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Introduction
The exponential growth of the internet, globalization and the pandemic have accelerated the push for digital transformation in all sectors. Companies have pivoted and reinvented themselves to remain relevant. Much of this transformation involve changing processes and workflow to gain efficiencies, productivity and competitive advantages, leading to increase revenues and profitability. Businesses started to make investments in technology and retrained their workforces to support those new processes and workflows.
A result of the digital transformation was a dramatic increase in the types and quantities of data they began to accumulate. These businesses soon realised that they could use the deep understanding of that data for competitive and even absolute advantages. However, the realisation that whilst they had skilled managers and engineers, there was a need for the skill to now work with the data they had.
There is a new driver for sustainable employability and that is Data and Information Literacy. The data and information literate professional does more than just crunch numbers. The expectation is for data professionals to add value by bringing their domain knowledge – engineering, finance, logistics, etc. – into data activities like data sourcing, wrangling, management, analysis and communication.
“Data literacy Is the ability to read, write and communicate data in context, including an understanding of data sources and constructs, analytical methods and techniques applied; and the ability to describe the use case, application and resulting value.” – Gartner
In a nutshell, being data and information literate is about being able to:
- Seek out, acquire and manage the data that is going into the organization, used within the organization and communicated by the organization.
- Analyze and interpret data.
- Report and present the findings or insights through dashboards and other means.
The majority of companies today realize the value of a data-driven business and are in need of talented individuals to provide insight into the constant stream of collected information. The demand for data literate professions will only grow as we continue to digitize our physical world.
This part-time train-and-place programme, formerly known as (SCTP) Data and Information Analysis Literacy Upgrading Programme (Dial-Up), is facilitated over a period of approximately 3 months. Interested applicants are requested to view criteria under 'Who Should Attend' before applying.
Upon successful completion of this programme, learners will be awarded an Advanced Professional Certificate.
Due to high demand, applications for this course may close sooner than expected. Hence, prospective learners are advised to submit their application as soon as possible.
Join us at the SCTP I'm-possible Insight Series: The I’m-possible Insight Series is a series of programme-specific info sessions tailored for individuals aiming to navigate their way into high-demand tech career roles. Meet our trainers and career consultants and gain insights on how to turn the challenge of a career transition into a well-mapped path to success with SCTP. | |
| Date & Time : - | Registration is closed |
Course Availability
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Date(s): 10 Feb 2025 to 17 May 2025
Time: Synchronous: 7:00PM to 10:00PM, Asynchronous: 2 to 4 hour(s)
Schedule: Download here
Venue: Virtual (Online), NTU e-Learning Platform & NTU@one-north campus
Registration is closed.
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Date(s): 21 Apr 2025 to 25 Jul 2025
Time: Synchronous: 7:00PM to 10:00PM, Asynchronous: 2 to 4 hour(s)
Schedule: Download here
Venue: Virtual (Online), NTU e-Learning Platform & NTU@one-north campus
Registration Closing Date: 31 Mar 2025
This programme has been designed by industry professionals and practitioners to upgrade existing capabilities with the practical aspects of data mining and preparation, data analysis and visualization.
Through guided hands-on work and instruction, trainees will gain the knowledge on how to apply the core aspects of dealing with data that they will find themself in any job and role, and in any industry.
Module Title | Synopsis |
Data Wrangling, Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) and Data Management | Data analysis begins with gathering and preparing data. Learners will explore key concepts in data management, data wrangling, and exploratory data analysis—fundamental skills for any data analyst. They will learn how to create and update relational databases, a common type of database used in organizations. The course covers the use of SQL to extract data and incorporates GenAI tools to enhance the process. This module is designed for beginners with no prior programming experience. Learners will develop practical SQL skills and apply them to a small group project. |
Analysing and Interpreting Data | Knowing how to analyze data, extract insights, interpret charts and analytics, and present the analysis to a varied audience is a must-have competency for any individual, firm, or organization. Businesses and organizations operate in a connected, digital, and knowledge-driven environment where business intelligence and insights provide significant competitive advantages. Learners will explore how to maximize the potential of MS Excel’s “Data Analysis” ToolPak for tasks such as time series analysis, benchmarking, forecasting, and scenario forecasting. The course emphasizes approaches and techniques using up-to-date company financial data (e.g., annual data, line of business (LOB) data, market segment data) in the critical thinking process, guiding learners from problem statement to potential solutions. |
Communicating Insights, Dashboarding and Data Storytelling | In the realm of data, uncovering insights is just the beginning; the real challenge is effectively communicating those insights to diverse audiences. This course is designed to equip learners with the skills to transform complex data into clear, actionable visuals. They will learn how to use applications like Tableau for data visualization and storytelling, incorporating GenAI to enhance their learning experience. The course will also cover best practices for creating impactful visualizations, enabling learners to quickly identify performance indicators, anomalies, and key insights. By the end of the course, attendees will be proficient in using data visualization tools and techniques to communicate insights efficiently and effectively. |
Capstone Project (running concurrently with other modules) | The capstone project will tie the learnings together in a job-relevant project. |
Methodology
The primary structure of this 3-month course is hands-on practical lesson and guide through the use of data analysis and data visualization tools in a business context. E.g., developing a revenue growth strategy that is based data and presenting the insights and recommendations. The skills taught can be applied to any data sets and in almost all business contexts, e.g., budgeting, operations management, sales and marketing, finance, R&D, etc.
This part-time course will be a hybrid of Synchronous and Asynchronous learning. Every week, there will be synchronous (online face-to-face) sessions and asynchronous access to additional learning material (e.g. articles, white papers, videos, etc.).
Trainees will have to complete and submit an assignment and/or assessment quiz each week. As much of the course training and assignments are hands-on, the participants will be spending a considerable amount time doing the assignments and reading the materials asynchronously. Participants will also have to work on an end-of-module project and to present it.
Trainees will be using NTU’s e-Learning Platform to access the content and Discussion Boards. Through lectures, talks, hands-on learning of data analysis and visualization tools, and presentations will be carried out over Zoom and NTU’s Blackboard LMS platform.
Graduate Support & Outcomes
Scope | Features |
Real-World Applicability | The content and curriculum is specifically designed to equip trainees with skills related to aspects of data mining and preparation, data analysis and visualization. Skills like data analysis and data storytelling are core and portable skills that complement existing domain knowledge and skill set. |
Coaching and Learning-by-Doing | Through the use of current data in the training, trainees will have ample hands-on practise of the approach and techniques taught in the various modules. Trainees will get ample opportunities to ask the trainers about real-world applications. |
Building a Portfolio of Project Work | There will be more than enough opportunities for trainees to work on mini-projects and presentations designed by trainers. The final course quiz will further serves to validate understanding of the key concepts and takeaways. |
Graduate Career Support | Our programme focuses on highly sought-after skills, which, combined with a qualifying admissions process, mentorship, and soft skills development, means that graduates are set up for success. We develop partner relationships with local employers and our global community through mentoring, portfolio projects, and hiring events to support our graduates once they have completed the programme. |
A background in IT is not necessary but preferable. This course is designed to cater to the intricacies of analytics. Hence, individuals with a background in this discipline bring valuable prior knowledge that will enhance their learning experience and understanding of the curriculum.
Applicants will be required to undergo a shortlisting process where they must share their résumé and complete a pre-course assessment. Our instructors and career consultants will review applicants to assess their suitability before deciding whether to shortlist them for the course.
Standard Course Fee: S$8,175.00
SSG Funding Support | Course fee | Course fee payable after SSG funding, if eligible under various schemes |
BEFORE funding & GST | AFTER funding & 9% GST | |
1 Singapore Citizens (SCs) and Permanent Residents (PRs) (Up to 70% funding) | S$7,500.00 | S$2,452.50 |
2 SCs aged ≥ 40 years old | S$952.50 | |
3 SCTP Additional Course Fee Funding Support (AFS) (Up to 95% funding) | S$577.50 |
• NTU/NIE alumni may utilise their $1,600 Alumni Course Credits. Click here for more information.
Francis Tay
Lecturer, NTU WKWSCI
Founder & CEO, NextGen Ventures Pte Ltd
Director, Singapura Management Pte Ltd
Francis is currently a lecturer at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Wee Kim Wee School for Communications and Information (WKWSCI), teaching Business Intelligence and Information Entrepreneurship in the Master of Knowledge Management course. His courses are also taken up by students reading for their Master of Information Systems, Master of Information Studies and Master of Mass Communications. He has also taught Organizational Leadership and Information Sources and Services in the Master of Information Studies course. He has been teaching at NTU for more than 10 years.
Francis has authored three books “Latent Factors”, “Turning Good Ideas into Great Businesses” and “Picking Winners”. The first two books focus on business advantages and financial models and the third book is on market intelligence and building up market and sector models for benchmarking analysis. His market intelligence and benchmarking portal – www.profitstrail.com - was developed as a real-time update for “Picking Winners”.
He is concurrently a Director at Singapura Management Pte Ltd, a corporate services company providing bookkeeping, tax and other services to local and foreign SMEs. He founded NextGen Ventures Pte Ltd, an equity investment company that focuses on technology and Internet-related businesses. He has held senior positions in government and government-linked organizations.
Francis obtained his Honours degree from NUS, majoring in Economics and Computer Science & Applications, and his Master of Science in Management (Sloan Fellowship) from the London Business School in the UK. Francis served 5 years on the National Youth Council’s Singapore Youth Awards (SYA) Entrepreneurship committee and has provided mentorship to companies and others under various business programmes at universities and start-up accelerators.
Mr Kan Hwa Heng
Hwa Heng is currently an adjunct lecturer teaching at both degree and diploma levels in various institutes of higher learning. He teaches information technology subjects such as object-oriented programming, web application development, accounting information systems, and data analytics and visualisation.
Hwa Heng has more than 20 years of experience in the information technology industry. He performed various technical roles including software development, technical pre-sales and IT project management. He developed and maintained enterprise applications in the government, banking and healthcare domains.
Hwa Heng obtained his MBA (Management of Information Technology) and Honors degree (Computer Technology) from NTU. He has a Specialist Diploma in Business & Big Data Analytics and a Specialist Diploma in Supply Chain Management from Nanyang Polytechnic. He is also a certified Project Management Professional and a certified Tableau Desktop Specialist.
Ms Khoo Seok Teng
Seok Teng is currently an adjunct lecturer teaching at both degree and diploma levels for pre-employment students and adult learners in various institutes of higher learning. She has been teaching for more than 10 years, specialising in accounting and finance modules as well as data analytics and visualisation in recent years.
Before taking up lecturing, she had close to 20 years of corporate experience from various positions in different industries including hospitality, stockbroking, telecoms and public sector. She held several financial leadership positions in charge of financial and management reporting, financial planning and analysis, due diligence for mergers and acquisitions as well as investor relations for a NASDAQ-listed company.
Seok Teng has an Honours degree in Science (Computer and Information Sciences) from NUS and MBA (Management of Information Technology) from NTU. She is a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) charter holder and a Chartered Accountant (Singapore). She is also a certified Tableau Desktop Specialist.
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