This course introduces students to the basic skills and techniques of data analytics designed to facilitate evidence-based and data-driven problem solving and decision-making in public affairs. With the use of advanced functions in Excel and other data handling software (for example Python/ R), it will equip students with skills in data preparation, wrangling, organisation, analysis and visualisation. The course will further provide students with techniques in sourcing and acquiring big data and informatics and the skills to communicate with different stakeholders. The use of dashboards for managerial decision-making and popular social media for communication will also be explored. Students in this course will have the chance to polish data analytic and visualisation skills with real-life data and projects. Ethical and social issues related to the use and release of data will be critically evaluated.