Data Analysis in Microsoft Excel: Deliver Awesome Analytics in 3 Easy Steps Using VLOOKUPS, Pivot Tables, Charts And More

The book is organized in three sections: a broad introduction to Excel and the field of data analysis, a guide to learning Excel and using it with a dataset, and a bit of guidance on what the reader can do moving forward.In the first part, the author presents the three-step data analysis system: Prepare, Analyze, and Consider - this is catchy, concise, and sure to resonate with readers! Also discussed is the issue of data quality, and the author wisely mentions that the data analyst should practice transparency in their analytical approach. There is also a great tip on knowing one's audience before delivering any analysis results - I can confirm this is smart advice.The second part of the book begins with a really nice step-by-step exploration of the Excel user interface - this ensures readers totally new to Excel will be able to follow along. Next is a guide for extracting data from a given source; this is written in such a way to still be suitable to Excel beginners. The remainder of this middle section is dedicated to following that three-step system noted above, using the dataset that had just been harvested.The Prepare section maintains that aforementioned focus on knowing one's audience and, on a related note, presents the importance of establishing the actual problem to be solved with the analysis. There are great exercises here on feature engineering and other data preparation/cleaning steps.The Analyze section includes an important mention of maintained focus on the intended audience and problem at hand as well as the fact that the analytics process is not linear - it is iterative and the analyst will indeed need to return to previous steps throughout the process. There are good exercises in the ubiquitous SUM, COUNT, and conditional aggregation functions and a great introduction to PivotTables - PivotTables in particular can be daunting for people new to Excel, but the step-by-step instructions given here are helpful.The Consider section contains some important mentions that are often overlooked by new data analysts. There are discussions of the context of the problem - looking at the "bigger picture" - and the distinction between information and insight garnered from data. There is also a mention of the thing that often happens when a data analyst thinks a project is finish: a manager asks a new question, so the analyst must go back and revisit the analysis.The final section of the book contains a good collection of openly available resources that help can get the reader up and running on their own. There is also mention of further Excel functionality beyond the scope of the book, as well as a good overview of other data analytics tools/skills to explore.As a seasoned Excel user and data analyst, I think this serves as an excellent resource for those newer to the field. One of my favorite quotes from the book is at the end of Chapter 4: "Research and learning are ongoing components of being an effective data analyst." That rings true, and this book will be a great part of the analyst's ongoing learning. Excellent work!

As a business analyst in the corporate world today, there were many great reminders to pull you back to the basics. I would give this book to any entry level data analysts. You have to learn to shoot free throws before you learn the 360 dunk. This is a perfect entryway. 4/5 Stars my only gripe would be that some of the functions addressed in the book are a bit dated as of 2024, this is minor and only a minor complaint overall I loved the book!

An invaluable resource for anyone looking to master data analysis in Microsoft Excel, this book delivers on its promise with precision. What sets it apart is its user-friendly approach, starting with the basics of Excel, ensuring even novices can dive right in. The author's 3-step system is refreshingly simple yet highly effective, making complex analytics accessible to all. With clear explanations and helpful images throughout, readers can easily follow along and apply the concepts with confidence. Whether you're a beginner or seeking to refine your skills, this book is a must-have for anyone looking to 'excel' in data analysis.

This book serves as a comprehensive guide for those diving into Excel and data analysis. It breaks down the process into three simple steps: Prepare, Analyze, and Consider, all the while emphasizing the importance of data quality and transparency. The book covers topics like data extraction, understanding your audience, defining the problem you're dealing with, non-linear analysis (don't worry, they explain it well), functions, and pivot tables. It also delves into context, the difference between information and insight, and the iterative nature of analysis. Additionally, it provides valuable resources and introduces various other data analytics tools and skills, making it a fantastic resource for newcomers in the field.

This book would be great for novice users of Excel. It does not offer much for advanced users.

"Data Analysis in Microsoft Excel" is an invaluable guide for both beginners and experienced users. It offers a clear, step-by-step approach to mastering Excel, emphasizing the importance of understanding your audience and the quality of data analysis. The book's practical three-step system (Prepare, Analyze, and Consider) is particularly effective. Its detailed coverage of Excel features, like PivotTables, makes complex concepts accessible. As a CFO, I find this book to be an essential resource for anyone looking to enhance their data analysis skills in Excel. Highly recommended for its depth, clarity, and practical insights.

"Data Analysis in Microsoft Excel" is a helpful guide for beginners and intermediate users looking to master Excel for data analysis. It simplifies complex tools and processes, making data analytics accessible. The book emphasizes setting clear goals and uses case studies to guide readers effectively. It highlights useful Excel functions and includes practical explanations with visuals. A key takeaway is the importance of understanding your audience when presenting data. The book covers preparation, analysis, and thoughtful consideration, enhancing understanding of both basic and complex Excel formulas.

This was a great overview of data analysis for the person just getting started or who wants to try data analysis on the job. The project at the heart of the book gives you the skills to use excel to refine and evaluate data. The author gives you a way to look at the data and create a useful product using excel, without getting into the statistical language and limitations.