July 2009
Intermediate to advanced
483 pages
10h 38m
English
Content preview from Head First Data Analysis
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Chapter 1. Introduction to Data Analysis: Break it down
Data is everywhere.
Nowadays, everyone has to deal with mounds of data, whether they call themselves “data analysts” or not. But people who possess a toolbox of data analysis skills have a massive edge on everyone else, because they understand what to do with all that stuff. They know how to translate raw numbers into intelligence that drives real-world action. They know how to break down and structure complex problems and data sets to get right to the heart of the problems in their business.
Acme Cosmetics needs your help
It’s your first day on the job as a data analyst, and you were just sent this sales data from the CEO to review. The data describes sales of Acme’s flagship moisturizer, MoisturePlus.
September | October | November | December | January | February | |
Gross sales | $5,280,000 NoteWhat has been happening during the last six months with sales? | $5,501,000 | $5,469,000 | $5,480,000 | $5,533,000 | $5,554,000 |
Target sales | $5,280,000 | $5,500,000 | $5,729,000 | $5,968,000 | $6,217,000 | $6,476,000 NoteHow do their gross sales figures compare to their target sales figures? |
Ad costs | $1,056,000 | $950,400 | $739,200 | $528,000 | $316,800 | $316,800 |
Social network costs NoteDo you see a pattern in Acme’s expenses? | $0 | $105,600 | $316,800 | $528,000 | $739,200 | $739,200 |
Unit prices (per oz.) | $2.00 | $2.00 | $2.00 NoteWhat do you think is going on with these unit prices? Why are they going down? | $1.90 | $1.90 |
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