We run the Microsoft Power BI Desktop course as a public scheduled event and also as a private course.
This 4-day course is intended for anyone new to designing and implementing self-service business intelligence solutions with Microsoft Power BI Desktop and the Power BI Service. The course structure is very comprehensive and provides a total immersion in the subject matter. The training is delivered with plenty of illustrated examples and augmented with practical hands-on exercises to enhance the learning experience. Also, as Power BI is continually evolving, this course is regularly reviewed and updated to keep the content as fresh and relevant as possible, thus ensuring maximum productivity from the learning experience. Due to the very comprehensive nature of this course, the content delivered may vary depending on new and updated features, and client requirements.
The course structure takes a broad and practical approach to Power BI, defining best practices and demonstrating useful techniques that will prove extremely useful in the workplace. The content delivered will also help delegates prepare for the “PL-300 Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst” exam.
The first part of the course introduces the capabilities and components of Power BI before delving into the realms of discovering and loading data from a variety of sources. Primarily focussed on using Power Query to create robust queries, students will learn about issues surrounding data quality, how to cleanse data, how to transform and then restructure data, and how to mashup data from various sources by merging and appending data. We will also examine how to manage, structure, and parameterise queries. Although a lot can be achieved working with the user interface in Power Query, we will also delve behind the scenes and introduce the M language, highlighting ways in which existing code can be tweaked and how user defined code and functions can be implemented.
Part two of the course introduces students to tabular data modelling concepts, preparing the data in readiness for use in reports and dashboards. The importance of implementing relationships is also covered. In order to enhance the data model, students will also learn about the DAX expression language to enable them to implement calculated columns, measures, and calculated tables. Consideration is also given to implementing time intelligence in the design of data models.
In part three, you will learn how to create and design reports and implement visuals. We will first look at text-based visuals before moving on to graphical components like charts, gauges and KPIs (Key Performance Indicators). The implementation of maps in reports is also given coverage. To create interactivity in reports, students will also learn how to implement various types of filters and slicers.
Finally, in part four, we initially look at how we can further enhance the user experience by implementing features such as drill through reports, bookmarks, and showing and hiding content. Then, in order to share reports created in Power BI Desktop, we turn our attention to the Power BI Web Service. Attendees will learn how to publish reports to the Power BI Service and how to organize and secure content. The creation and use of dashboards will be considered, and different ways of sharing content will also be given coverage. We will look at user accessibility issues and consider how users, including mobile users, can interact with report content. Managing and refreshing datasets in the Power BI Service is also included.
Additionally, with the course structure being fully modularised, customised versions of this course can be devised and delivered to suit individual requirements – just ask for details.