1. The Context of Data Analysis for Business Analysts
The course begins by establishing the role and purpose of data analysis within Business Analysis.
- Purpose of data analysis
- Role of data modelling
- Relationship between data requirements and business requirements
- The Business Analyst’s role within the data lifecycle
- Data-informed decision-making
2. Data Modelling with Class Diagrams
Participants examine how class diagrams can be used to represent data structures clearly and systematically.
- Components of class diagrams
- Using class diagrams as a data modelling technique
- Structuring a data model
- Representing relationships within the data
- Interpreting an existing data model
The emphasis is on making the data required by the business visible and understandable.
3. Defining Data Requirements
Explore how business needs are translated into explicit data requirements.
- Identifying data requirements
- Connecting requirements with the data model
- Relationship between business rules and data requirements
- Defining data structures that support business needs
4. Validating the Data Model
Examine how a proposed data model can be checked against business and system requirements.
- Interpreting the data model
- Using Business Analysis artefacts for validation
- Comparing data structures with requirements
- Identifying gaps and inconsistencies
5. Data Normalisation
Explore why normalisation can be useful when developing robust data structures.
- Purpose of data normalisation
- Rationale for using normalisation
- Reducing unnecessary data duplication
- Supporting consistent data structures
- The role of normalisation within data modelling
6. Data Sources and Data Acquisition
Consider where organisational data comes from and how it can be obtained.
- Different types of data sources
- Internal and external data sources
- Approaches to data acquisition
- Selecting appropriate data sources
- Recording and preparing data for use
7. Data Quality and Cleansing
Participants examine how to assess whether data is suitable for analysis.
- Understanding data quality
- Exploring and validating data
- Identifying incomplete or inaccurate information
- Data cleansing
- Preparing data for analysis
- Assessing consistency and accuracy
8. Interpreting Data with Descriptive Statistics
This section introduces basic descriptive statistics as a way of supporting business interpretation and decision-making.
- Summarising data
- Basic statistical interpretation
- Identifying patterns within data
- Using descriptive statistics to support decisions
The focus is not on advanced statistics, but on helping Business Analysts interpret data with greater confidence.
9. Introduction to Data Analytics Concepts
Explore the role of data analytics in modern organisations.
- Introduction to data analytics
- Using analytics to support decisions
- Relationship between analytics and Business Analysis
- Turning data into useful insight
10. Data Protection and Data Ethics
The final subject area considers how data should be handled responsibly and appropriately.
- Data protection principles
- Responsible use of data
- Data ethics
- Data privacy
- Ethical considerations in analysis and interpretation
Exams and Assessments
The course includes the BCS Professional Certificate in Data Analysis examination.
Candidates must present valid photographic identification, such as a passport, driving licence or student card, before taking the assessment. Candidates who cannot provide acceptable identification will not be permitted to sit the exam.
Calculators are not permitted during the examination.