Fundamentals of Data Analysis

Welcome to Fundamentals of Data Analysis – from Data to Information. Data analysis is the process of turning data into information, which can then be used to inform decisions. Data analysis is not just about crunching numbers; it also involves setting a clear definition of the purpose of the work required and collecting and cleansing relevant datasets before the analysis work commences. Equally important is the interpretation and presentation of the results of the analysis to support effective decision-making.

This course covers the five-stage process of data analysis. It also covers the four key tools which should be the foundation for good data analysis, and the core principles of effective data visualization.

This is an entry-level course aimed at those relatively new to analysis. The aim is to give a grounding in the core principles and basic techniques.

We then explore four key data analysis tools vital for visualising and understanding your data:

• Run Charts: To track performance over time and spot trends or outliers.
• Pareto Charts: To apply the 80/20 principle and prioritise the most significant issues.
• Histograms: To understand the distribution and frequency of data points.
• Scatter Graphs: To investigate relationships and correlations between different data attributes.

I hope you enjoy the course.