Aggregating, Analyzing, and Visualizing Student Survey Data to Improve Targeted Local Support - Module 1

The case uses anonymous socio-economic survey data from middle- and high-school students enrolled in Fe y Alegría schools in Bolivia (FyA:B) to teach data aggregation, data cleaning, and data visualization to undergraduate and/or graduate business school students. The content of the survey data relates to third world educational and economic realities and therefore increases awareness that leads to service for the common good. While anonymous, the survey data provides context on the daily life of disadvantaged communities served by FyA:B schools and can assist Jesuit business schools in aligning with the Inspirational Paradigm by focusing on the plight of the underserved, by providing actionable lessons and assignments, by stimulating critical reflection, and by offering opportunities to engage with FyA:B’s work. 

The case covers basic data combination, analysis, and visualization skills and was designed for up to twelve-week course sequence intentionally developed to allow flexibility in breadth and depth of coverage. It focuses on fostering familiarity with commonly used software tools (Excel, Alteryx, and Tableau) to develop data analysis skills that have recently been highly valued in the labor market for current STEM and Business college graduates. The case does so by examining anonymized surveys conducted to better understand student socio-economic conditions in FyA:B school communities across different regions over a period of several years. The surveys had either 22 and 28 questions and asked questions regarding students’ access to basic needs (e.g., water, meals) as well as social environment (e.g., living conditions, parent education and occupation). The original objective of the surveys was to help FyA:B schools identify students in most need so targeted tailored support could be made available to them. The case is composed of three modules that can be used in their entirety or only in part, so at the instructor’s discretion it is possible to teach the material in less time (either by eliminating content or by compressing delivery).

Module 1: Introduction to Alteryx using Union within one school This module introduces the case and the surveys to students. The module also introduces Alteryx and focuses on data aggregation, data formatting, and data cleaning for surveys collected at a single school. The first module can be taught in one to two weeks depending on the desired level of immersion and reflection.