Data-driven Decision Making

About this course: Welcome to Data-driven Decision Making. In this course you'll get an introduction to Data Analytics and its role in business decisions. You'll learn why data is important and how it has evolved. You'll be introduced to “Big Data” and how it is used. You'll also be introduced to a framework for conducting Data Analysis and what tools and techniques are commonly used. Finally, you'll have a chance to put your knowledge to work in a simulated business setting. This course was created by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP with an address at 300 Madison Avenue, New York, New York, 10017.

Created by:  PwC

• Taught by:  Alex Mannella, Alumni / Former Principal

Basic Info Course 1 of 5 in the Data Analysis and Presentation Skills: the PwC Approach Specialization Level Beginner Language English, Subtitles: Japanese How To Pass Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. User Ratings 4.6 stars Average User Rating 4.6See what learners said Coursework

Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.

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Syllabus


WEEK 1


Introduction to Data Analytics



In this module you'll learn the basics of data analytics and how businesses use to solve problems. You'll learn the value data analytics brings to business decision-making processes. We’ll introduce you to a framework for data analysis and tools used in data analytics. Finally, we’re going to talk about careers and roles in data analytics and data science.


12 videos, 8 readings expand

1. Video: Specialization overview
2. Video: Welcome to Data Driven Decision Making
3. Reading: Course overview and syllabus
4. Reading: Updating your profile
5. Discussion Prompt: Get to know your classmates and share your goals
6. Video: What is Data Analytics?
7. Video: Solving business problems using data analytics
8. Reading: The value delivered by analytics
9. Video: Making business-defining decisions using data analytics
10. Reading: PwC's Global Data and Analytics Survey 2016
11. Video: A Message from our Chief People Officer at PwC
12. Video: Why do you need a data and analytics framework?
13. Video: The 4 aspects of the data and analytics framework
14. Reading: The data and analytics framework
15. Video: Data and analytics framework: tools and techniques
16. Reading: Types of analytics
17. Video: Make better and faster decisions with data and analytics
18. Discussion Prompt: Making better and faster decisions
19. Video: Data and analytics at PwC
20. Reading: Careers and roles in a professional services firm
21. Video: Week 1 recap with Amity and Mike
22. Reading: Learn more about PwC and our career opportunities

Graded: Week 1 Quiz

WEEK 2


Technology and types of data



This module is an introductory look at big data and big data analytics where you will learn the about different types of data. We’ll also introduce you to PwC's perspective on big data and explain the impact of big data on businesses. Finally we will name some of the different types of tools and technologies used to gather data.


7 videos, 3 readings expand

1. Video: The marketplace and emerging trends in big data analytics
2. Discussion Prompt: Predicting the implications of technology advancements
3. Video: Business impacts of technology advancements and data trends
4. Discussion Prompt: What technology advacements have changed your behaviors?
5. Video: What is Big Data?
6. Reading: "Structured", "Semi-Structured", and "Unstructured" data
7. Reading: Implications of unstructured data - Case studies
8. Video: PwC's perspective on big data
9. Video: Data and analytics examples at PwC
10. Discussion Prompt: Data in action discussion
11. Video: Identifying, organizing and processing data
12. Reading: Data tools and technologies
13. Discussion Prompt: What is the value you can expect from emerging trends in big data?
14. Video: Week 2 recap with Amity and Mike

Graded: Week 2 Quiz

WEEK 3


Data analysis techniques and tools



In this module we will describe some of the tools for data analytics and some of the key technologies for data analysis. We will talk about how visualization is important to the practice of data analytics. Finally we will identify a variety of tools and languages used and consider when those tools are best used.


9 videos, 1 reading expand

1. Video: Types of data analysis techniques
2. Reading: Data analysis approaches and techniques
3. Video: The role of Excel
4. Video: The role of SAS
5. Video: The role of R
6. Video: The role of Python
7. Video: The Power of Visualization
8. Video: The role of Tableau
9. Video: The role of QlikView
10. Discussion Prompt: What tools have you used?
11. Video: Week 3 recap with Amity and Mike

Graded: Week 3 quiz

WEEK 4


Data-driven decision making project



The course project will give you an opportunity to practice what you have learned. You will participate in a simulated business situation in which you will select the best course of action. You will then prepare a final deliverable which will be evaluated by your peers. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to provide feedback on your peer's submissions.


2 videos, 2 readings expand

1. Video: Intro to Week 4 and Course Project
2. Reading: Final course simulation
3. Video: Course recap with Amity and Mike
4. Reading: Learn more about PwC and our career opportunities

Graded: Final course simulation quiz
Graded: Final Project and Peer Review with Feedback