Overview

In this age of information, data is available everywhere and grows at an exponential rate. How can we make sense of all this data? How do we take advantage of data when making decisions? How do we use data to help us guide the management and planning of our policies? Whether you're a citizen or a policymaker, learning the answers to these questions can benefit you greatly. In this course, you will strengthen your ability to use, understand and interpret data and gain the tools to navigate data, perform and interpret visualizations, and understand the different types of data analysis according to the policy to be implemented. Relax, it's not a statistics course! However, you will acquire the knowledge necessary to interpret graphs, statistical reports and understand their language. And, most importantly, you will acquire the foundations to be able to base your decisions on verifiable data, beyond intuition.

Syllabus

Module 1. The Importance of Data in Decision Making

This section of the course includes an introduction where we will detail the objectives, structure, assessments, and materials, including a welcome video and an essential participant guide, culminating in an initial survey. Following this, in this module, we will delve into the significance of incorporating data into decision making and planning. We will explore the importance of data quality and reliability in development contexts and how visualizations can aid in comprehending data and their interrelationships.

Module 2. Converting Concepts into Measurable Parameters

In this module, we will explore how to identify key problems when conducting research and how to engage teams of experts in identifying these issues. To accomplish this, we will introduce the problem tree methodology. Additionally, you will learn about variables, how to identify and analyze a problem, and the concept of indicators.

Module 3. Understanding Data Analysis

In this module, you will explore the key factors for data collection and various methods for analyzing them. It is important to keep in mind that the method selected for analysis depends on the type of data we are using. Understanding these methods will help you comprehend the relationship between the data and its significance. Specifically, you will learn about data collection strategies used in the public sector, types of studies that can be conducted, different analysis techniques, data conversion into variables, some tips on data quality, among other topics.

Module 4. Displaying the Results

In this module, you will explore the use of graphical visualizations to display research results or to understand the results presented to us: as decision-makers, we are not always directly involved in the study, but we receive reports that we must not only understand, but also evaluate.

Module 5. Closing the Loop: From Data to Planning

We have reviewed the path from problem identification to data analysis and visualization. Now, we have the most important task ahead: applying this knowledge to decision making, especially in the public sector. In this module, you will study a flowchart that represents the complete process from data to policy planning, including the evaluation phase. You will understand how this stage is essential for measuring the success or effectiveness of a policy.