Latest news with #dataAnalysis
Bloomberg
8 hours ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
South Africa's Current Account Deficit Narrows Slightly
South Africa's current-account deficit narrowed slightly in the first quarter, beating expectations for it to widen. The gap on the current account – the broadest measure of trade in goods and services – edged down to 35.6 billion rand ($2 billion) in the three months through March from a revised 39.3 billion rand in the previous period, data released Thursday by the central bank showed.
Geeky Gadgets
2 days ago
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
27 Essential Excel Shortcuts to improve productivity
Have you ever found yourself drowning in a sea of spreadsheets, endlessly clicking through menus and tabs, trying to make sense of your data? You're not alone. The average Excel user spends nearly 40% of their time navigating and performing repetitive tasks—time that could be better spent analyzing insights or completing other critical work. But what if there was a way to cut that time in half? Mastering a few essential Excel shortcuts can transform how you work, turning hours of tedious clicking into streamlined, efficient workflows. With just a few keystrokes, you can unlock Excel's full potential and reclaim valuable time in your day. In this feature, Excel Campus takes you through 27 essential Excel shortcuts designed to boost your productivity and simplify your workflow. From navigating massive datasets with precision to editing formulas and automating repetitive tasks, these shortcuts are more than just time-savers—they're tools that empower you to work smarter, not harder. Whether you're a beginner eager to learn the basics or a seasoned pro looking to fine-tune your skills, this guide offers something for everyone. Ready to uncover the hidden efficiencies that Excel has to offer? Let's explore how these shortcuts can transform the way you work with data. Essential Excel Shortcuts Guide Ribbon and Screen Management Keeping your workspace organized is crucial for maintaining productivity. These shortcuts allow you to manage your screen layout effectively and reduce distractions: Hide or show the ribbon: Press Ctrl + F1 to toggle the ribbon, creating more space for your data. Press to toggle the ribbon, creating more space for your data. Full-screen mode: Use Ctrl + Shift + F1 to remove interface elements and focus entirely on your work. Use to remove interface elements and focus entirely on your work. Access the Quick Access Toolbar: Press Alt to highlight the Quick Access Toolbar, allowing you to execute commands without using the mouse. Editing and Formulas Editing formulas and cell content can be time-consuming, but these shortcuts simplify the process and improve accuracy: Edit a cell or view its formula: Press F2 to directly edit a cell or examine its formula. Press to directly edit a cell or examine its formula. Edit in the formula bar: Use Ctrl + F2 to make changes in the formula bar. Use to make changes in the formula bar. Toggle references: Press F4 to switch between absolute, relative, and mixed references in formulas. Press to switch between absolute, relative, and mixed references in formulas. Manual calculation: Use F9 to calculate the workbook or evaluate specific formula components. Use to calculate the workbook or evaluate specific formula components. Insert functions: Press Shift + F3 to open the Insert Function dialog box and quickly find the formula you need. 27 Essential Excel Shortcuts For Faster Editing Watch this video on YouTube. Browse through more resources below from our in-depth content covering more areas on Excel functions. Navigation and Selection Efficient navigation is essential when working with large datasets. These shortcuts help you move through your workbook and select data with precision: Go to a specific range: Press F5 or Ctrl + G to open the 'Go To' menu and jump to named ranges or tables. Press or to open the 'Go To' menu and jump to named ranges or tables. Cycle through workbook areas: Use F6 to shift focus between different sections of the workbook, such as the worksheet, ribbon, and task pane. Use to shift focus between different sections of the workbook, such as the worksheet, ribbon, and task pane. Switch between workbooks: Press Ctrl + F6 to toggle between open workbooks. Press to toggle between open workbooks. Select ranges: Activate extend selection mode with F8 for precise range selection. Activate extend selection mode with for precise range selection. Navigate to the last cell: Use Ctrl + End to jump to the last cell containing data in your worksheet. Data Management Managing data efficiently is a cornerstone of productivity in Excel. These shortcuts simplify common data-related tasks: Open Name Manager: Use Ctrl + F3 to manage named ranges and tables. Use to manage named ranges and tables. Refresh data: Press Alt + F5 to update a selected Pivot Table or query. For all Pivot Tables and queries, use Ctrl + Alt + F5 . Press to update a selected Pivot Table or query. For all Pivot Tables and queries, use . Filter data: Use Ctrl + Shift + L to apply or remove filters from your data range. Use to apply or remove filters from your data range. Sort data: Press Alt + D + S to open the Sort dialog box and organize your data efficiently. Chart and Visualization Creating visual representations of data is a powerful way to analyze and communicate information. These shortcuts make it easier to generate and manage charts: Create a chart: Select your data and press Alt + F1 to instantly generate a chart on the current worksheet. Select your data and press to instantly generate a chart on the current worksheet. Create a chart on a new sheet: Use F11 to create a chart on a separate worksheet for better organization. Use to create a chart on a separate worksheet for better organization. Pivot Chart creation: If working with Pivot Tables, the same shortcut ( Alt + F1 ) creates a Pivot Chart, helping you analyze trends quickly. Macros and Automation Automation can save significant time on repetitive tasks. These shortcuts help you manage and create macros efficiently: Open the Macro window: Press Alt + F8 to view, run, or manage macros. Press to view, run, or manage macros. Access the VBA editor: Use Alt + F11 to create or edit custom macros for advanced automation. Use to create or edit custom macros for advanced automation. Record a macro: Press Alt + T + M + R to start recording a macro, allowing you to automate repetitive tasks. File Management Efficient file management ensures that your work is saved and organized properly. These shortcuts simplify common file-related tasks: Save As: Press F12 to open the 'Save As' window and save your file with a new name or location. Press to open the 'Save As' window and save your file with a new name or location. Insert a new worksheet: Use Shift + F11 to quickly add a new worksheet to your workbook. Use to quickly add a new worksheet to your workbook. Close the workbook: Press Ctrl + W to close the current workbook without exiting Excel. Additional Tips To maximize the benefits of these shortcuts, consider the following strategies: Enable the function lock on laptops with compact keyboards to access function key shortcuts more easily. Explore VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) to create custom solutions tailored to your workflow and automate complex tasks. Practice regularly to build muscle memory and increase your proficiency with these shortcuts. Download a comprehensive Excel shortcuts guide for quick reference and continued learning. By incorporating these shortcuts into your daily routine, you can significantly enhance your productivity in Excel. Whether you're navigating large datasets, editing complex formulas, or automating repetitive tasks, these tools empower you to work smarter and more efficiently. Media Credit: Excel Campus – Jon Filed Under: Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Geeky Gadgets
6 days ago
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
Clean Excel Data Like a Pro - Essential Functions for Cleaning & Organizing Data
Have you ever stared at a chaotic spreadsheet, wondering how to make sense of the jumble of numbers, text, and inconsistent formatting? You're not alone. Messy data is a universal frustration, whether you're managing a small project or analyzing massive datasets. But here's the good news: Excel isn't just a tool for basic calculations—it's a data-cleaning powerhouse. With the right functions, you can transform even the most disorganized data into a clean, structured format that's ready for meaningful analysis. Imagine turning hours of manual edits into a few clicks—sounds like magic, doesn't it? Chandoo takes you though essential Excel functions that can transform your workflow. From simplifying repetitive tasks with tools like `LAMBDA` to tackling inconsistencies with `TRIM` and `XLOOKUP`, these techniques are your secret weapons for streamlining data cleaning. You'll also learn how to extract dates, remove duplicates, and structure unorganized information with precision. Whether you're a beginner or an Excel enthusiast, these strategies will empower you to work smarter, not harder. After all, clean data isn't just about aesthetics—it's the foundation for reliable insights and decisions. Excel Data Cleaning Guide Structuring Your Data Organizing unstructured data into a consistent format is the foundation of effective data cleaning. Excel provides several functions to help you reshape and align your data, making sure it is ready for analysis. These tools are particularly useful when dealing with scattered or inconsistent data sets: WRAPROWS: Rearranges data into a specified number of columns, making it easier to read and analyze. Rearranges data into a specified number of columns, making it easier to read and analyze. HSTACK and VSTACK: Combine data from multiple rows or columns into a single, structured layout. Combine data from multiple rows or columns into a single, structured layout. TAKE: Extracts specific rows or columns from a data set for focused analysis. For example, if event details are scattered across multiple rows, you can consolidate them into a structured format with columns like Name, City, Ticket Price, and Event Details. These functions help ensure your data is consistent, organized, and ready for deeper analysis. Cleaning Your Data Data cleaning often involves removing unnecessary characters, correcting inconsistencies, and standardizing formats. Excel offers several tools to simplify this process and improve data quality: TRIM: Removes extra spaces from text, making sure uniformity across your data set. Removes extra spaces from text, making sure uniformity across your data set. CLEAN: Eliminates non-printable characters that may disrupt your data or cause errors in analysis. Eliminates non-printable characters that may disrupt your data or cause errors in analysis. XLOOKUP: Standardizes categorical data by replacing synonyms or variations with a single, consistent value. Standardizes categorical data by replacing synonyms or variations with a single, consistent value. IF statements: Handle missing or inconsistent data, such as blank ticket prices or varying currency symbols. For instance, you can use `TRIM` to clean up extra spaces in city names and `XLOOKUP` to replace variations like 'NYC' and 'New York City' with a single, standardized term. These tools ensure your data is accurate and consistent, laying the groundwork for reliable analysis. Excel Data-Cleaning Tips Watch this video on YouTube. Here is a selection of other guides from our extensive library of content you may find of interest on Excel data cleaning. Extracting Dates and Times Extracting dates and times from text strings is a common challenge in data cleaning. Excel provides several functions to simplify this task and convert text-based information into usable formats: TEXTAFTER: Isolates date information from text strings, making it easier to extract relevant details. Isolates date information from text strings, making it easier to extract relevant details. DATEVALUE: Converts extracted text into a proper date format for analysis. Converts extracted text into a proper date format for analysis. TEXTSPLIT: Breaks text into components, such as separating event times from descriptions. For example, if a cell contains 'Event on 2023-10-15 at 7 PM,' you can extract '2023-10-15' using `TEXTAFTER` and convert it into a usable date format with `DATEVALUE`. These tools are essential for analyzing time-based trends and making sure your data is properly formatted. Removing Duplicates Duplicate entries can distort your analysis and lead to inaccurate conclusions. Excel's `UNIQUE` function simplifies the process of identifying and removing duplicates. By applying this function to your data set, you can ensure that each record is distinct, reducing redundancy and improving data quality. This step is particularly important when working with large data sets, where duplicate entries can easily go unnoticed. Using Advanced Techniques Excel's advanced functions and dynamic arrays are invaluable for handling complex data sets and scaling your workflows. These tools allow you to automate repetitive tasks and adapt to growing data demands: LAMBDA: Creates reusable formulas for complex calculations, saving time and effort in repetitive tasks. Creates reusable formulas for complex calculations, saving time and effort in repetitive tasks. SORT: Dynamically organizes data based on specific criteria, such as alphabetical order or numerical values. Dynamically organizes data based on specific criteria, such as alphabetical order or numerical values. MAP: Applies a formula across multiple data points, streamlining operations and improving efficiency. For instance, you can use `LAMBDA` to automate calculations for ticket price adjustments or `SORT` to organize event details by city. These advanced techniques enhance your ability to manage large and complex data sets with precision and efficiency. Addressing Challenges Data cleaning often involves dealing with inconsistent patterns and formats, which can complicate the process. To overcome these challenges and ensure your data is accurate and reliable, consider the following strategies: Ensure your formulas are dynamic and can adapt to changes in your data set. Test and validate your results to confirm accuracy and reliability before proceeding with analysis. Regularly review your cleaned data to identify and correct potential errors or inconsistencies. By implementing these practices, you can avoid common pitfalls, maintain data integrity, and ensure your data is ready for meaningful analysis. Excel as a Data Cleaning Powerhouse Excel's robust toolkit provides everything you need to tackle complex data cleaning tasks with confidence. From structuring unorganized data to removing duplicates and extracting specific information, these functions empower you to transform messy data into a clean, standardized format. By using tools like `TRIM`, `CLEAN`, `XLOOKUP`, and dynamic arrays, you can streamline your workflow, save time, and ensure your data is accurate and ready for analysis. With these strategies, you'll be well-equipped to handle even the most challenging data sets efficiently and effectively. Media Credit: Chandoo Filed Under: Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
The Independent
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Why Chelsea are getting worse under Enzo Maresca
Despite looking like unlikely title challengers at xmas, Enzo Maresca 's Chelsea have struggled for form and wins in the months since. Adam Clery dives deep into the data, as well as looking at them on the pitch, to work out if this is the fault of the manager, the players, the opposition, or something else entirely.
Geeky Gadgets
23-05-2025
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
What is Data Storytelling and Why Does It Matter in Business?
What makes one presentation unforgettable while another fades into obscurity? The answer often lies in the art of storytelling—and in today's data-driven world, this art has taken on a new form. Imagine a team of executives staring at a dense spreadsheet, struggling to make sense of the numbers. Now, picture the same data transformed into a vivid narrative: a story that not only explains the trends but also reveals the underlying causes and inspires actionable solutions. This is the power of data storytelling, a skill that has rapidly become indispensable in the modern workplace. By blending analysis, visuals, and narrative, it turns raw information into insights that resonate, persuade, and drive results. No wonder employers are scrambling to find professionals who can wield this fantastic skill. Mo Chen explores why data storytelling has risen to the top of employers' wish lists and how it's reshaping the way businesses operate. You'll discover how this approach goes beyond traditional data visualization, offering deeper context and emotional resonance that bridges the gap between technical and non-technical audiences. Whether you're a data analyst aiming to amplify your impact or a leader seeking to foster collaboration, understanding the nuances of data storytelling can unlock new opportunities. So, what makes this skill so uniquely valuable—and how can it help you stand out in a crowded job market? Let's unpack the answers together. Mastering Data Storytelling Employers value this skill because it directly contributes to better decision-making, fosters collaboration across teams, and delivers measurable business outcomes. By presenting data in a way that resonates with diverse audiences, data storytelling ensures that insights are understood and acted upon, driving tangible results for organizations. How Data Storytelling Differs from Data Visualization While data visualization is a critical component of data analysis, it often stops at presenting information through visual formats such as charts, graphs, or dashboards. Data storytelling, on the other hand, takes this a step further by weaving a narrative around the data. This narrative not only explains the 'what' but also provide more insights into the 'why,' offering deeper context and emotional resonance. For example, a line graph showing a decline in sales over a quarter provides clarity about the trend. However, a story that explains the underlying causes—such as shifts in consumer behavior or supply chain disruptions—and suggests actionable solutions transforms that clarity into meaningful insight. By bridging the gap between raw data and decision-making, storytelling ensures that insights are not only understood but also acted upon effectively. The Importance of Narrative Structure A well-structured narrative is the backbone of effective data storytelling. Without a clear structure, even the most compelling data can fail to engage or inform its audience. A strong narrative ensures that insights are presented logically, making it easier for the audience to follow and retain key takeaways. Common narrative frameworks include: Beginning, middle, and end: Start by setting the context, present the data to highlight key findings, and conclude with actionable insights or recommendations. Start by setting the context, present the data to highlight key findings, and conclude with actionable insights or recommendations. Problem, solution, benefit: Identify a challenge, propose a data-driven solution, and emphasize the potential benefits or outcomes of implementing that solution. Identify a challenge, propose a data-driven solution, and emphasize the potential benefits or outcomes of implementing that solution. Setting, hook, rising insights, central insight, resolution: Engage your audience with a compelling introduction, build toward a central insight, and conclude with a resolution that ties everything together. By organizing data into a coherent story, you make it easier for your audience to connect with the information, understand its implications, and take meaningful action. Why Data Storytelling is the Number One Skill Employers Want Watch this video on YouTube. Uncover more insights about data storytelling in previous articles we have written. Why Data Storytelling Matters for Businesses The ability to tell stories with data has a profound impact on business performance. It enables organizations to make smarter, evidence-based decisions by providing actionable context. For instance, a retail company analyzing customer purchasing patterns through storytelling can uncover trends that inform marketing strategies, leading to increased sales and customer retention. Data storytelling also plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between technical and non-technical teams. By simplifying complex data, it ensures that senior leaders, stakeholders, and other non-technical audiences can understand and act on the insights. This shared understanding fosters collaboration, aligns teams around common objectives, and uncovers opportunities for strategic growth. Moreover, storytelling enhances communication across all levels of an organization. Whether presenting to executives, clients, or team members, a well-crafted data story ensures that the message is clear, engaging, and actionable. Techniques for Crafting Effective Data Stories Creating impactful data stories requires a deep understanding of your audience. Tailor your narrative to address their specific needs, motivations, and concerns. By doing so, you ensure that your story resonates and drives meaningful action. One effective technique is to highlight the human impact of the data. For example, instead of merely stating that a new policy reduced operational costs, explain how it improved employee satisfaction or enhanced customer experiences. This approach makes the data more relatable and memorable. Additionally, always conclude your story with actionable recommendations. A strong ending not only reinforces the key takeaways but also inspires your audience to act. By keeping your audience's perspective at the forefront, you can craft stories that are both engaging and effective. The Three Pillars of Data Storytelling Successful data storytelling is built on three core elements that work together to transform raw information into actionable insights: Data: The foundation of any story. Accurate, relevant, and well-prepared data ensures credibility and trust. Without reliable data, even the most compelling narrative will fail to resonate. The foundation of any story. Accurate, relevant, and well-prepared data ensures credibility and trust. Without reliable data, even the most compelling narrative will fail to resonate. Visuals: The tools that make data accessible and understandable. Charts, graphs, and infographics help convey complex information quickly and clearly, making it easier for audiences to grasp key points. The tools that make data accessible and understandable. Charts, graphs, and infographics help convey complex information quickly and clearly, making it easier for audiences to grasp key points. Narrative: The emotional and contextual layer that connects the data to your audience. A compelling story brings the data to life, making it memorable and actionable. When these elements are combined effectively, they create a powerful tool for communication. Data storytelling not only informs but also engages and inspires action, making it an essential skill in today's data-driven workplace. The Growing Relevance of Data Storytelling As businesses increasingly rely on data to shape their strategies, the ability to craft compelling data stories has become a critical asset. Whether you are a data analyst, marketer, or executive, mastering this skill can enhance your ability to communicate complex information in a way that drives results. Data storytelling is more than just a technical skill—it is a strategic capability that bridges the gap between raw information and actionable insights. By combining data, visuals, and narrative, it enables organizations to make informed decisions, foster collaboration, and achieve their goals. In a competitive landscape where data is abundant but attention spans are limited, the ability to tell stories with data will continue to be a defining factor for success. Media Credit: Mo Chen Filed Under: Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
