Citizen data analysts are emerging to fill in the gaps left by traditional and slow business intelligence processes. Business functions such as finance, supply chain, and sales are now leading new data/analytics initiatives rather than partnering with centralized IT or analytics teams. But there is a knowledge gap-these new "citizen data analysts" understand their area of business, but unlike their IT counterparts, they do not have a background in data processing technology. This book guides tech-savvy business professionals through the fundamentals of data literacy from understanding the possibilities to asking the right questions. It also offers practical advice on how to set up teams to be data self-sufficient and drive change.

Data is a fantastic raw resource for powering change in an organization, but all too often the people working in those organizations don't have the necessary skills to communicate with data effectively. With this practical book, subject matter experts will learn ways to develop strong, persuasive points when presenting data to different groups in their organizations. Author Carl Allchin shows anyone how to find data sources and develop data analytics, and teaches those with more data expertise how to visualize data to convey findings to key business leaders more effectively. Once both your business and data experts possess the skills to work with data and interpret its significance, you can deal with questions and challenges in departments across your organization. Learn the fundamental data skills required to work with data Use data visualization to influence change in your organization Learn how to apply data techniques to effectively work with data end to end Understand how to communicate data points clearly and persuasively Appreciate why different stakeholders often have divergent needs and views Create a playbook for using data with different departments