Intro to Data Analytics: Ask Better Questions, Find Clearer Answers

Workshop Description

Why This Session, Now

Most people work with data in some form, whether it is a spreadsheet, sales report, campaign result, customer list or dashboard. The difficult part is often knowing what to look for, what question to ask and whether the numbers really support the conclusion.

In this two-hour introductory workshop, you will work through a simple business scenario and learn how to frame a useful question, check the data, spot basic patterns and communicate one clear finding. The session is a practical preview of the full Data Analytics and Data Literacy Essentials course rather than a complete analytics course.

Learning Outcomes

What You’ll Learn

How to turn a broad business problem into a clear data question.
How to understand common data fields such as categories, dates, quantities and percentages.
How to recognise simple data-quality issues such as missing values, inconsistent labels and duplicates.
How to compare numbers and identify patterns, differences and possible outliers.
How to choose a simple chart or summary that supports the question being asked.
How to separate what the data shows from assumptions or conclusions that still need checking.

Key Takeaways

What You’ll Leave With

A simple question-to-answer framework for approaching a dataset.
A basic checklist for checking whether data is usable before analysing it.
Experience working through a short business dataset.
A simple chart or summary showing one useful finding.
A clearer understanding of what the full Data Analytics and Data Literacy Essentials course covers.

Target Audience

Who It’s For

Working professionals, managers, operations staff, marketers, business owners and career switchers who work with spreadsheets, reports or business data but do not consider themselves data analysts. The session is suitable for beginners.

Prerequisites

What to Bring and Preparation

Bring a laptop with access to Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. A practice dataset will be provided. No previous data analytics training is required. Do not use confidential company or customer data during the workshop.

Event Agenda

7.00pm

Welcome: What question are we actually trying to answer?

7.10pm

Understanding the data in front of you

7.25pm

Can we trust the data yet?

7.40pm

From rows of numbers to something useful

8.00pm

Short break

8.05pm

Choose the right way to show the finding

8.25pm

Guided business data exercise

8.45pm

What does the data actually tell us?

8.55pm

Key takeaways and next learning pathway

Your Trainer

Sudhir Panda

Business Intelligence & Data Analytics

Sudhir Panda is a WSQ ACLP 2.0 qualified Adult Educator and analytics professional with 25+ years of industry experience, including senior roles at Standard Chartered and DBS Bank. He is an Adjunct Lecturer and Corporate Trainer specialising in Data Science, AI, Generative AI, Machine Learning, Python, Business Intelligence, and Cybersecurity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this event for?

Working professionals, managers, operations staff, marketers, business owners and career switchers who work with spreadsheets, reports or business data but do not consider themselves data analysts.

Do I need prior experience?

No. This is a beginner-friendly introduction and the spreadsheet exercise will be guided step by step.

What should I bring or prepare?

Bring a laptop with Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. A practice dataset will be provided. Do not use confidential company or customer data.

Is the session interactive or hands-on?

Yes. You will work through a supplied dataset, create a simple summary or chart and write one evidence-based observation.

Where is the event held and how do I join?

Equinet Academy, 10 Anson Road, #18-24 International Plaza, Singapore 079903. International Plaza is directly outside Tanjong Pagar MRT Exit C. Your assigned classroom will be included in the confirmation email.