Excel: Creating a graphical business dashboard from edX

This is a short Microsoft Excel course designed for someone who already has an intermediate/low-intermediate level of Excel to refresh and consolidate their knowledge by performing a case study of creating a graphical data dashboard.

Starting from a spreadsheet containing data on the commercial activity of a company, the student will summarize the data in configurable tables in a guided way to end up building a summary data panel that allows the company's managers to have synthetic information of the activity that allows them to make decisions.

Throughout the process, the use of tabular data, search, consolidation and summary functions and, finally, the use of dynamic tables and graphs that allow to present the information in an efficient way are covered.

The course is an ideal tool for those who already know Excel and want to refresh and strengthen their knowledge of data management for use in daily work or to undertake more advanced courses.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Working with tables in excel
Use text and date processing functions such as left(), concatenate(), year() or month() and data management functions such as vlookup(), index(), match(), large()
Use data summary functions such as sumif(), sumifs(),countif(),countifs()

Create data dashboards using tables and charts in an optimal way
Create charts with multiple series and axes and pivot charts and pivot tables to summarize data

Working with tables in excel
Use text and date processing functions such as left(), concatenate(), year() or month() and data management functions such as vlookup(), index(), match(), large()
Use data summary functions such as sumif(), sumifs(),countif(),countifs()
Create data dashboards using tables and charts in an optimal way
Create charts with multiple series and axes and pivot charts and pivot tables to summarize data

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Strengthens knowledge of data management, which is useful for daily work and for undertaking more advanced courses

Covers the use of dynamic tables and graphs, which allows for presenting information in an efficient way

Uses a case study approach to creating a graphical data dashboard, which is a practical way to consolidate knowledge

Requires an intermediate/low-intermediate level of Excel, so learners should have prior experience with the software

Reviews summary

Creating business dashboards in excel

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation for creating dynamic business dashboards in Excel, particularly focusing on using key functions like VLOOKUP and pivot tools. Many find the case study approach practical and easy to follow, making the learning experience engaging and directly applicable to daily work. While generally well-structured and clear, some reviewers note that a basic understanding of Excel is indeed required to keep pace, confirming its target audience of intermediate users.

Best suited for intermediate Excel users.

"Definitely need to be at an intermediate level of Excel before starting this."

"As noted in the description, a low-intermediate level is necessary to keep up with the pace."

"Not for complete beginners; you should know your way around Excel already."

Explanations are easy to follow and understand.

"The lectures are clear and concise, making complex topics understandable."

"I found the instructor's explanations easy to follow."

"The content is well-presented and keeps you engaged throughout."

Covers essential Excel functions for data analysis.

"The course explains how to use VLOOKUP, SUMIFS, and other key functions clearly."

"Good coverage of lookup and summary functions necessary for dashboard creation."

"I found the sections on pivot tables and charts particularly helpful for summarizing data."

Teaches skills useful for daily work.

"Learned techniques I could immediately apply to my job."

"Great for refreshing and consolidating Excel knowledge for professional use."

"The dashboard creation process is highly relevant for business reporting."

Learn through a hands-on business scenario.

"The case study is very well-explained and practical."

"I appreciated the case study approach; it made the concepts very easy to grasp and apply."

"Following the business case step-by-step helped me see how to apply Excel functions in a real-world context."

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 Excel: Creating a graphical business dashboard with these activities:

Review Excel Fundamentals

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Reinforce foundational Excel skills to ensure a smooth learning experience in dashboard creation.

Browse courses on Excel Formulas

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Practice basic formulas like SUM, AVERAGE, and COUNT.
Review cell formatting and data validation techniques.
Familiarize yourself with common keyboard shortcuts.

Practice with SUMIF and COUNTIF

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Sharpen your skills with conditional aggregation functions, essential for dashboard data summarization.

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Create sample datasets with varying criteria.
Apply SUMIF and COUNTIF to extract specific data subsets.
Experiment with different criteria and ranges.

Follow Advanced Charting Tutorials

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Explore advanced charting techniques to enhance the visual appeal and effectiveness of your dashboards.

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Search for tutorials on creating combo charts and scatter plots.
Replicate the chart examples using your own data.
Customize chart elements for optimal clarity.

Three other activities

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Build a Mock Dashboard

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Apply your knowledge by creating a dashboard for a hypothetical business scenario.

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Define the key performance indicators (KPIs) for your chosen scenario.
Gather or generate sample data to populate your dashboard.
Design and implement the dashboard layout and charts.
Refine the dashboard based on user feedback.

Excel Power Pivot and Power Query For Dummies

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Learn about Power Pivot and Power Query to expand your data analysis capabilities.

View Excel Power Pivot & Power Query For Dummies on Amazon

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Read the chapters on data modeling and data transformation.
Follow the examples to create your own Power Pivot tables and queries.

Document Your Dashboard Creation Process

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Solidify your understanding by documenting the steps you took to create a dashboard, including challenges and solutions.

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Write a blog post or create a video tutorial explaining your dashboard creation process.
Share your content on relevant online forums or social media platforms.
Solicit feedback from other Excel users.

Career center

Learners who complete Excel: Creating a graphical business dashboard will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Business Intelligence Analyst

As a business intelligence analyst, your work revolves around analyzing data to identify trends and provide actionable insights. This course helps you build a foundation in presenting data effectively through graphical dashboards. With this course emphasizing data summarization, dynamic tables, and efficient presentation, you will be prepared to synthesize information into insightful dashboards for decision-makers. This role involves using tools like Microsoft Excel to manipulate and visualize data, skills directly refined through this course's focus on creating graphical data dashboards. The course's attention to Excel functions and dynamic charts directly translates to the daily tasks of a business intelligence analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Intelligence Analyst

Investment Analyst

Investment analysts research and evaluate investment opportunities to make recommendations. This course will help you build a foundation in presenting data effectively through graphical dashboards to communicate information to a client or superior. With this course emphasizing data summarization, dynamic tables, and efficient presentation, you will be prepared to synthesize investment data into insightful dashboards for decision-makers. Investment analysts often use tools like Microsoft Excel to manipulate and visualize data, skills directly refined through this course’s focus on creating graphical data dashboards. The course’s attention to Excel functions and dynamic charts directly translates to the daily tasks of an investment analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Analyst

Sales Operations Analyst

A Sales Operations Analyst focuses on optimizing sales processes and improving sales team efficiency. This course will prepare you to create graphical data dashboards. With this course emphasizing data summarization, dynamic tables, and efficient presentation, you will learn to synthesize sales data into insightful dashboards that support decision-making. Mastering Excel functions and understanding how to create dynamic charts will enable you to provide actionable insights to the sales team, making you a valuable asset in driving revenue growth. The course’s attention to Excel functions and dynamic charts directly translates to the daily tasks of a sales operations analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Operations Analyst

Budget Analyst

Budget analysts are responsible for developing and managing an organization's budget. This course helps you build a foundation in presenting data effectively through graphical dashboards. With this course emphasizing data summarization, dynamic tables, and efficient presentation, you will be prepared to synthesize budgetary data into insightful dashboards for decision-makers. Budget analysts often use tools like Microsoft Excel to manipulate and visualize data, skills directly refined through this course’s focus on creating graphical data dashboards. The course’s attention to Excel functions and dynamic charts directly translates to the daily tasks of a budget analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Budget Analyst

Marketing Analyst

Marketing analysts evaluate marketing campaigns and strategies to optimize performance and return on investment. This course helps marketing analysts build a foundation in presenting data effectively through graphical dashboards. With this course emphasizing data summarization, dynamic tables, and efficient presentation, you will be prepared to synthesize campaign data into insightful dashboards for decision-makers. Marketing analysts often use tools like Microsoft Excel to manipulate and visualize data, skills directly refined through this course’s focus on creating graphical data dashboards. The course’s attention to Excel functions and dynamic charts directly translates to the daily tasks of a marketing analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Analyst

Supply Chain Analyst

A supply chain analyst focuses on optimizing the flow of goods and services from suppliers to customers. This course helps you build a foundation in presenting data effectively through graphical dashboards. With this course emphasizing data summarization, dynamic tables, and efficient presentation, you will be prepared to synthesize supply chain data into insightful dashboards for decision-makers. Supply chain analysts often use tools like Microsoft Excel to manipulate and visualize data, skills directly refined through this course’s focus on creating graphical data dashboards. The course’s attention to Excel functions and dynamic charts directly translates to the daily tasks of a supply chain analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Supply Chain Analyst

Operations Analyst

As an operations analyst, you will analyze operational data to improve efficiency and effectiveness within an organization. This course helps you build a foundation in presenting data effectively through graphical dashboards. With this course emphasizing data summarization, dynamic tables, and efficient presentation, you will be prepared to synthesize operational information into insightful dashboards for decision-makers. Operations analysts often use tools like Microsoft Excel to manipulate and visualize data, skills directly refined through this course’s focus on creating graphical data dashboards. The course’s attention to Excel functions and dynamic charts directly translates to the daily tasks of an operations analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Analyst

Human Resources Analyst

Working as a human resources analyst means you'll analyze HR data to improve workforce management and employee satisfaction. This course helps you build a foundation in presenting data effectively through graphical dashboards. With this course emphasizing data summarization, dynamic tables, and efficient presentation, you will be prepared to synthesize HR data into insightful dashboards for decision-makers. Human resources analysts often use tools like Microsoft Excel to manipulate and visualize data, skills directly refined through this course’s focus on creating graphical data dashboards. The course’s attention to Excel functions and dynamic charts directly translates to the daily tasks of a human resources analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Analyst

Pricing Analyst

Pricing analysts determine optimal pricing strategies to maximize revenue and profitability. This course helps you build a foundation in presenting data effectively through graphical dashboards. With this course emphasizing data summarization, dynamic tables, and efficient presentation, you will be prepared to synthesize pricing data into insightful dashboards for decision-makers. Pricing analysts often use tools like Microsoft Excel to manipulate and visualize data, skills directly refined through this course’s focus on creating graphical data dashboards. The course’s attention to Excel functions and dynamic charts directly translates to the daily tasks of a pricing analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pricing Analyst

Data Analyst

Data analysts are responsible for collecting, processing, and performing statistical analyses of data. This course may be useful as it delves into summarization functions and dynamic tables. A core aspect of the role of a data analyst is presenting findings in a clear and understandable way, which this course directly addresses by teaching students how to create graphical data dashboards. The course’s coverage of functions such as SUMIF, SUMIFS, COUNTIF, and COUNTIFS helps build a foundation in data analysis techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts evaluate financial data, prepare reports, and make recommendations to guide investment decisions. Financial analysts often make use of data visualization to express their findings. This course focusing on data summarization and the creation of graphical dashboards may be useful for those looking to enter this career. The course specifically covers how to summarize data in configurable tables and how to build a data panel with summary information, skills that can be directly applied to financial analysis. Furthermore, proficiency in Excel and data presentation helps in communicating complex financial information.

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Management Consultant

Management consultants help organizations improve their performance by analyzing problems and developing solutions. This course may be relevant as consultants need to summarize complex data and present it in an understandable format. The course's emphasis on creating graphical business dashboards directly supports a management consultant's need to synthesize information for decision-making. The knowledge gained from this course helps build a foundation in data-driven presentations and insights which are essential in consulting. The course's focus on data management and summary functions helps consultants draw meaningful conclusions from data.

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Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts study market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. Market research analysts use many skills, and one of them is data presentation. This course may be helpful as it covers text and date processing as well as data management functions. The course specifically covers how to summarize data in configurable tables and how to build a summary data panel, skills that are directly applicable to displaying market research data. The ability to derive information from data is an important skill in becoming a market research analyst.

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Project Manager

Project managers plan, execute, and finalize projects according to strict deadlines and within budget. This course may be useful as project managers often need to track progress and communicate it effectively. The course's emphasis on creating graphical dashboards directly supports a project manager's need to synthesize project data for stakeholders. The knowledge gained from this course helps build a foundation in data-driven presentations and insights, which are essential in project management. The ability to create charts with multiple series and axes can be directly applied to project tracking.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Data Scientist

Data scientists analyze large datasets to identify trends and develop predictive models. Typically, professional data scientists hold advanced degrees. However, this course may be useful as a starting point because it emphasizes data summarization and the creation of graphical displays. The course's specific coverage of functions such as SUMIF, SUMIFS, COUNTIF, and COUNTIFS can help build a foundation in data analysis techniques, even if more advanced methods are typically used in the field. This course will help build a foundation for those who wish to enter this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Excel

Creating a graphical business dashboard

What's inside

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Creating business dashboards in excel

Activities

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