Creating Business Value with Data and Looker Specialization Course Syllabus

Overview: This specialization provides a practical introduction to using Looker and cloud data platforms to deliver impactful business intelligence. Through hands-on labs and real-world scenarios, learners will explore data transformation, visualization, and modeling using Google Cloud and Looker. The course is designed for professionals seeking to leverage data for strategic decision-making and consists of approximately 12 hours of content across several modules, allowing flexible pacing for working individuals.

Module 1: Exploring Data Transformation with Google Cloud

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Examine the value of data in shaping customer experiences
• Explore Google Cloud data management solutions
• Learn how Google Cloud products enhance data accessibility and utility
• Understand the role of cloud infrastructure in enabling data-driven insights

Module 2: Analyzing and Visualizing Data in Looker

Estimated time: 5 hours

• Use dimensions, measures, filters, and pivots for data analysis
• Create advanced metrics using table calculations
• Develop visualizations with Looks and dashboards
• Share data insights through dashboards and boards

Module 3: Developing Data Models with LookML

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Work within Looker’s Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
• Create dimensions and measures in LookML
• Build scalable and performant LookML models
• Persist derived tables to generate new logical tables in LookML

Module 4: Real-Time Data Visualization

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Create near real-time visualizations using Looks
• Design interactive dashboards for business users
• Organize and share content using Looker boards

Module 5: Cloud Data Management

Estimated time: 3 hours

• Understand how data is stored and managed in the cloud
• Explore best practices for cloud data architecture
• Identify strategies for creating business value from cloud data

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 4 hours

• Design a comprehensive Looker dashboard using real-time data
• Develop a custom LookML model to support business analysis
• Present insights and business recommendations based on data exploration

Prerequisites

• Familiarity with SQL fundamentals
• Basic understanding of data modeling concepts
• Experience with cloud platforms is helpful but not required

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Analyze and visualize data effectively using Looker tools
• Create real-time dashboards to support data-driven decisions
• Develop and manage LookML models for scalable data experiences
• Apply cloud data management principles to business use cases
• Demonstrate proficiency in Google Cloud and Looker for professional advancement