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Data Analyst

Data Analyst

Rune Rasmussen | Harish Gulati | Charles Joseph | Rune Rasmussen | Clare Stanier | Obi Umegbolu

(2019)

Additional Information

Abstract

Data is constantly increasing and data analysts are in higher demand than ever. This book is an essential guide to the role of data analyst. Aspiring data analysts will discover what data analysts do all day, what skills they will need for the role, and what regulations they will be required to adhere to. Practising data analysts can explore useful data analysis tools, methods and techniques, brush up on best practices and look at how they can advance their career.
Data is constantly increasing; everything from app usage, to sales, to customer surveys generate data in an average business. Out on the streets data is everywhere too, from speed and security cameras, weather monitoring and measuring footfall to name just a few examples. Against this backdrop, data analysts are in higher demand than ever. This book is an essential guide to the role of data analyst. Aspiring data analysts will discover what data analysts do all day, what skills they will need for the role, and what regulations they will be required to adhere to. Practising data analysts can explore useful data analysis tools, methods and techniques, brush up on best practices and look at how they can advance their career.
'Data Analyst is an entertaining and comprehensive guide to an increasingly important role in modern life. An upbeat romp through all facets, it introduces and explains definitions, techniques, structures, regulations and career paths at a pace which leaves no room for boredom. For someone contemplating life as a data analyst, this book is an eloquent eye-opener on what to expect and how to get involved, written by people who know. Written not unlike a piece of code, it does the job efficiently and thoroughly. Practical career tips, anecdotes and a ‘day-in-the-life’ description bring the mysteries of the profession to life. The authors have a passion for the subject and do a good job in sharing their enthusiasm. Packed with useful information, the book is clearly aimed that those starting out, although many seasoned professionals may also consider it a valuable resource, particularly if considering a new career direction.'
Hugh Clark
'You’ll realise what life as a data analyst is really like.’
Graeme McDermott
The editor and authors of this book are all data analysis experts including a Data Analyst Skills Coach; data analytics, risk and management consultants, and a Senior Lecturer in data management and business intelligence.

Table of Contents

Section Title Page Action Price
Cover Cover
CONTENTS v
LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES vii
AUTHORS viii
FOREWORD x
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS xi
ABBREVIATIONS xii
1 INTRODUCTION TO DATA ANALYSIS 1
WHAT IS DATA ANALYSIS? 2
ADVANCES IN COMPUTER SCIENCE 6
ADVANCES IN DATA STORAGE 7
ADVANCES IN DATA PROCESSING 9
ADVANCES IN STATISTICAL AND MACHINE LEARNING 10
LEGAL AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR DATA ANALYSIS 12
HOW THE IT INDUSTRY CAN ADDRESS THE CHALLENGES OF DATA ANALYSIS 16
SUMMARY 20
2 THE ROLE OF DATA ANALYST 22
WHAT IS A DATA ANALYST? 22
AFFILIATED ROLES AND DIFFERENCES 23
KEY INDUSTRIES WHERE DATA ANALYSTS WORK 24
NATURE OF TASKS UNDERTAKEN BY DATA ANALYSTS 26
DATA ANALYST KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 29
DATA ANALYST KEY SKILLS 30
SUMMARY 49
3 TOOLS, METHODS AND TECHNIQUES 50
TOOLS 50
METHODS 56
TECHNIQUES 69
SUMMARY 88
4 RELEVANT REGULATIONS AND BEST PRACTICES FOR DATA ANALYSTS 89
WORKING WITH OTHER PEOPLE’S DATA 89
THE REGULATORY RESPONSE 91
GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION (GDPR) 92
DATA SECURITY 102
DATA GOVERNANCE 109
DATA QUALITY 111
ENGAGING WITH THE ORGANISATION – THE DATA COMMUNITY 120
DATA PROVENANCE 124
SUMMARY 127
5 CAREER PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES 128
THE CHANGING ROLE OF THE DATA ANALYST 129
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES 129
BUILDING A CAREER AS A DATA ANALYST: GETTING STARTED 135
BUILDING A CAREER AS A DATA ANALYST: DEVELOPING YOUR ROLE 141
CAREER PROGRESSION: WHAT NEXT AS A DATA ANALYST? 147
CAREER PLANNING 148
SUMMARY 157
6 A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A DATA ANALYST 158
A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A DATA ANALYST 159
TOP TIPS FOR DATA ANALYSTS 173
REFERENCES 176
FURTHER READING 178
INDEX 180
Back cover 186