1. Prerequisites

• Basic Knowledge:
  • Familiarity with Excel or similar data tools.
  • Basic understanding of data concepts (e.g., tables, relationships, charts).
• Technical Skills:
  • Ability to navigate file systems and basic software applications.
  • No prior experience with Power BI is necessary.
• Devices & Software:
  • Laptop/PC with the following specifications:
    • Windows 10 or higher (64-bit) operating system.
    • At least 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended).
    • Dual-core processor (quad-core recommended).
  • Stable internet connection for cloud-based services and Power BI updates.
  • Microsoft Power BI Desktop installed (free download from Microsoft).

2. Learning Objectives

• Understand the purpose and functionality of Power BI.
• Learn how to connect, clean, and transform data from various sources.
• Create compelling visualizations and dashboards for data analysis.
• Understand basic data modeling concepts.
• Share and collaborate on Power BI reports.

3. Curriculum Overview

Module 1: Introduction to Power BI

• Overview of Power BI ecosystem: Desktop, Service, and Mobile.
• Importance of business intelligence and data visualization.
• Installing and setting up Power BI Desktop.

Module 2: Data Connections and Transformation

• Connecting to different data sources (Excel, databases, web data).
• Using Power Query for data cleaning and transformation.
• Managing relationships between tables.

Module 3: Data Modeling Basics

• Introduction to data modeling concepts.
• Creating and managing relationships.
• Introduction to DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) for calculated fields.

Module 4: Data Visualization

• Overview of Power BI visualizations (tables, charts, maps, etc.).
• Best practices for designing clear and impactful dashboards.
• Using slicers and filters for interactivity.

Module 5: Advanced Features (Optional)

• Introduction to custom visuals.
• Drillthroughs and report navigation.
• Time intelligence functions with DAX.

Module 6: Publishing and Sharing

• Publishing reports to Power BI Service.
• Configuring report sharing and permissions.
• Using Power BI Mobile for on-the-go insights.

Module 7: Collaboration and Integration

• Integrating Power BI with Excel, Teams, and other Microsoft tools.
• Sharing and collaboration features in the Power BI Service.

4. Hands-On Practice

• Practical exercises to connect and transform data.
• Step-by-step guide to building dashboards and reports.
• Real-life case studies for data analysis and visualization.

Unlock the potential of your data with Power BI, Microsoft’s powerful business intelligence and data visualization tool. This introductory course is designed for individuals looking to gain foundational knowledge and practical skills in transforming raw data into actionable insights.

Participants will explore the entire Power BI ecosystem, including Power BI Desktop, Service, and Mobile, to understand how data-driven decisions can drive success in today’s business landscape. The course covers essential topics such as connecting to various data sources, cleaning and transforming data using Power Query, building compelling visualizations, and creating interactive dashboards.

With a hands-on approach, this course ensures learners can confidently create and share reports, collaborate with teams, and gain insights from their data. Whether you’re a beginner with no prior experience or a professional looking to enhance your analytical skills, this course provides the tools you need to start your journey in data analytics.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to design insightful reports, share their findings using Power BI Service, and apply best practices for data visualization, empowering them to turn data into a strategic asset.

Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the Power BI Ecosystem

   • Explain the purpose and components of Power BI, including Desktop, Service, and Mobile applications.
   • Recognize the value of business intelligence and data visualization in decision-making.

2. Connect and Transform Data

   • Import and connect to a variety of data sources, such as Excel, databases, and web data.
   • Use Power Query to clean, transform, and prepare data for analysis.

3. Build Effective Data Models

   • Understand the basics of data modeling, including relationships and data structures.
   • Create calculated columns and measures using DAX (Data Analysis Expressions).

4. Create Interactive Visualizations

   • Design impactful visualizations such as bar charts, line graphs, maps, and tables.
   • Use slicers, filters, and drill-through features to enhance interactivity.

5. Develop Dynamic Dashboards

   • Combine visualizations into cohesive dashboards for better storytelling.
   • Apply best practices for designing user-friendly and actionable dashboards.

6. Share and Collaborate

   • Publish reports to Power BI Service and configure sharing settings.
   • Collaborate with teams and stakeholders through shared dashboards and reports.

7. Leverage Advanced Features (Optional)

   • Use custom visuals and advanced analytics features.
   • Explore time intelligence functions and deeper insights with DAX.

8. Integrate with Microsoft Ecosystem

   • Connect Power BI with tools like Excel, Microsoft Teams, and SharePoint for enhanced productivity.
   • Use Power BI Mobile to access reports and dashboards on the go.

9. Apply Practical Skills to Real-World Scenarios

   • Analyze business datasets to derive actionable insights.
   • Solve case studies to reinforce learning and develop confidence in using Power BI.