Data Analytics Using Excel and Power BI

The programme

Programme overview

In today’s data-driven world, businesses must leverage advanced analytics tools to gain actionable insights and maintain a competitive edge. Microsoft Excel and Power BI are two of the most powerful tools for data analysis, visualisation, and reporting. While Excel provides advanced data manipulation and analysis capabilities, Power BI enhances decision-making through interactive dashboards and real-time analytics.

This course offers hands-on training in both platforms, covering everything from data cleaning in Excel to designing dynamic dashboards in Power BI — including Microsoft Copilot integration and content aligned with the industry-recognised Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate (PL-300) certification. You will learn how to apply data analytics techniques to solve real-world business problems and make data-driven decisions.

Who should attend

Who is this programme for?

• Data Analysts and Business Analysts
• Finance and Accounting Professionals
• Business Intelligence (BI) Professionals
• Project Managers and Team Leaders
• Marketing and Sales Analysts
• IT and Operations Managers
• Professionals Responsible for Data-Driven Decision-Making
• Anyone Looking to Enhance Their Analytical and Reporting Capabilities

Learning outcomes

What you will learn

• Apply advanced data analysis techniques using Excel
• Create dynamic, interactive dashboards in Power BI
• Utilise PivotTables, Power Query, and Power Pivot for complex data processing
• Visualise data using advanced charting and graphing tools
• Integrate and analyse data from multiple sources
• Apply DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) in Power BI for deeper insights
• Use Microsoft Copilot in Excel and Power BI to accelerate analysis and report-building
• Develop automated reports and real-time dashboards
• Perform forecasting and trend analysis to support strategic decision-making
• Build the skills and knowledge aligned with the Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate (PL-300) certification

Explore the programme

Detailed programme outline

2.5-Day Essentials — Training Outline

• The role of data analytics in business, and selecting the right tool for the right job
• Managing missing data and duplicates
• Power Query for data transformation
• Essential lookup functions (VLOOKUP, INDEX, MATCH)
• PivotTables and Pivot Charts for core reporting
• Power BI interface, connecting data sources, and data transformation with Power Query
• Core data modelling and relationships
• Building interactive dashboards and core Power BI visualisations
• Introduction to DAX: calculated columns and measures
• Using Microsoft Copilot in Power BI to accelerate report-building
• Importing Excel data into Power BI, and best practices for cross-platform analytics
• Publishing and sharing Power BI dashboards
• Overview of the Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate (PL-300) pathway, and deciding whether the 5-Day Comprehensive programme is the right next step

5-Day Comprehensive — Training Outline

• The role of data analytics in business
• Overview of Excel and Power BI for data analysis
• Key data analytics techniques
• Selecting the right tool for the right job
• Case Study: Analysing customer churn data to identify retention strategies
• Text-to-Columns, Flash Fill, and data parsing
• Using Excel formulas for data cleansing
• Case Study: Cleaning and preparing sales transaction data for business analysis
• Mastering lookup functions (VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, INDEX, MATCH)
• Logical and statistical functions
• Array formulas and dynamic ranges
• Conditional formatting and data validation
• Current Issue: Handling and analysing large, complex datasets in remote work environments
• Creating and customising Pivot Tables
• Grouping, filtering, and slicing data
• Pivot Chart best practices
• Case Study: Financial performance analysis using Pivot Tables
• Understanding data models
• Relating multiple tables
• Power Pivot calculations
• Advanced data analysis in Power Pivot
• Case Study: Integrating multiple financial data sources to generate consolidated reports
• Power BI interface and features
• Connecting data sources
• Data transformation with Power Query
• Data modelling and relationships
• Current Issue: Addressing data security concerns in cloud-based analytics solutions
• Creating charts and graphs
• Designing interactive dashboards
• Power BI visualisations (maps, cards, etc.)
• Customising reports for different stakeholders
• Case Study: Sales performance tracking with Power BI dashboards
• Introduction to DAX formulas
• Calculated columns and measures
• Time intelligence functions
• Advanced DAX for business insights
• Case Study: Forecasting revenue growth using DAX calculations
• Best practices for building reports
• Creating and sharing Power BI dashboards
• Automating reports and scheduling data refresh
• Publishing reports to the Power BI Service
• Using Microsoft Copilot in Power BI and Excel to accelerate report-building and natural-language querying
• Current Issue: Managing real-time reporting in a rapidly changing business environment
• Importing Excel data into Power BI
• Embedding Power BI reports in Excel
• Linking Excel data models with Power BI dashboards
• Best practices for cross-platform analytics
• Case Study: Combining Excel and Power BI to track marketing campaign performance
• What-if analysis and scenario planning
• Forecasting and predictive analytics in Power BI
• Applying machine learning models
• Advanced data analysis for strategic decision-making
• Aligning your skills with the Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate (PL-300) exam objectives
• Case Study: Using Power BI to predict market trends and investment risks

Learning approach

How you will learn

Our diverse instructional approaches ensure effective learning:

– Lectures & Presentations: Engage with expert-driven, stimulating content.– Course Material: Access well-crafted supporting resources.– Group Work: Collaborate on discussions and case studies for practical insights.– Workshops & Role-Play: Participate in immersive, scenario-based activities.– Practical Application: Focus on applying theoretical knowledge in real situations.– Post-Training Support: Receive extensive support after training for skill implementation.

Discuss your requirements

Dates, duration & arrangements

Contact Ratomac to confirm dates, duration, delivery format, entry requirements and any applicable assessment or certification before booking.