Course Overview: Microsoft Power BI
Course Description
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Microsoft Power BI, a powerful business intelligence tool used for data analysis, visualization, and reporting. Participants will learn how to connect to various data sources, transform data, create interactive dashboards and reports, and share insights with stakeholders. The course covers essential features, data modeling techniques, DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) formulas, and best practices for effective data storytelling using Power BI.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
Connect to and import data into Power BI from different sources.
Navigate the Power BI interface and utilize its core features.
Create interactive dashboards, reports, and visualizations to explore data.
Perform data transformations and apply data modeling techniques.
Utilize DAX formulas for calculations and advanced analytics within Power BI.
Share insights through compelling data stories and presentations.
Collaborate with colleagues by publishing and sharing Power BI reports and dashboards.
Optimize reports and dashboards for performance and usability.
Course Outline
Module 1: Introduction to Power BI
Overview of Power BI and its capabilities
Installing Power BI Desktop and setting up Power BI Service (Power BI Online)
Understanding the Power BI interface (data pane, report view, dashboard view)
Connecting to data sources (Excel, CSV, databases, web sources)
Module 2: Data Preparation and Transformation
Importing and shaping data using Power Query Editor
Combining data from multiple sources
Cleaning and transforming data (removing duplicates, filtering, renaming columns)
Handling errors and invalid data using data cleansing techniques
Module 3: Data Modeling and Relationships
Creating relationships between tables
Building star schema and snowflake schema models
Using calculated columns and measures for data analysis
Implementing row-level security (RLS) for data protection
Module 4: Advanced Analytics with DAX
Introduction to Data Analysis Expressions (DAX)
Writing DAX formulas for calculations (sum, average, count)
Using DAX functions for time intelligence (YTD, QTD, MTD)
Implementing advanced calculations and measures
Module 5: Visualization Techniques
Creating basic and advanced visualizations (bar charts, line charts, scatter plots)
Applying formatting and customization options to visuals
Using custom visuals from the Power BI marketplace
Incorporating tooltips, slicers, and drill-through features
Module 6: Power BI Service and Collaboration
Publishing reports and dashboards to Power BI Service
Sharing and distributing reports with stakeholders
Setting up workspaces and managing access permissions
Scheduling data refresh and notifications
Module 7: Data Storytelling and Presentation
Structuring and organizing data stories for impact
Creating interactive and engaging presentations with Power BI
Using bookmarks and navigation buttons for storytelling
Incorporating commentary and annotations
Module 8: Integration and Extensibility
Integrating Power BI with other Microsoft services (Azure, Excel)
Using Power BI APIs for custom applications and integrations
Extending Power BI capabilities with Power Apps and Power Automate
Exploring advanced features and updates in Power BI
Module 9: Best Practices and Case Studies
Best practices for efficient data modeling and visualization
Real-world case studies of Power BI usage in different industries
Peer review and feedback sessions
Assessment
Quizzes and assignments to reinforce learning
Hands-on projects applying Power BI concepts to real-world datasets
Final project: Developing a comprehensive data analysis and visualization project using Power BI
Prerequisites
Familiarity with basic data concepts and data analysis
No prior experience with Power BI required, but familiarity with Excel and databases is beneficial
Resources Provided
Course textbook and supplementary materials
Access to online resources, sample datasets, and Microsoft Power BI documentation
Online forums and support for discussions and queries