Data Visualization and Dashboards with Excel and Cognos

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/data-visualization-dashboards-excel-cognos

Introduction

**Course Review: Data Visualization and Dashboards with Excel and Cognos** In the age of data, the ability to glean insights and tell compelling stories using visual representations is invaluable. For those looking to enhance their data visualization skills, “Data Visualization and Dashboards with Excel and Cognos” on Coursera serves as a rich resource. This course provides a structured pathway for learners who want to create effective dashboards and visualizations without the need for complex coding. ### Overview The course aims to guide participants through the fundamental aspects of data visualization using two powerful tools: Microsoft Excel and IBM Cognos Analytics. It focuses on how data can be represented visually through various types of charts and graphs, which are essential for clear communication in any data-driven environment. ### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Visualizing Data Using Spreadsheets**: The course kicks off with an introduction to basic chart creation in Excel. Here, you'll learn to employ Excel functions to produce line, pie, and bar charts. This module emphasizes the significance of selecting the right type of chart to articulate the story behind the data effectively. The hands-on exercises reinforce these concepts, making it easy for beginners to grasp. 2. **Creating Visualizations and Dashboards with Spreadsheets**: This module ramps up the complexity by introducing advanced chart types such as Treemaps and Scatter Charts along with the concept of dashboarding. You'll learn how to compile various visualizations into a cohesive dashboard, ensuring that you can present comprehensive insights effectively. The practical exercises enhance your ability to manipulate and visualize data independently. 3. **Creating Visualizations and Dashboards with Cognos Analytics**: After you’ve developed a solid foundation with Excel, you’ll transition to IBM Cognos Analytics. This module guides you through registering on the platform and exploring its features. You’ll create visualizations and dashboards, which exposes you to a different tool while reinforcing the skills you've acquired so far. As an added bonus, there's an option to explore Google Looker Studio, offering further versatility in your toolkit. 4. **Final Project**: The final module is a capstone project that allows you to apply your skills in a practical setting. Utilizing provided sample data, you will create visualizations in Excel and then transition to Cognos Analytics or Google Looker Studio to build a dashboard. This collaborative element, where peers grade your work, fosters a community learning experience and provides valuable feedback. ### Recommendations This course is highly recommended for anyone from beginners wanting to grasp the basics of data visualization, to intermediate users looking to refine their skills. The absence of coding requirements makes it accessible for all skill levels, allowing students to focus entirely on the art and science of visualization. The opportunity to learn both Excel and Cognos Analytics simultaneously is an additional benefit, equipping you with diverse tools and methodologies relevant across various industries. ### Conclusion In conclusion, “Data Visualization and Dashboards with Excel and Cognos” is a comprehensive and user-friendly course that provides learners with practical skills in data visualization. Its structured approach and hands-on project work ensure that participants are not only learning concepts but also applying them in meaningful ways. Whether you are looking to enhance your career prospects, improve reporting skills, or simply want to become more proficient with data, this course is a valuable investment in your professional development. With engaging content and practical applications, take the step to enrich your data storytelling abilities—enroll in this course today!

Syllabus

Visualizing Data Using Spreadsheets

In this module, you will be introduced to the basics of charts and the Excel functions that are used to create basic charts and pivot chart visualizations. By learning how to manipulate these features and creating visualizations, you will begin to understand the important role charts play in telling a data-driven story.

In this module, you will learn about creating advanced charts and visualizations and learn about the basics of dashboarding and how to create a simple dashboard using a spreadsheet.

In this module, you will be introduced to another dashboarding solution called Cognos Analytics. After registering with Cognos Analytics, you will then explore the platform capabilities by creating visualizations, building a simple dashboard, and discovering its advanced features. Optionally, you can explore Google Looker Studio to create visualizations and build dashboards.

Congratulations! You have now completed the modules for this course. In this module, you will complete the final assignment that will be graded by your peers. In the first part of the final assignment, you will use provided sample data to create some visualizations using Excel for the web. In the second part of the final assignment, you will create some visualizations and add them to a dashboard using Cognos Analytics or Google Looker Studio.