Power Pivot Fundamentals from Coursera

This course provides step-by-step instructions for how to set-up a business intelligence dashboard in Excel using the Power Pivot add-on. You’ll learn the key functions and best practices for setting-up a dashboard. As you progress through the course, you’ll apply everything you’ve learned to a hands-on example using data we provide. By the end of this course, you’ll walk away with everything you need to create your own dashboards in Excel—so you can analyze and present data, track KPIs, and make your data easily accessible.

Upon completing this course, you will be able to:

● Create a Power Pivot table by drawing data from several different tables

● Develop simple calculated metrics with consistent formatting to be re-used across our dashboard

● Assemble multiple pivot tables, charts, and dimensions into a dashboard

● Apply DAX formatting language to create measures and columns that draw data from other tables

● Manipulate context to calculate more advanced metrics

● Utilize DAX Advanced Time Intelligence to create powerful period comparisons and KPIs

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Orientation

In this module, you'll explore how Power Pivot transforms Microsoft Excel, bringing business intelligence and analysis capabilities to the forefront. Discover the key benefits, from creating pivot tables with multiple sources to performing powerful time period comparisons, and elevate your analysis skills to the next level with simple formulas and advanced functionalities.

Module 1: A Basic Data Model

Dive into the world of data modeling as we guide you through the process of building a relational data model in Power Pivot. Unleash the power of new functionalities and learn to import, relate, summarize, and interact with your data using measures, tables, and slicers for enhanced Excel capabilities.

Module 2: Basic Measures

Welcome to the next chapter of our Power Pivot Mastery course! Now that you've mastered data consolidation and interaction, this chapter delves into the world of DAX measures. Learn how to create metrics, leverage DAX as a powerful formula language, and unlock new possibilities for data aggregation and analysis in your Excel data model.

Module 3: Working with a Star Schema

Welcome to our Advanced Power Pivot Techniques module! Building upon your understanding of the Power Pivot data model and DAX, explore how to efficiently aggregate and summarize data with reusable formulas. This chapter introduces the Star Schema data model, guiding you through expanding datasets, managing multiple dimension tables, and creating interactive dashboards with a logical flow. Learn the significance of the Star Schema, leverage timelines, pivot charts, and enhance data import efficiency by combining Power Query with Power Pivot for a cohesive and consistent dashboard experience.

Module 4: From Number to Narratives

In this module, explore the art of turning data into meaningful insights and compelling data stories. Learn to create advanced DAX measures, employ the CALCULATE function for percent of total calculations, delve into DAX Time Intelligence for year-over-year comparisons, and enhance dashboard aesthetics with conditional formatting, KPIs, and visual cues. Elevate your data presentation skills and gain a solid foundation for crafting professional-looking dashboards that communicate insights effectively.

Module 5: Extended Practice

Welcome to the end-of-course exercise! Apply your skills to the Big Wings Airline case study, where you'll independently create a competitor analysis dashboard. Utilize your data modeling, metrics creation, and dashboard formatting knowledge to meet the provided requirements and communicate key insights effectively. Happy practicing!

Course Conclusion

Congratulations on completing our Power Pivot course! You've mastered the art of building three insightful dashboards, creating data models, understanding DAX basics, and delving into time intelligence calculations.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides simple exercises to help transfer learning to practice

Offers expert instructors with a proven track record in business intelligence

Covers essential data modeling, metrics creation, and dashboard formatting techniques

Suitable for beginners seeking a foundation in business intelligence and Excel data analysis

Provides hands-on examples and practical exercises for reinforcement

Involves the use of Power Pivot add-on for Excel, which may require additional software

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Power Pivot Fundamentals with these activities:

Review the basics of Excel

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Build a stronger foundation in Excel, which is essential for this course.

Browse courses on Excel Basics

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Review basic Excel functions and formulas
Create and format a simple spreadsheet

Read 'Data Analysis with Power Pivot and Power BI'

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Expand your knowledge and stay updated with this comprehensive book on Power Pivot and Power BI.

View Optimizing DAX on Amazon

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Purchase and read the book
Take notes and highlight important concepts
Apply what you've learned to your dashboard projects

Create a dashboard for a real-world dataset

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Apply your skills by creating a dashboard that solves a real-world problem.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Identify a suitable dataset
Design and build the dashboard
Present your dashboard to others

Show all three activities

Career center

Learners who complete Power Pivot Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Analyst

Data Analysts play a crucial role in transforming data into meaningful insights that drive better business decisions. This Power Pivot Fundamentals course provides a solid foundation for aspiring Data Analysts by teaching them how to create data models, use DAX to create advanced calculations, and build interactive dashboards that effectively communicate data insights. By mastering these skills, learners can enhance their analytical capabilities and become more valuable assets in any data-driven organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts are responsible for analyzing financial data, making recommendations, and developing strategies to optimize financial performance. This Power Pivot Fundamentals course is particularly relevant for those seeking a career in financial analysis, as it provides a deep understanding of data modeling and DAX, which are essential tools for financial modeling, budgeting, and forecasting. By gaining proficiency in these areas, learners can develop the skills needed to make informed financial decisions and contribute to the success of their organizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Business Analyst

Business Analysts bridge the gap between business and technology, using data to understand business needs and drive improvements. This Power Pivot Fundamentals course can be a valuable asset for Business Analysts, as it provides a thorough understanding of data modeling and analysis techniques. By learning how to create data models, use DAX to create advanced calculations, and build interactive dashboards, learners can develop the skills needed to identify inefficiencies, develop solutions, and improve business processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Management Consultant

Management Consultants help organizations improve their performance by providing objective advice and recommendations. This Power Pivot Fundamentals course can be beneficial for Management Consultants, as it provides a strong foundation in data analysis and modeling. By gaining proficiency in these areas, learners can develop the skills needed to gather data, analyze it effectively, and present actionable insights to clients. This course can enhance a Management Consultant's ability to identify opportunities for improvement and drive positive change within organizations.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use advanced statistical techniques and machine learning algorithms to uncover hidden insights from data. While the Power Pivot Fundamentals course does not directly teach these specialized techniques, it provides a solid foundation in data modeling and DAX, which are fundamental skills for Data Scientists. By gaining proficiency in these areas, learners can develop the skills needed to prepare data for analysis, create predictive models, and communicate insights effectively.

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Power BI Developer

Power BI Developers specialize in developing and maintaining Power BI solutions for organizations. This Power Pivot Fundamentals course provides a solid foundation for aspiring Power BI Developers by teaching them the underlying concepts of data modeling, DAX, and dashboard design. By mastering these skills, learners can develop the skills needed to create interactive and informative dashboards that help businesses make better decisions.

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Data Engineer

Data Engineers design, build, and maintain data infrastructure and pipelines to support data-driven organizations. While the Power Pivot Fundamentals course does not directly teach data engineering skills, it provides a valuable foundation in data modeling and DAX, which are important concepts for Data Engineers to understand. By gaining proficiency in these areas, learners can develop the skills needed to work with data at scale and ensure the accuracy and integrity of data used for analysis.

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Statistician

Statisticians use statistical methods to analyze data and draw meaningful conclusions. While the Power Pivot Fundamentals course does not directly teach advanced statistical techniques, it provides a solid foundation in data modeling and DAX, which are important concepts for Statisticians to understand. By gaining proficiency in these areas, learners can develop the skills needed to prepare data for analysis, create statistical models, and communicate insights effectively.

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Auditor

Auditors examine financial records and business practices to ensure accuracy and compliance. While the Power Pivot Fundamentals course does not directly teach auditing skills, it provides a valuable foundation in data analysis and modeling. By gaining proficiency in these areas, learners can develop the skills needed to review financial data, identify discrepancies, and ensure that organizations are operating in accordance with regulations.

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Financial Planner

Financial Planners help individuals and organizations plan for their financial future. While the Power Pivot Fundamentals course does not directly teach financial planning skills, it provides a valuable foundation in data analysis and modeling. By gaining proficiency in these areas, learners can develop the skills needed to analyze financial data, create financial projections, and develop personalized financial plans.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan and execute projects to achieve specific goals. While the Power Pivot Fundamentals course does not directly teach project management skills, it provides a valuable foundation in data analysis and modeling. By gaining proficiency in these areas, learners can develop the skills needed to track project progress, identify risks, and make informed decisions to ensure successful project outcomes.

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Operations Manager

Operations Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of an organization. While the Power Pivot Fundamentals course does not directly teach operations management skills, it provides a valuable foundation in data analysis and modeling. By gaining proficiency in these areas, learners can develop the skills needed to analyze operational data, identify inefficiencies, and improve processes to enhance organizational performance.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers lead and motivate sales teams to achieve revenue targets. While the Power Pivot Fundamentals course does not directly teach sales management skills, it provides a valuable foundation in data analysis and modeling. By gaining proficiency in these areas, learners can develop the skills needed to analyze sales data, identify trends, and develop effective sales strategies to drive revenue growth.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote products or services. While the Power Pivot Fundamentals course does not directly teach marketing skills, it provides a valuable foundation in data analysis and modeling. By gaining proficiency in these areas, learners can develop the skills needed to analyze marketing data, identify target audiences, and develop effective marketing campaigns to achieve business objectives.

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Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers oversee the human resources functions of an organization, including recruitment, training, and employee relations. While the Power Pivot Fundamentals course does not directly teach human resources management skills, it provides a valuable foundation in data analysis and modeling. By gaining proficiency in these areas, learners can develop the skills needed to analyze HR data, identify trends, and develop effective HR strategies to support the organization's workforce.

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