Ask Questions to Make Data-Driven Decisions

This course is part of Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate

Instructor: Google Career Certificates

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What you'll learn

Explain how the problem-solving road map applies to typical analysis scenarios.
Discuss the use of data in the decision-making process.
Demonstrate the use of spreadsheets to complete basic tasks of the data analyst including entering and organizing data.
Describe the key ideas associated with structured thinking.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

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Assessments

22 quizzes, 2 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Professional Certificate.

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Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
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There are 4 modules in this course

This is the second course in the Google Data Analytics Certificate. You’ll build on your understanding of the topics that were introduced in the first course of this certificate program. The material will help you learn how to ask effective questions, make data-driven decisions, and meet stakeholders’ needs. Current Google data analysts will instruct and provide you with hands-on ways to accomplish common data analytics tasks.

Learners who complete this certificate program will be equipped to apply for introductory-level jobs as data analysts. No previous experience is necessary. By the end of this course, you will: - Learn about effective questioning techniques that can help guide analysis. - Gain an understanding of data-driven decision-making and how data analysts present findings. - Explore a variety of real-world business scenarios as an example of questioning and decision-making. - Discover how and why spreadsheets are an important tool for data analysts. - Examine the key ideas associated with structured thinking and how they can help analysts better understand problems and develop solutions. - Learn strategies for managing the expectations of stakeholders while establishing clear communication with a data analytics team to achieve business objectives.

Data analysts are constantly asking questions in order to find solutions and identify business potential. In this part of the course, you’ll learn about effective questioning techniques that will help guide your analysis.

What's included

8 videos7 readings5 quizzes1 assignment2 plugins

8 videosTotal 35 minutes

Introduction to problem-solving and effective questioning 3 minutesPreview module
Data in action5 minutes
Nikki: The data process works2 minutes
Common problem types5 minutes
Continue exploring business applications6 minutes
Anmol: From hypothesis to outcome2 minutes
SMART questions7 minutes
Evan: Data opens doors2 minutes

7 readingsTotal 120 minutes

Course 2 overview: Set your expectations20 minutes
Helpful resources and tips10 minutes
Evaluate your current data analytics skills20 minutes
From issue to action: The six data analysis phases20 minutes
Six common problem types20 minutes
More about SMART questions20 minutes
Glossary terms from module 110 minutes

5 quizzesTotal 96 minutes

Module 1 challenge 40 minutes
Test your knowledge on taking action with data8 minutes
Self-Reflection: Practice working SMART20 minutes
Self-Reflection: Ask your own SMART questions20 minutes
Test your knowledge on crafting effective questions8 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 8 minutes

Test your knowledge on solving problems with data8 minutes

2 pluginsTotal 20 minutes

Refresher: Your Google Data Analytics Certificate roadmap10 minutes
Name the problem type10 minutes

In analytics, data drives decision-making, and this is your opportunity to explore data of all kinds and its impact on all sorts of business decisions. You’ll also learn how to effectively share your data through reports and dashboards.

What's included

6 videos6 readings5 quizzes

6 videosTotal 24 minutes

Data and decisions1 minutePreview module
How data empowers decisions5 minutes
Qualitative and quantitative data4 minutes
The big reveal: Sharing your findings5 minutes
Data versus metrics3 minutes
Mathematical thinking4 minutes

6 readingsTotal 100 minutes

Data trials and triumphs20 minutes
Qualitative and quantitative data in business20 minutes
Tools for visualizing data20 minutes
Design compelling dashboards20 minutes
Big and small data10 minutes
Glossary terms from module 210 minutes

5 quizzesTotal 84 minutes

Module 2 challenge 40 minutes
Test your knowledge on the power of data 8 minutes
Self-Reflection: Go deeper into dashboards20 minutes
Test your knowledge on following the evidence8 minutes
Test your knowledge on connecting the data dots8 minutes

Spreadsheets are a key data analytics tool. Here you’ll learn both why and how data analysts use spreadsheets in their work. You’ll also investigate how structured thinking helps analysts understand problems and come up with solutions.

What's included

9 videos10 readings10 quizzes1 plugin

9 videosTotal 41 minutes

The amazing spreadsheet1 minutePreview module
Get to work with spreadsheets2 minutes
Basic spreadsheet tasks4 minutes
Formulas for success7 minutes
Spreadsheet errors and fixes7 minutes
Functions 1016 minutes
Before solving a problem, understand it2 minutes
Scope of work and structured thinking4 minutes
Staying objective4 minutes

10 readingsTotal 170 minutes

Spreadsheets and the data life cycle20 minutes
Step-by-Step: Basic spreadsheet tasks10 minutes
Learn more about spreadsheet basics 20 minutes
Step-by-Step: Formulas for success 20 minutes
Quick Reference: Formulas in spreadsheets20 minutes
More about spreadsheet errors and fixes20 minutes
Step-by-Step: Functions 10120 minutes
Quick Reference: Functions in spreadsheets20 minutes
The importance of context10 minutes
Glossary terms from module 310 minutes

10 quizzesTotal 304 minutes

Module 3 challenge 40 minutes
Hands-On Activity: Introduction to Google Sheets60 minutes
Hands-On Activity: Data analysis and formulas: Bakery sales insights20 minutes
Hands-On Activity: Resolve spreadsheet errors20 minutes
Test your knowledge on using formulas in spreadsheets8 minutes
Hands-On Activity: Create a custom data table60 minutes
Test your knowledge on using functions in spreadsheets8 minutes
Hands-On Activity: Create a scope of work60 minutes
Self-Reflection: Work with datasets20 minutes
Test your knowledge on structured thinking8 minutes

1 pluginTotal 10 minutes

Creating a scope of work10 minutes

Successful data analysts balance the needs and expectations of their team and the stakeholders they support. In this part of the course, you’ll learn strategies for managing stakeholder expectations while establishing clear communication with your team.

What's included

14 videos8 readings2 quizzes1 assignment1 plugin

14 videosTotal 51 minutes

Communicating with your team1 minutePreview module
Balance needs and expectations across your team4 minutes
Focus on what matters4 minutes
Clear communication is key 4 minutes
Tips for effective communication5 minutes
Navigate expectations and realistic project goals4 minutes
Sarah: How to communicate with stakeholders3 minutes
The data tradeoff: Speed versus accuracy4 minutes
Think about your process and outcome3 minutes
Meeting best practices5 minutes
Ximena: Joining a new team1 minute
From conflict to collaboration4 minutes
Nathan: From the U.S. Marine Corps to data analytics3 minutes
Congratulations! Course wrap-up1 minute

8 readingsTotal 110 minutes

Working with stakeholders20 minutes
Use multiple communication strategies to reach your audience10 minutes
Limitations of data20 minutes
Lead great meetings20 minutes
Glossary terms from module 410 minutes
Reflect and connect with peers10 minutes
Course 2 glossary10 minutes
Coming up next...10 minutes

2 quizzesTotal 48 minutes

Module 4 challenge 40 minutes
Test your knowledge on teamwork8 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 8 minutes

Test your knowledge on clear communication8 minutes

1 pluginTotal 10 minutes

Understanding stakeholder roles10 minutes

Instructor

Instructor ratings

4.8 (11,566 ratings)

Top Instructor

Google Career Certificates

Google

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Reviewed on Aug 29, 2021

It was a good course, I didnt know anything related to data analysis, and since I started these courses I've been able build up my skills, mind you I've haven't put it into practice in reality yet.

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

Everything was perfect but some questions on the practice and graded quizzes were tricky. The answers conflicted from the point of view side so it might need a better explanation for the right answer.

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2021

I feel like this course was rather lackluster and only reinforces basics that most professionals and/or fresh graduates are already aware of. Regardless, it was a good refresher and quick paced.

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