Course Overview:

This course is designed to teach students how to leverage Power BI and Excel for effective data analytics. It covers the fundamentals of data collection, manipulation, and visualization, helping participants turn raw data into valuable insights. By mastering Excel and Power BI’s capabilities, learners will be able to create informative reports and dashboards to aid in data-driven decision-making. Key topics include data cleaning, transformation, advanced formulas, building interactive dashboards, and advanced Power BI features for business intelligence. By the end of this course, participants will have the skills to analyze and present data confidently, with practical knowledge applicable across industries.

Course Objectives:

1. Equip students with essential Excel skills for data analysis, including advanced formulas and pivot tables.
2. Teach how to use Power BI to process and visualize data, turning raw information into interactive reports and dashboards.
3. Develop skills in data cleaning, transformation, and analysis to extract insights from large datasets.
4. Understand best practices for data visualization and storytelling through dashboards.
5. Enable students to apply data analytics to make informed, data-driven decisions in any business or industry context

Course Requirements:

1. Basic understanding of computer use and Microsoft Office.
2. Access to Microsoft Excel (any version) and Power BI Desktop (free version).
3. No prior experience in data analysis is required, but familiarity with Excel will be helpful.

Accreditations:

1. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Certificate of Achievement in Data Analytics with Power BI and Excel from the institution.
2. The course may count towards Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or Professional Development Units (PDUs), depending on your institution's accreditation body.

Examination and Award:

1. Final Examination: A written and practical exam where students must demonstrate their ability to use Excel and Power BI for data analytics and visualization.
2. Capstone Project Presentation: Submit and present the final data analysis project, showcasing all techniques learned throughout the course.

Examination Weights:

1. Final Examination: 40%
2. Capstone Project: 40%
3. Assignments and Quizzes: 20%

Module 1: Introduction to Data Analytics

Topics:

1. Overview of Data Analytics: Importance and Applications
2. Role of Power BI and Excel in Data Analysis
3. Fundamentals of Data-Driven Decision Making
4. Key Concepts in Data Analytics (Data Cleaning, Transformation, Visualization)

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the significance of data analytics in business decision-making.
2. Recognize the role of Excel and Power BI in data analysis.
3. Develop a foundational understanding of data cleaning, transformation, and visualization processes.

Module 2: Working with Excel for Data Analytics

Topics:

1. Basic Excel Functions: Worksheets, Cells, and Data Entry
2. Techniques for Data Cleaning in Excel (Sorting, Filtering, Removing Duplicates)
3. Advanced Formulas and Functions (VLOOKUP, INDEX, MATCH, IF Statements)
4. Pivot Tables and Pivot Charts: Creating and Customizing Reports
5. Conditional Formatting and Data Validation

Learning Outcomes:

1. Gain proficiency in data entry, cleaning, and preparation using Excel.
2. Apply advanced formulas and functions to solve data analysis problems.
3. Use Pivot Tables and Pivot Charts to summarize and present data effectively.
4. Understand and apply Excel’s data validation and formatting features for better analysis.

Module 3: Power BI Fundamentals

Topics:

1. Introduction to Power BI and Its Components (Power Query, Power Pivot, Power View)
2. Connecting and Importing Data into Power BI
3. Cleaning and Transforming Data with Power BI
4. Building Basic Visualizations: Charts, Graphs, and Tables
5. Introduction to Interactive Dashboards in Power BI

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand Power BI's interface and key components for data analysis.
2. Import and prepare data in Power BI for analysis and reporting.
3. Create basic visualizations, charts, and tables for data presentation.
4. Develop an understanding of interactive dashboard creation in Power BI.

Module 4: Data Visualization and Reporting

Topics:

1. Best Practices for Data Visualization (Choosing the Right Visuals)
2. Customizing Visuals and Reports in Power BI and Excel
3. Interactive Elements in Power BI: Slicers, Filters, and Drill-Downs
4. Storytelling with Data: Crafting Meaningful Reports and Dashboards
5. Publishing and Sharing Reports in Power BI

Learning Outcomes:

1. Learn to apply data visualization best practices for effective reporting.
2. Customize charts, tables, and visuals in Excel and Power BI to meet analysis needs.
3. Build interactive and user-friendly reports and dashboards with filters, slicers, and drill-downs.
4. Understand how to publish and share Power BI reports with stakeholders.

Module 5: Advanced Power BI Techniques

Topics:

1. Mastering DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) for Complex Calculations
2. Forecasting and Trend Analysis in Power BI
3. Setting Up Alerts and Data-Driven Actions in Power BI
4. Integrating Power BI with Excel, SQL, and Other Applications

Learning Outcomes:

1. Learn to use DAX for advanced data analysis and custom calculations in Power BI.
2. Gain skills in using Power BI for forecasting and trend analysis.
3. Set up alerts and automate data-driven actions within Power BI.
4. Integrate Power BI with external data sources, such as Excel and SQL, for more advanced analysis.

Module 6: Capstone Project

Topics:

1. Data Collection and Problem Definition for Real-World Analysis
2. Using Power BI and Excel to Analyze and Visualize Data
3. Report and Dashboard Design: Key Takeaways and Best Practices
4. Final Assessment: Presenting Your Data Findings

Learning Outcomes:

1. Apply all concepts learned throughout the course to a real-world dataset.
2. Design and build an interactive report/dashboard in Power BI and Excel.
3. Demonstrate the ability to analyze, visualize, and present data insights clearly and effectively.