Analytics Fundamentals

Master the essentials of data types, forecasting methods, and data-driven decision making through interactive exercises

Data Types
Forecasting Methods
Decision Making

📊 Classify Data Types

🎯 Learning Objective

Learn to distinguish between Time-series, Cross-sectional, and Panel data by examining real-world examples and understanding their characteristics.

📈 Time-series Data

Data collected on one unit at multiple points in time. Shows how variables change over time.

📊 Cross-sectional Data

Data collected at a single point in time across different units or entities.

📋 Panel Data

Combines time-series and cross-sectional data. Same units observed over multiple time periods.

Drag each dataset to the correct category:

🏪 Monthly Sales Revenue for Walmart (2020-2024)

Revenue data collected every month for Walmart stores over a 4-year period, showing seasonal trends and growth patterns.

🎓 Student Grades for DATA4400 Final Exam

Final exam scores for all students enrolled in the current semester of DATA4400, collected on the same day.

📱 Smartphone Sales by Brand (2020-2024)

Annual sales data for Apple, Samsung, and Google smartphones tracked over multiple years, showing market share evolution.

💰 Bitcoin Price (Hourly for Last Month)

Cryptocurrency price recorded every hour for the past 30 days, showing volatility and trading patterns.

🏢 Company Revenues in ASX 200 (2024)

Annual revenue data for all 200 companies listed in the ASX 200 index as of December 2024.

👥 Employee Salaries by Department (2022-2024)

Annual salary data tracked for Marketing, IT, and Finance departments across multiple years.

📈 Time-series Data

One unit, multiple time points

📊 Cross-sectional Data

Multiple units, single time point

📋 Panel Data

Multiple units, multiple time points

Score: 0/6

🔮 Forecasting Methods

🎯 Learning Objective

Understand when to use qualitative vs quantitative forecasting methods based on data availability and business context.

🧠 Qualitative Forecasting

Based on expert opinions, market research, and subjective analysis. Used when historical data is limited.

📊 Quantitative Forecasting

Based on historical numerical data and statistical models. Used when sufficient historical data exists.

Score: 0/5

🎯 Data-Driven vs Non Data-Driven Decisions

🎯 Learning Objective

Learn to distinguish between evidence-based and intuition-based decision making approaches in business contexts.

📈 Data-Driven Decisions

Decisions based on quantitative evidence, statistical analysis, and objective data interpretation.

🧠 Non Data-Driven Decisions

Decisions based on intuition, experience, gut feeling, or subjective judgment without statistical backing.

Score: 0/5