2025/2026
Data storytelling
Type:
Minor
Delivered by:
Department of Strategic and International Management
Open to:
students of all HSE University campuses
Instructors:
Margarita Gladkova
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
5
Contact hours:
48
Course Syllabus
Abstract
This course equips students with the essential skills to transform raw data into actionable insights and communicate them through compelling visualizations. The program combines analytical methods with visualization techniques widely applied in consulting and business problem-solving.
Students will explore the full analytical workflow — from data collection and cleaning, to identifying patterns, generating insights, and presenting recommendations. Emphasis is placed on how to design clear, persuasive visualizations and data stories that resonate with decision-makers.
Data visualization instrument that is used in the course - Yandex DataLens. However, part of the course will be dedicated to how GenAI may increase the efficiency of data analysis and storytelling.
Learning Objectives
- This course aims to equip future consultants and business analysts with a comprehensive and practical framework for leveraging data analytics to solve complex business problems. Students will master the full spectrum of the analytical workflow—from initially structuring ambiguous challenges and designing a metrics strategy, to conducting analysis, visualizing data, and communicating insights with clarity and impact. A special emphasis is placed on integrating established consulting tools and methodologies with modern techniques, including Generative AI, to drive data-informed decision-making and deliver persuasive, actionable recommendations.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Evaluate complex business problems and structure them effectively using appropriate conceptual tools and strategic frameworks to define the scope and direction of data analysis
- Design a robust analytical plan by identifying relevant data sources, selecting appropriate types of analysis, and constructing a metrics tree to align key performance indicators (KPIs) with core business objectives
- Create compelling data visualizations and interactive dashboards that adhere to the principles of cognitive design and data storytelling to communicate findings clearly and minimize misinterpretation
- Synthesize analytical results into a persuasive, executive-level presentation using consulting communication principles to deliver actionable insights and facilitate data-driven decision-making
- Leverage Generative AI tools to augment the data analysis process, from generating initial hypotheses and insights to supporting the creation of narratives and visualizations for presenting results
Assessment Elements
- Homework 1
- Final project
- Homework 2
- Homework 3
- Homework 4
- Homework 5
- Attendance
- Final project
Interim Assessment
- 2025/2026 2nd module0.1 * Attendance + 0.3 * Final project + 0.1 * Final project + 0.1 * Homework 1 + 0.1 * Homework 2 + 0.1 * Homework 3 + 0.1 * Homework 4 + 0.1 * Homework 5
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Brent Dykes. (2020). Effective Data Storytelling : How to Drive Change with Data, Narrative and Visuals. Wiley.
- Data analysis for social science : a friendly and practical introduction, Llaudet, E., 2023
- The data storytelling workbook, Feigenbaum, A., 2020
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Gerasimov, I., Glebov, S., Kaplunovski, A., Mogilner, M., & Semyonov, A. (2015). “Big Data” and “Small Stories” for the Future. Ab Imperio, 4, 9–25. https://doi.org/10.1353/imp.2015.0093