Data analytic is a hot topic these days, not just in business but with employers in all fields. Part of the reason that you are required to take statistics, regardless of your field, is that it aids in critical thinking and assists you in analyzing data. Not convinced you will ever need or use Microsoft Excel or data analytic? Not sure why the spreadsheet was even invented or why you'd want to use it beyond https://www.studypool.com/questions/createthis class? First of all, it is important for jobs. The job you may have now, or for jobs you may want in your future. Read the following articles which explain how many positions, regardless of field, now require Microsoft Excel skills and about the growing gap between the skills job-seekers possess and what is needed in today's increasingly data-driven world: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/06/you-cant-escape-the-hegemony-of-the-spreadsheet_n_6816570.html http://burning-glass.com/research/digital-skills-gap/ Okay, so you may need to know Excel for jobs. What is the big deal about spreadsheets anyway? Listen to this short, but fun NPR podcast: http://www.npr.org/sections/money/2015/02/25/389027988/episode-606-spreadsheets

Still not convinced? Try a google search using keywords such as data analytic in accounting. Stick to good sources such as business or professional magazines, organizations, or quality newspaper articles. I've included a few in the initial post of the forum for particular majors, but please look further before you try to answer the questions below.

YOUR ASSIGNMENT: Please answer the questions below in ESSAY format. Do not just write one-sentence or partial sentence responses. Your responses should show that you read the articles and listened to the podcast, so please write enough to demonstrate this and the fact that you thought about the material presented.

• Did you use Excel in this class(Business Statistics and Data Analytic)? If so, how and for what specifically(until now, we have learned from Chapter1 to Chapter 10)? If not, why? Be specific.
• After listening to the articles and podcast, do you understand the importance of analytic and how it is changing the jobs available? Write a short paragraph outlining the what new things you learned and how they could be valuable in your present or future career.
• After reading at several articles about data analytic in your major, please write another short paragraph explaining how analytic is used in your field and what new things you learned. Based on the articles you read, do you plan to pursue additional training in these areas? Why or why not? Be sure to provide several citations to the resources you used.