Please do it as it is mentioned

You have selected your business question and developed an initial plan. Now it is time to begin working with the data.

This assignment focuses on getting started with your analysis. You are not expected to have final answers yet.

Part 1: Data Preparation

Identify and prepare at least one dataset you will use.

Describe:

• What file you used.
• What tab/sheet you used.
• Any steps you took to prepare the data.

Examples:

• Extracted data from Excel files into a ‘clean’ version of the data.
• Removed rows or cleaned columns.
• Created a new variable (derived column).
• Filtered the data.

Part 2: First Analysis (Required Output)

Using Excel or Tableau, create ONE of the following:

• PivotTable.
• Chart (bar chart, line chart, scatterplot, etc…).
• Map (if using Tableau).

Your output should directly relate to your business question. Your analysis must incorporate data from all three years (2023, 2024, and 2025).

Include a screenshot of your output.

Important: Choosing the Right Chart (Data Literacy)

If you create a chart, it must be appropriate for your data and business question.

Use the guidelines from class:

• Comparing categories Bar/column chart
• Showing change over time Line chart
• Exploring a relationship between two numeric variables Scatterplot
• And so on…..

Before creating your chart, ask yourself:

• What is my business question?
• What type of data do I have?
• What pattern am I trying to show?

Choosing an inappropriate chart type (for example, using a bar chart to show a relationship between two numeric variables) will result in a loss of points.

Your goal is not just to create a chart, but to create a chart that accurately represents the data and helps answer your question.

Part 3: What Does This Show? (Short Response)

In 35 sentences:

• What pattern or insight do you observe?
• What does this suggest about your business question?

Part 4: What Did Not Work? (Important)

In 24 sentences:

• Describe something that was difficult, confusing, or did not work as expected.

Examples:

• Data could not be merged.
• Missing values.
• Output did not clearly answer the question.

In-Class Requirement: Verbal Explanation

During class, you will be asked to briefly explain your analysis.

Be prepared to:

• Describe what you created (table/chart/map).
• Explain one insight from your analysis.

If you are working in a group of two:

• Both students must contribute and explain an insight.

Submission Format

Submit a 12 page document with:

• Written responses.
• Screenshot(s) of your analysis (if something is not clear to how your final analysis was constructed, Dr. Anderson may ask you for your source files).

Grading

• Data Preparation (1 pt)
  Evidence that you opened and prepared a dataset (cleaning, filtering, structuring).
• Analysis Output (3 pts total)
  • Output includes all three years and relates to the business question (1 pt).
  • Output is complete and interpretable (1 pt).
  • Visualization/table/map is appropriate for the data and question (1 pt).
• Interpretation (1 pt)
  Clear explanation of what the output shows and what it suggests
  (must relate back to your business question).

Key Reminder

This assignment is about making progress and thinking like an analyst.

A correct chart is not enough; your analysis should reflect:

• Appropriate use of data.
• Appropriate choice of method.
• Clear connection to your business question.

If you need to modify your selected business question based on the data you have, that is fine, just make sure you clearly note that in your submitted document.

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