Using Data: Discovery, analysis, visualisation and decision-making
Build confidence working with data by exploring how to discover, analyse, and communicate insights to support better decisions.
Course overview
In today’s data-driven world, knowing how to use data effectively is essential for making informed decisions and driving impact. This two-day course provides a practical introduction to data discovery, analysis, visualisation, and decision-making—designed for professionals who work with data or depend on it to guide strategy and operations. Through interactive sessions, discussions, and hands-on activities using Excel, participants will build their confidence in engaging with data and develop a stronger understanding of when and how to apply it.
Tailored to suit a range of organisational contexts, the course is ideal for managers, analysts, advisors, and other professionals who come into contact with data in their workplace and want to be better equipped to use it effectively.
Participants will leave with greater clarity on what data can do, how to ask the right questions, and how to communicate insights clearly. It’s not about becoming a data expert—it’s about becoming a more capable, confident, and informed decision-maker.
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What you'll learn
- Identify situations where data can improve decision-making, streamline operations, or assess effectiveness.
- Determine which types of data are most appropriate for specific questions or challenges.
- Apply basic analytical techniques in Excel to interrogate and manipulate data effectively.
- Explore different analytical approaches and understand which are best suited to various data types and problems.
- Develop the skills to assess the trustworthiness and limitations of conclusions drawn from data.
- Use data visualisation techniques to present analytical results in accurate and compelling ways.
- Tailor communication of data insights to suit different audiences and decision-making objectives.
- Strengthen the ability to use data confidently in strategic, tactical, and operational contexts.
Course modules
Day 1: Data Discovery and Analysis
Morning – Data Discovery
Gain a clear understanding of the role of data in modern organisations and its relationship to human judgement. Learn how to align data with strategic questions and decisions to better serve organisational needs.
- The role of data in the modern organisation.
- Why judgement is necessary but not sufficient.
- Matching data to organisational needs, questions, and decisions.
Afternoon – Data Analysis (A Gentle Introduction)
Explore foundational analytical techniques, with a focus on making data accessible. Understand how to quantify qualitative inputs, summarise data, and recognise patterns or differences.
- Quantifying qualitative data.
- Descriptive statistics.
- Measuring associations and differences.
- Understanding what can be done with more advanced quantitative methods.
Day 2: Data Visualisation and Decision-Making
Morning – Data Visualisation and Communication
Learn to design effective visualisations tailored to purpose and audience. Practise enhancing clarity and impact through small but meaningful edits.
- What makes visualisations good or bad, and how to do more of the good things and less of the bad.
- Matching visualisations to data, objectives, and audiences.
- How subtle edits can improve the impact of visualisations.
Afternoon – Data-Driven Decision-Making
Focus on applying data insights in real-world decisions. Strengthen collaboration between data professionals and decision-makers, and assess the reliability of data-driven outputs.
- Improving communication between data people and decision-makers.
- Increasing the chances of getting the information needed on the first try.
- Evaluating the quality and generalisability of data provided by others.
Further Information
Format
This course is delivered as a two-day in-person workshop at our Wellington venue. It includes a mix of facilitator-led sessions, small-group exercises, and whole-group discussion. Group size is limited to 16 participants to ensure meaningful interaction and personal feedback. Morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea are provided to support networking and collaboration.
Participants will have the opportunity to work on examples. All participants are required to bring their laptops to the sessions.
What You'll Receive
You will receive a digital certificate of attendance and a Wellington Uni-Professional digital badge. These include the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours completed, making them suitable for recognition by professional organisations and employers.
Here's what others are saying
“Useful for a very high-level overview on how to use data. If you request data a lot, take this course – it will make you appreciate all the work that goes into preparing data.”
“This course was exactly what it had said it would be. I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to get out of it but I know I got even more than what I thought I could. Mary Ellen was excellent, if you’re interested in expanding your knowledge on the power of data and how to communicate data, do this course!”
Upcoming Courses & Delivery Options
03 Sep 2025 | Wellington
Duration: 2 days
$NZD 1,395
excl. GST
Can’t make these dates or want a private course?
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