DATA ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES USING EXCEL

INTRODUCTION

In today’s data-driven world, evidence-based decision-making is critical for achieving business success and operational efficiency. Organizations collect vast amounts of data daily, but the true value lies in the ability to analyze, interpret, and extract actionable insights from this data. Without the right analytical techniques, businesses risk making decisions based on assumptions rather than solid evidence.

This Data Analysis Techniques Using Excel training course, delivered by John Varlow | Training and Consultancy, provides participants with the essential skills to harness the full power of Microsoft Excel for data analysis. Many professionals are familiar with Excel but use only a small fraction of its capabilities. This course will take a practical, hands-on approach, demonstrating advanced analytical, visualization, and interpretation techniques that unlock Excel’s full potential.

Participants will learn to approach data analysis logically, extract meaningful insights, and make robust, defensible business decisions. Whether you work in finance, HR, engineering, quality control, or business management, this course will equip you with the technical knowledge and confidence to analyze data accurately and effectively.

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate from John Varlow | Training and Consultancy, validating their proficiency in data analysis using Excel.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE COURSE

✔ Logical Approach to Data Analysis – Structuring data problems effectively
✔ Accuracy & Error Reduction – Minimizing mistakes in analytical processes
✔ Data Extraction & Representation – Transforming raw data into actionable insights
✔ Predictive Analysis – Using regression analysis and data science methods to forecast trends
✔ What-If Scenario Analysis – Understanding how changes impact outcomes
✔ Advanced Excel Features – Utilizing Pivot Tables, Solver, and ANOVA for deeper insights

COURSE OBJECTIVES

By the end of this training, participants will:

✔ Gain hands-on experience in applying common analytical techniques
✔ Recognize the best data analysis methods for different types of problems
✔ Identify and avoid misinterpretations of data
✔ Understand and apply key statistical methods for business analysis
✔ Master advanced Excel tools such as Pivot Tables, Data Analysis ToolPak, and Solver
✔ Transform data into meaningful insights for informed business decisions

What This Course Will NOT Cover:

❌ Data acquisition and management
❌ Database management
❌ Dashboard creation
❌ Analysis of text-based information

TRAINING METHODOLOGY

This course adopts a problem-based learning approach, where participants will solve realistic data analysis problems across various industries, including finance, engineering, quality control, and business performance assessment.

✔ Hands-on, practical exercises using Microsoft Excel
✔ Real-world case studies to illustrate key analytical techniques
✔ Step-by-step guidance on advanced Excel features
✔ Interactive problem-solving for better understanding

COURSE BENEFITS

For Organizations:

✔ Improved decision-making based on accurate data analysis
✔ Increased efficiency in performance monitoring and reporting
✔ Enhanced analytical skills among employees, leading to better business strategies
✔ More effective use of existing data to drive operational improvements

For Participants:

✔ Confidence in handling complex data sets and making informed decisions
✔ Proficiency in Excel’s advanced analysis tools
✔ Ability to analyze trends, identify patterns, and optimize processes
✔ A structured approach to data-driven problem solving

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

This course is designed for professionals who work with numerical data and require advanced analytical skills, including:

✔ Business Analysts & Data Scientists
✔ Financial Analysts & Accountants
✔ Managers & Decision-Makers
✔ Engineers & Quality Control Specialists
✔ HR & Performance Management Professionals
✔ Planning & Strategy Teams

Prerequisites:

✔ Basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel (2013 or later)
✔ Comfort with numerical data and problem-solving

COURSE OUTLINE

DAY 1: Logical and Reliable Data Analysis

✔ Importing and cleaning data in Excel
✔ Best practices for error-free data analysis
✔ Descriptive statistics and their practical applications
✔ Frequency analysis and pivot tables
✔ Handling noisy or incomplete data and dealing with outliers

DAY 2: Time Series & Mode Shape Analysis

✔ Analyzing time-based data trends
✔ Generating and interpreting data mode shapes
✔ Curve fitting techniques for better forecasting
✔ Identifying correlations in time series data

DAY 3: Scenario Analysis and Interactive Spreadsheets

✔ Multi-input, single-output (MISO) analysis
✔ Building interactive spreadsheets with Forms Control
✔ Conducting what-if and visual scenario analysis
✔ Sensitivity analysis for measuring the impact of variables

DAY 4: Regression Analysis and Correlation

✔ Using linear, polynomial, and exponential regression models
✔ Predicting future trends using regression analysis
✔ Understanding data end effects and overfitting risks
✔ Correlation vs. causality – avoiding common mistakes

DAY 5: Data Science & ANOVA Techniques

✔ Non-deterministic system analysis and data-driven predictions
✔ One-step-ahead forecasting using multivariate correlation
✔ ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) for identifying significant differences in datasets
✔ Introduction to AI-powered analysis – solving the traveling salesman problem

DURATION

5 Days

This course is designed to equip participants with in-depth knowledge and practical skills, ensuring they maximize the analytical power of Excel to solve real-world business problems.

CERTIFICATION

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will receive a certificate from John Varlow | Training and Consultancy, verifying their expertise in data analysis using Excel.