Financial & Economic Data Analysis Fundamentals

ACCREDITED SHORT COURSE | SETA-ALIGNED | NQF LEVEL 5

Details Audience and Pre-Requisites Course Outline / Curriculum Schedule Dates and Booking Enquiry

Details

All managers need to be able to understand and interpret the financial information at their disposal. The ability to analyse financial data accurately can be the difference between a successful and unsuccessful business unit.

Completing a course with these objectives offers learners practical, data-driven skills essential for making informed business and economic decisions. By mastering techniques to collect and organize numerical information, participants gain a solid foundation in financial and economic analysis. They learn to interpret trends, relationships, and outcomes in real-world scenarios, ultimately supporting more effective planning, forecasting, and strategic choices in any professional environment that relies on quantitative data.

This course covers the outcomes for US252036 at NQF level 5 for 6 credits.

This course equips learners with essential data-handling and analytical skills for financial and economic contexts. Participants will learn how to:

 

  • Collect and Organize Data: Select appropriate methods to gather, record, and structure both financial and demographic information for meaningful use.

  • Perform Statistical Calculations: Compute averages, standard deviations, lines of best fit, and apply time value of money principles to analyze financial data.

  • Visualize Information: Transform raw data and calculations into clear, accurate graphs (histograms, pie charts, bar charts, and more) to illustrate trends and relationships.

  • Analyze Economic Relationships: Use mathematical techniques to identify and represent economic connections, ensuring data-driven projections and informed decision-making.

Delivery Methods

Delivery Method Duration
Classroom
Instructor-led classroom-based training. Classes are scheduled at various conference centres in the Sandton area or your premises. Stationary and printed manuals or online resources are included. Refreshments, including 2 tea breaks and a cooked meal for lunch are provided. Training is between 9 am to 4 pm.
Classroom
3 Days Get a Quote
Live Virtual Training
This course is delivered live via Microsoft Teams. You will be able to see and hear the instructor, view their whiteboard, and ask questions or communicate in the chat. Attend from the comfort of your own home or private office.
Live Virtual Training
3 Days Get a Quote

Discounts Available

Brochure:

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Information may change without notice.

Audience

This course will suit learners in any business unit who are responsible for leading and managing staff, and who would like to grow their skills in analysing financial information. It would also suit any qualifying learner who would like to earn credits towards the National Certificate in Generic Management qualification. 

Pre-Requisites

It is assumed that learners are competent in:

  • Communication at NQF Level 4
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4
  • Computer Literacy at NQF Level 4

Course Outline / Curriculum

Data Collection and Organisation 

  • Purpose of data collection for decision-making and record-keeping 
  • Types of data: 
    • Primary data (original, first-hand information) 
    • Secondary data (existing, processed information) 
  • Data collection methods: 
    • Quantitative methods (surveys, structured instruments) 
    • Qualitative methods (interviews, observations) 
  • Criteria for selecting data collection methods (purpose, cost, time, accuracy) 
  • Key data types: financial and demographic data 
  • Recording standards to ensure accuracy, validity, and permanence of data 

 Data Representation and Presentation 

  • Presenting information clearly for different audiences 
  • Textual presentation for simple comparisons 
  • Use of tables for precise values and category comparisons 
  • Graphs and charts to identify trends and patterns: 
  • Bar charts, histograms, pie charts, and line graphs 
  • Principles of effective data design and interpretation 

 Statistical and Financial Calculations 

  • Measures of central tendency: mean, median, and mode 
  • Measures of variability: range and standard deviation 
  • Using lines of best fit to analyse relationships and trends 
  • Applying time value of money concepts 
  • Calculating present value and future value using different interest models 

 Mathematical Analysis of Economic Relationships 

  • Understanding relationships between variables 
  • Identifying positive and negative correlations 
  • Calculating and interpreting slopes of graphs 
  • Using economic graph types: time-series, cross-sectional, and scatter diagrams 

Schedule Dates and Booking

To apply for a booking, click on the relevant "Book Now" button below.
Note: places are only fully secured once payment has been made.

Start Date End Date Branch  
Mon 5 Oct 2026 Tue 6 Oct 2026 Not Applicable

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