This case and dataset can be used in a course on storytelling with data to explore how various types of maps in combination with other types of charts drive decision-making. It is designed for working with Tableau but can be easily adapted for other data visualization software. The case also offers an opportunity to help students understand there is a difference between visual persuasion and visual dishonesty.
In the case, a project manager (Logan Clausen) is looking for benchmarks to use for the housing component of a property development idea close to an airport. Clausen gathered data on housing values around two other municipal airports. She is under pressure to pitch and present housing values in an upcoming meeting with two partners who, if persuaded, would use her analysis to pitch investors. Beyond putting numbers around things, she needs to figure out what fit and evaluate risk and value on the property she is pitching—and present the pitch to stakeholders with differing needs. When presenting the project internally to the partners, and externally to potential investors and other stakeholders, which data should she use and how? Ultimately, what should be her recommendation to the partners? How could data visualizations help her make her arguments persuasive?
