Tasks and Duties
Task Objective
Your objective this week is to design a strategic plan for a hypothetical Business Analytics project. This plan will focus on identifying the core business problem, outlining the key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success, and formulating an analysis strategy that leverages Python as the primary tool for data analysis.
Expected Deliverables
- A well-structured DOC file detailing the strategic plan.
- An introduction that outlines the business problem and background.
- A section describing the goals, selected KPIs, and how these metrics support business decision-making.
- An overview of methods and tools (primarily Python libraries) that will be used for analysis.
- A timeline and roadmap for project stages.
Key Steps to Complete the Task
- Begin by researching common business challenges that benefit from data analytics.
- Draft an introduction that establishes the context for your selected business problem.
- Define specific goals and hypothesize potential outcomes relating to your KPIs.
- Outline a detailed plan of action: include data acquisition strategies, data cleaning methods, and at least one Python-based analysis approach.
- Create a Gantt chart or timeline that specifies the schedule of tasks and milestones.
- Ensure that the DOC file is well-organized, with proper headings, subheadings, and bullet lists for clarity.
Evaluation Criteria
The submission will be evaluated based on clarity of the strategic plan, depth of analysis, relevance of chosen KPIs, robustness of the timeline, and proper structuring of the DOC file. The completed document must demonstrate a systematic approach toward solving a business problem through analytics, and effectively integrate Python methodologies. You are expected to spend between 30 to 35 hours on this project, ensuring thorough research and a well-thought-out plan.
Task Objective
This week, you are tasked with conducting an extensive data exploration exercise using Python. Your goal is to simulate the initial phase of business analytics where identifying data trends, outliers, and insights is critical. You will work with public datasets available online (e.g., from government or open data repositories) to craft a detailed analysis report that outlines your exploration findings.
Expected Deliverables
- A DOC file report that documents your data exploration journey.
- A clear description of the selected public dataset and its relevance.
- Steps detailing data cleaning, transformation, and visualization processes using Python libraries such as Pandas, NumPy, and Matplotlib or Seaborn.
- Charts, tables, or graphs (embedded as images) to support observed trends and anomalies.
Key Steps to Complete the Task
- Select a suitable public dataset that aligns with a business context.
- Perform data cleaning and transformation while documenting challenges and resolutions.
- Generate descriptive statistics and visualizations to highlight key insights.
- Document the methods and Python scripts used (you may summarize code snippets without including raw code if needed).
- Synthesize your findings in a coherent narrative explaining how they could influence business decisions.
Evaluation Criteria
Your report will be evaluated based on the clarity and depth of your data exploration process, the quality and accuracy of visualizations, the articulation of insights, and how well the report connects data trends to potential business outcomes. Adhere to the recommended 30 to 35 hours of effort, ensuring that the DOC file is comprehensive and demonstrates critical thinking and practical analytics skills.
Task Objective
This week focuses on advanced data visualization and dashboard development using Python. In this task, you are to develop a concept and prototype a dashboard that provides an interactive overview of business key metrics. The dashboard should present data-driven insights that support executive decisions in a simulated business environment, emphasizing the dynamic and interactive nature of modern analytics tools.
Expected Deliverables
- A DOC file that includes a detailed description of your dashboard concept, design, and functionality.
- A mockup or screen layout (sketched or digitally designed) embedded within the document.
- An explanation of the Python libraries (such as Plotly, Dash, or Bokeh) you propose using for interactivity and visualization.
- Descriptions of how the dashboard will handle real-time data updates and user interaction scenarios.
Key Steps to Complete the Task
- Research the best practices in dashboard design and interactivity, and select a business scenario that requires such a solution.
- Outline the key performance indicators and metrics that your dashboard will track.
- Conceptualize the layout and functionalities that facilitate intuitive data exploration.
- Detail the technical stack, including Python libraries and frameworks that support your proposed solution.
- Include annotated sketches or wireframes in your DOC file to clearly present your vision.
Evaluation Criteria
The document will be graded on the creativity and practicality of your dashboard solution, clarity in explaining the design decisions, comprehensiveness of the technical approach, and overall usability of the proposed interactive elements. Make sure your DOC file reflects the planned structure, and narratives are well-supported by visual aids. A commitment of 30 to 35 hours should be dedicated to ensure both conceptual and technical aspects are effectively addressed.
Task Objective
This final task requires you to produce a comprehensive evaluation report that synthesizes the strategic, analytical, and visualization components you have developed over prior weeks. The focus is on assessing the impact of your chosen business analytics approach and identifying areas for improvement. Your report should combine strategic insights, data exploration findings, and dashboard design evaluations to present a holistic view of a business analytics project stream.
Expected Deliverables
- A DOC file containing a full evaluation report.
- A summary of the strategic planning process, including goals and KPIs.
- A detailed discussion on data exploration insights and challenges encountered during analysis.
- A review of your dashboard concept and its effectiveness in addressing business needs.
- Recommendations for future improvements and alternative approaches.
Key Steps to Complete the Task
- Review and consolidate the work completed in the previous weeks.
- Draft an executive summary outlining the overall project objectives and outcomes.
- Critically analyze each component: strategic plan, data exploration, and dashboard design.
- Discuss limitations, challenges, and lessons learned during the process.
- Suggest practical and innovative recommendations for advancing the project in a real-world scenario.
Evaluation Criteria
Your final report will be evaluated on the integration of diverse aspects of business analytics, clarity in critical assessment, actionable recommendations, and overall coherence of the narrative. The report should display deep insight into both technical and strategic dimensions of business analytics. Adhering to the estimated workload of 30 to 35 hours is essential, and an impressive DOC file that clearly conveys the comprehensive evaluation of your project will be expected.