Management and Leadership

Introduction to Data Analytics

• Traditional Classroom: 3-day
• Virtual Instructor-led: Six 3-hour sessions

This hands-on course introduces the foundational concepts of data analytics using Microsoft Excel. Designed for beginners with little to no prior experience, the program equips participants with the skills needed to manipulate, analyze, and interpret data for more informed decision-making.

The course begins with a comprehensive Excel primer, addressing essential Excel skills often requested by participants. Topics include navigating workbooks and worksheets, understanding the ribbon interface, applying key formulas and functions, and leveraging time-saving keyboard shortcuts and tips.

Building on this foundation, the course presents a scalable approach to data analytics that can be adapted to projects of varying scope. Participants will explore core topics such as creating and formatting tables, sorting and filtering data, and working with powerful tools like VLOOKUP, PivotTables, and data visualizations through charting. Discussions and hands-on exercises reinforce learning and help solidify key concepts.

Target Audience

This course is designed for professionals who are new to data analytics and want to build a strong foundation using Microsoft Excel. Ideal participants include:

• Individuals with limited or no prior experience in data analytics
• Business professionals who regularly work with data but lack formal training in analysis
• Team members seeking to improve their Excel skills to make more data-driven decisions
• Employees in roles such as operations, finance, marketing, HR, and project management who need practical, accessible analytics tools

No prior analytics background is required — just a basic familiarity with Excel and a desire to learn.

Learning Objectives

• Become proficient in Excel basics.
• Learn a practical, effective approach to data analytics.
• Use Excel functions, formulas, and shortcuts effectively.
• Apply concepts to make data-driven decisions and solve real-world problems.

Key Takeaways

• Strengthen Excel Proficiency: Gain confidence with essential Excel functions, formulas, and shortcuts to streamline your data work.
• Build a Data Analytics Mindset: Learn a scalable, practical framework for approaching data analysis using real-world business examples.
• Master Core Tools: Apply tools like tables, sorting/filtering, VLOOKUP, PivotTables, and charting to organize and visualize data effectively.
• Turn Data into Insight: Develop the skills to interpret data and support better decision-making in your role or organization.

Course Outline

Part 1: Excel Basics

Introduction

• About This Course
• What Is Data Analytics?

Part 1: Excel Basics

Lesson 1: Getting Started with Microsoft (Excel 2016 and Others)

• Identify the Elements of the Excel interface
• Activity 1-1: Identifying the Elements of the Excel Interface
• Create a Basic Worksheet
• Use the Help System in Microsoft Excel
• Activity 1-2: Getting Help in Microsoft Excel

Lesson 2: Performing Calculations

• Create Formulas in a Worksheet
• Activity 2-1: Practice Order of Operations
• Activity 2-2 (optional): Creating Formulas
• Insert Functions in a Worksheet
• Reuse Formulas

Lesson 3: Modifying a Worksheet

• Manipulate Data
• Activity 3-1: Manipulating Data
• Insert, Manipulate, and Delete Cells, Columns, and Rows
• Search for and Replace Data
• Activity 3-2: Searching for and Replacing Data
• Spell-Check a Worksheet

Part 2: Core Analytics

Lesson 1: Creating Advanced Formulas

• Apply Range Names
• Activity 1-1: Using Range Names in Formulas

Lesson 2: Analyzing Data with Logical and Lookup Functions

• Use Text Functions
• Activity 2-1: Analyzing Data Using Text Functions
• Use Logical Functions
• Activity 2-2: Analyzing Data Using Logical Functions
• Use Lookup Functions
• Activity 3-3: Analyzing Data Using Lookup Functions
• Use Date Functions
• Activity 2-4: Analyzing Data Using Date Functions

Lesson 3: Organizing Worksheet Data with Tables

• Create and Modify Tables
• Activity 3-1: Creating and Modifying a Table
• Sort and Filter Data
• Activity 3-2: Sorting Data
• Use SUBTOTAL and Database Functions to Calculate Data

Part 2: Core Analytics (cont.)

Lesson 4: Visualizing Data with Charts

• Create Charts
• Activity 4-1: Creating Charts
• Modify and Format Existing Charts
• Activity 4-2: Modifying and Formatting Charts
• Create a Trendline
• Activity 4-3 Create a Trendline

Part 3: Advanced Analytics

Lesson 5: Analyzing Data with PivotTables and Slicers

• Create a PivotTable
• Filter Data by Using Slicers
• Analyze Data with PivotCharts
• Discuss Advanced Analytics Concepts
• Descriptive Statistics
• Correlation, Regression, Forecasting

Optional Lesson 6: Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics

• High-Level Overview of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Benefits of the Association Between AI and Data Analytics
• How AI greatly Supplements Data Analytics
• AI Prompts and Their Importance in Great Output Results
• Brief Demonstration of AI and Data Analytics

MDV1013 Course Code