96801 - LANGUAGE LABORATORY: COMMUNICATION OF STATISTICS AND DATA BUSINESS ANALYTICS

Academic Year 2024/2025

  • Teaching Mode: Blended Learning
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Statistics, Economics and Business (cod. 8876)

    Also valid for Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Statistical Sciences (cod. 9222)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student is able to speak, write and understand English in a Business setting. In particular the student will - learn to use English more efficiently; - improve their communication skills; - Learn How to Tell Powerful Stories With Data

Course contents

The course covers the main skills related to data communication, that is:

  • Design of a data communication product, from the sourcing and interpretation of data to their graphic representation.
  • Creation of data visualizations, charts and dashboards using the main tools of the industry.

For both of these points, there will be practical exercises, to gain mastery in specific data visualization tools or to favor a creative design process.

The course will discuss key topics related to these two skills, such as:

  • Evaluate accessibility and inclusivity of data communication products.
  • Elements of visual and info design
  • Audience-driven design.
  • Perception and bias, and their influence in data communication.
  • Exercises of creativity in the representation of data.
  • Focus on maps and geo data.
  • Critical evaluation of data visualizations, to improve the efficiency and clarity of your communication products.


Readings/Bibliography

Recommended readings.

Cairo, A. (2020). How charts lie: Getting smarter about visual information. New York, NY: WW Norton.

D’Ignazio, C., & Klein, L. F. (2020). Data Feminism. London, England: MIT Press.

Knaflic, C. N. (2015). Storytelling with data: A data visualization guide for business professionals (C. N. Knaflic, Ed.). Nashville, TN: John Wiley & Sons.

Teaching methods

  • Frontal lessons
  • Practical classroom exercises, with pen and paper
  • Practical classroom exercises, with online tools
  • Collaborative learning

Assessment methods

For the exam, students are expected to submit a data storytelling group project, following the specific guidelines provided by the Professor.

During the last lesson*, students will share their draft work, prepared according to the template provided, and will receive feedback*. They will then continue to work on the project and submit a final version by the exam date.

The project is a group project (max. 6 members per group, ideal size is 4), but the Professor can grant the possibility to work on it individually, should a student request it.


*NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS: The same instructions apply, with the difference that non-attending students should contact the Professor and share a presentation of their draft work prior to the exam, in order to collect timely feedback. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with a reasonable advance, for smooth progress.

Teaching tools

Computer, course slides which will remain available.

The course encourages the use of open source tools, but the creation of a free profile will still be required in order to use of some of the tools demonstrated in class. If any incompatibilities arise due to privacy issues, please contact the teacher.

The course privileges the use of, to avoid software installation problems.

Students with disabilities which may have an impact on the use of the computer can contact the teacher to agree on how to ensure a good access to the course.

Office hours

See the website of Alice Corona

SDGs

Quality education Gender equality Industry, innovation and infrastructure Reduced inequalities

This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.