This course introduces the essential concepts and workflows used to turn raw data into useful information for analysis and decision making. The course covers core topics such as data structures and types, data quality, visualization, databases, governance, reporting tools, and data storytelling.
The curicclum also examining data sources, the difference between analytical and transactional systems, and the role of privacy, compliance, and clear data definitions. Through hands-on Excel practice and example-based case studies, learners develop practical skills in sorting, filtering, pivot tables, and common analytics techniques used in audit, operations, and business contexts.
What You'll Learn
- Explain why data analytics is valuable and how it supports decision making in business and audit contexts.
- Distinguish between structured and unstructured data, and describe common internal and external data sources.
- Compare transactional systems and analytical systems, including the purpose of data marts, data warehouses, and ETL processes.
- Identify common data quality issues and apply basic normalization concepts to improve consistency when joining datasets.
- Describe core data governance concepts, including data definitions and stewardship, and explain why they matter.
- Recognize privacy and compliance considerations, including how to handle PII and PHI responsibly.
- Use basic data visualization principles to communicate insights clearly and identify trends or outliers.
- Apply foundational Excel techniques for analysis, including sorting, filtering, common functions, and pivot tables and charts.
Learn more about Data Analysis Basic at Noble Desktop.