In our data-filled world, it is important to be able to effectively interpret data and apply it to real-world problems. This six-week course will equip you with the skills to examine and understand data analyses and visualizations, and translate this into actionable insights that drive decision-making.
What You'll Learn:
- Identifying the Right Data: Master the art of pinpointing the data you need to solve complex problems or answer critical questions within your organization. Learn how to formulate effective research questions and translate them into actionable data requests.
- Data Quality Assessment: Develop the critical skills to evaluate data for accuracy, completeness, and consistency. You'll learn to identify potential limitations and biases in data sets, ensuring your analysis is built on a solid foundation.
- Diverse Viewpoints: Understand the importance of considering diverse perspectives when interpreting data. Learn strategies to mitigate bias and ensure your analysis reflects a well-rounded understanding of the information.
- Data-Driven Recommendations: Refine your ability to translate data insights into clear, actionable recommendations for organizational decision-making. You'll learn to communicate your findings in a way that is compelling and easy to understand for stakeholders.
- Business Intelligence (BI) Platforms: Learn about BI platforms commonly used to analyze and visualize data. This course will give you examples of how these tools are leveraged to communicate complex information to a broader audience.
- Collaboration with Experts: Develop strategies for collaborating effectively with IT and data professionals to access advanced analyses and visualizations. Learn to articulate your needs clearly and collaborate to maximize the value of data for your organization.
By the end of this course, you'll be equipped to:
- Confidently navigate the data landscape and identify the information you need to tackle real-world problems.
- Critically evaluate data quality and ensure your analysis is based on reliable information.
- Incorporate diverse perspectives to reduce bias and provide a more comprehensive interpretation.
- Develop data-driven recommendations that inform effective organizational decisions.
- Effectively communicate findings using BI platforms and collaborating with data specialists.
This course is ideal for professionals across all departments who want to leverage data to make better decisions and drive positive change within their organizations.
Course Dates and Times
The next available course runs Monday, January 13 - February 23, 2025.
Learners and instructors will meet as a group to workshop their design project at 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m. US Central Time on:
- January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11 & 18
Course Format
This six-week course blends elements of asynchronous and synchronous components to provide learners with flexibility in project work, while also having face-to-face time with instructors and fellow learners via Zoom.
Each week students will:
- attend one a 90-minute Zoom meeting, during which students will participate in discussions and workshop their project with the instructor and peers
- complete three hours of assignments or project work on their own
Students will be graded based on completion of assessed assignments/projects.
Technology Requirements
To participate in this course, learners will need:
- Access to Microsoft Excel
- If you do not already have Excel, you can download a free version
FAQ
Do I need to attend all Zoom sessions?
You are encouraged to attend all Zoom sessions of the course. During the live Zoom sessions, you will participate in valuable discussions and workshops that will aid in meeting the course learning objectives.
When is the course open?
The course Canvas site will open on the Wednesday before the first day of the course. All the modules will open on the first day of the course.
How do I successfully complete the course?
You will receive a grade of incomplete or complete based on your demonstration of course learning objectives. Learning objectives are demonstrated by completing assessed projects.
The instructor will assess each learning outcome as “not demonstrated,” or “demonstrated.” Completion of a course means that you have demonstrated achievement of all learning outcomes. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and the certificate of completion for the course will be awarded only if you receive a grade of ‘complete’ for the course.
While participation in Zoom sessions and engagement with other non-assessed learning activities do not count towards the final grade, these activities are designed to be an integral part of achieving the course learning outcomes. f you receive a grade of ‘incomplete’ after turning in an assessed project, you will have the opportunity to resubmit your project once. Please note, receiving a grade of “Incomplete” and/or failure to demonstrate a learning outcome will not result in a refund.
When do I need to turn in assignments?
Assessed projects and other learning activities must be submitted via Canvas on or before the due date, unless specific extensions are granted by the instructor. Instructors may not grant extensions more than two weeks after the course end date.
What happens if I need to resubmit a project?
If you do not successfully demonstrate course learning outcomes in your first attempt on an assessed project, you will have the opportunity to resubmit your project one time. Resubmissions cannot be submitted more than two weeks after the original due date.
How can I request accommodations?
The University of Minnesota views disability as an important aspect of diversity, and is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all learners. The Disability Resource Center (DRC) is the campus office that collaborates with learners who have disabilities to provide and/or arrange reasonable accommodations.
- If you have, or think you have, a disability in any area such as physical or mental health, attention, learning, chronic health, sensory,, please contact the DRC office on your campus (UM Twin Cities - 612.626.1333) to arrange a confidential discussion regarding equitable access and reasonable accommodations.
- If you are registered with the DRC and have questions or concerns about your accommodations please contact your access consultant/disability specialist.
- If you need ASL Interpretation Services please fill out the request form for your class.
Please submit your request for accommodations at least two weeks in advance to guarantee we can accommodate the request. Additional information is available on the DRC website or reach out by email: [email protected].
Transfer and Refund Policies
Transfer policy
You can transfer without additional charge to the next session if you inform CCAPS staff within the first two weeks of class of the need to transfer.
Refund Policy
CCAPS is able to provide partial refunds for the first two weeks of the course. Please see the refund timeline below:
- Before the first day of the course: 100% refund
- 1–7 days after start of course: 75% refund
- 8–14 days after start of course: 50% refund
- After 15 days: No refund available
Cancellation Policy
In the event CCAPS has to cancel the course due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, we will offer you a transfer to another section of the course or a full refund of the course registration fee.
