling a compelling story through data. #### Course Pros and Cons **Pros:** 1. **Hands-On Learning**: The interactive assignments and practical tasks with SAS Viya are invaluable for reinforcing concepts. 2. **Expert Instruction**: The course is structured and taught by experienced professionals who guide learners through complex topics in an accessible manner. 3. **Real-World Applications**: The focus on actionable insights through visualization equips students with skills that are immediately applicable in their professional roles. **Cons:** 1. **Prerequisites Required**: While this course is focused and well-structured, prior knowledge in data warehousing may be necessary for those without a background in the field. 2. **Time Commitment**: The course requires a significant investment of time and effort to fully grasp and complete the modules, especially the practical assignments. #### Recommendation If you are keen on enhancing your data visualization skills and wish to leverage the power of SAS Viya in your work, this course comes highly recommended. It caters effectively to both beginners looking to gain foundational knowledge and those already familiar with data analytics seeking to specialize further. The blend of theory, hands-on experience, and real-world applications makes it a worthy addition to your professional development curriculum. In summary, Coursera’s ***Business Intelligence and Visual Analytics*** course is a treasure trove of information, supported by practical application, making it a must-take for aspiring data analysts and any professional looking to harness the power of data visualization in their business practices.

Syllabus

Data Visualization and Visual Analytics

Welcome to Module 1, Data Visualization and Visual Analytics. In this model, we will go over the need for data visualization in business reporting. We will identify the benefits of data visualization as well as differentiate between types of data visualizations. We will also overview visual analytics and the landscape of visual analytics tools. Finally, in our activity, we will describe an effective visualization and how to derive value and insight based on available data points.

Welcome to Module 2, Visual Analytics Basics and SAS Viya Platform. This module provides an introduction to SAS Visual Analytics and SAS Viya. Through this module, we will identify the phases and select the features of SAS Visual Analytics. In our activity, we will identify the types of reports that could be useful for specific datasets. We will also describe the import process for datasets in SAS Data studio.

Welcome to Module 3, Developing Advanced Visualizations with SAS Viya. Through this module, we will go over how to use SAS Viya to create data visualizations. We will identify key features and functions of SAS Visual Analytics. We will also learn key functions in SAS and be able to differentiate between their functionalities. Finally, in our activity, we will create interactive data reports and describe the value and insights that can be derived from data reports.

Welcome to Module 4, Advanced Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing Topics. In this final module, we will define machine learning, identify the key enablers of big data, and list the advantages of cloud-based architectures. Our course (and specialization) culminates in this module’s graded assignment. In it, we will design and implement a dashboard in SAS Visual Analytics, tell a cohesive story through data, and derive insights from interaction on a visualization dashboard. We will also practice our new skills in visual analytics by peer reviewing other’s dashboards.