Welcome to course: Business Data Analysis: The Strategic Thinking Masterclass

Important! Course focused to business needs and business meaning of analysis, not to usage of analytical software.
Its guideline to what questions you need to focus your efforts during analysis.

Course provided by MTF Institute of Management, Technology and Finance

MTF is the global educational and research institute with HQ at Lisbon, Portugal, focused on business & professional hybrid (on-campus and online) education at areas: Business & Administration, Science & Technology, Banking & Finance.

MTF R&D center focused on research activities at areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Big Data, WEB3, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency & Digital Assets, Metaverses, Digital Transformation, Fintech, Electronic Commerce, Internet of Things.

MTF is the official partner of: IBM, Intel, Microsoft, member of the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

MTF is present in 217 countries and has been chosen by more than 800 000 students.

Course Author:

Dr. Pedro Nunes has built a multifaceted career combining academia and practical business expertise. His educational journey culminated with a Doctorate in Economic Analysis and Business Strategy with a cum laude mention from the University of Santiago de Compostela. Professionally, he has navigated through various sectors, including technology, international commerce, and consultancy, with roles ranging from business analyst to director. Currently, Pedro serves as a Professor in several DBA programs, applying his extensive industry experience and academic insights to educate the next generation of professionals.

Course Description:

Are you ready to transition from a data technician who runs reports to a trusted strategic advisor who drives decisions?

In a world overflowing with data, the most valuable professionals are not those who can simply operate software, but those who can think critically, ask the right questions, and connect data to high-level business strategy. This is the course designed to teach you that exact skill.

This is not another software tutorial. This is a masterclass in analytical thinking, designed by the MTF Institute and led by Dr. Pedro Nunes, that will fundamentally change the way you see the relationship between data and business success.

In This Course, You Will Go Beyond the Dashboard to Master:

• The Strategic Mindset: Learn to frame business problems correctly before you even look at the data, ensuring your analysis is always relevant and impactful.
• The Logic of Data: Grasp the core principles of how data is structured and extracted using SQL, allowing you to intelligently query and understand complex datasets.
• The Art of Discovery: Master Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) to find the hidden patterns, anomalies, and initial insights that form the basis of every great analysis.
• Persuasive Data Storytelling: Learn to translate complex findings into clear, compelling narratives and visualizations that convince stakeholders and drive action.
• The Future of Analytics: Demystify Machine Learning and AI, understanding the core concepts of predictive analytics so you can identify opportunities for innovation.
• High-Level Corporate Strategy: Apply your data skills to powerful strategic frameworks like SWOT and Porter's Five Forces to influence major company decisions.
• Process Mining: Uncover how your business actually works by analyzing the digital footprints in your data to find and eliminate hidden bottlenecks.
• Ethical and Responsible Analysis: Navigate the critical complexities of data bias, privacy, and governance to become a trusted, ethical professional.

A Journey from Foundations to Boardroom-Level Strategy

This course takes you on a logical journey through the mind of a world-class analyst. We begin by laying the Strategic Foundation, teaching you how to think before you analyze. You'll then learn the essential logic of SQL and the critical, real-world skill of Data Wrangling and Preparation.

From there, we dive into the heart of analysis with Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) and learn how to communicate your findings through the Art of Data Storytelling.

But we don't stop there. We elevate your skills by introducing you to the concepts of Predictive Analytics and Machine Learning, showing you how to look into the future. You will learn to apply all these skills in Domain-Specific Case Studies covering marketing, finance, and operations.

Finally, we take you to the highest level of strategic thinking. You'll learn to power classic Strategy Frameworks with data, understand the crucial role of Data Ethics and Governance, and discover the hidden world of process inefficiencies with Process Mining.

A Focus on Principles, Not Tools

This course is intentionally different. We believe that tools and software change, but the principles of critical thinking, strategic analysis, and effective communication are timeless. While we will cover the concepts behind technologies like SQL and BI platforms, our primary focus is on the frameworks and mental models that will empower you throughout your entire career. This course teaches you how to think, a skill that transcends any single piece of software.

Who Is This Course For?

• Aspiring analysts who want to build a strong, foundational understanding of the purpose of analysis.
• Current Business or Data Analysts who want to move beyond technical tasks and become more strategic advisors.
• Business Managers and Consultants who need to understand how to leverage data for better decision-making.
• MBA students and other business professionals who want to develop a data-driven mindset.
• Anyone who wants to understand how data truly drives modern business, far beyond the buzzwords and dashboards.

Unlock Your Strategic Potential

If you are ready to become an indispensable analytical thinker who can confidently bridge the gap between raw data and real-world value, this is the course for you.

Enroll today and start your journey to mastering the strategy of business and data analysis!

• No special requirements. A course for anyone who wants to build career in management and business
• Aspiring Business Analysts, Data Analysts, or Strategy Analysts who want to build a strong, foundational understanding of the purpose of analysis.
• Current analysts who feel stuck in technical, report-running roles and want to become more strategic, influential advisors to their business.
• Business Managers, Team Leads, and Consultants who need to understand how to leverage data and communicate effectively with analytical teams.
• MBA students and other business professionals looking to develop a robust, data-driven mindset to enhance their decision-making skills.
• Anyone who wants to understand how data truly drives modern business, far beyond the buzzwords and dashboards.
• This course is NOT for students seeking in-depth, practical coding tutorials in specific software like Python, R, or step-by-step guides on how to use BI tools like Tableau or Power BI. Our focus is on the timeless strategic principles that empower you regardless of the tool.

• For a better learning experience, we suggest you to use a laptop / mobile phone / pen and paper for taking notes, highlighting important points, and making summaries to reinforce your learning.
• No prior experience in data analysis, programming, or statistics is required. We start with the fundamental principles.
• A strong curiosity about how businesses work and a desire to make data-driven decisions.
• An open mind, ready to learn strategic frameworks and analytical thinking