Visualising data with Power BI

Its common to hear the expression ‘storytelling with data’.  This suggests the use of charts or infographics to convey messages that can be quickly interpreted and understood, that influence opinion, perhaps shape a discourse, even inform a decision.

Those charts and infographics have to be interpreted and understood in a few seconds, contain only the most relevant information, contain effective signposting, and are supported by text telling the reader what they are supposed to understand.

Microsoft’s Power BI stands out as a tool of choice for those visualising data and looking to use data to communicate with clients and colleagues.  This course provides you with the skills you need.

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Following this course you will be able to:
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Describe the differences and similarities in data visualisation methods beween Excel and Power BI.
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Build and style charts in Power BI drawing upon data from multiple sources.
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Transform source data in the Power Query Editor using both in-built functions and the M query language.
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Develop interactive dashboards that the user can explore, drill down into, and report from.
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Use the Data Analysis Expressions (DAX) script language to develop Measures, Columns, additional data tables, and dynamic chart filters.
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Publish Power BI reports to the Power BI service for viewing across the Microsoft Teams and Sharepoint infrastructure.
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Embed R and Python scripts into the data transformation process, and use scripts to create Charts.
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Understand how Power BI authentication operates under the difference licensing options.
Workshop structure:
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Unit 1 – Introduction to Power BI.

A brief recap of Excel charts. Connecting to and loading an Excel data source as a dataset. Building and styling charts in PowerBI, loading data in different formats plus cleaning and transforming data.

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Unit 2 – Visualising data in Power BI.

Chart types for effective communication. The principles underpinning a dashboard and creating an interactive dashboard. Structuring data for best performance.

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Unit 3 – Advanced techniques in Power BI.

Understand the capabilities of using DAX with Power BI and experience the full range of DAX functionality. Understand the full capabilities of the M query language. Integration of other programming languages, e.g. R & Python, to generate visualisations.

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Each Unit involves a structured learning experience – supported, where necessary, by a workbook, a series of datasets, and supporting videos.