Abstract

There is a strong support in the data analytics literature for including a data visualization in data analytics curriculum and should be included in analytics programs.  The purpose of this paper to present the pedagogy design and the software selection process of a successful data visualization course in a business analytics program.  The learning objectives, detailed criteria for selecting the reading materials, and visualization software for this course are discussed.  The list of the articles that constitutes the required reading materials that were selected by an extensive review of the literature in the field of data visualization and exploration is discussed and presented.  Analysis of assessments by the instructor and the independent assessment of student capstone projects by two reviewers showed that students learned the materials well and properly applied the knowledge they gained in this course in completing the capstone project.  Student comments are positive and indicate that they enjoyed the course content and working with the visualization software.  Students indicate that the course is well designed.  This presentation should stimulate discussions amongst the faculty, and between faculty and working professionals about the content of a data visualization and exploration course for business students and possibly students in other programs.