Overview
This intensive 2-hour course is designed specifically for those aiming to master data management skills in the modern business environment. As data becomes increasingly central to accounting and financial analysis, the ability to effectively manage, clean, and transform this data is critical. This course delves into Microsoft Power Query, a potent tool within Excel, and Power BI Desktop, known for its robust data processing capabilities. This course is designed to take participants from the basics of Power Query to exploring its more sophisticated features. It is an ideal blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, centered around diverse data scenarios encountered in multiple industries. The aim is to ensure that the skills and techniques learned are universally applicable and beneficial in any professional context. Structured to be participant-focused, the course encourages active learning through a series of practical exercises, live demonstrations, and illustrative case studies. This approach not only deepens the understanding of Power Query's features but also demonstrates how to turn complex data sets into actionable insights. While the course is broad in its application, it remains detailed in its instruction, catering to both the novice and the seasoned professional. It is particularly beneficial for those who regularly interact with data, such as business analysts, project managers, and financial professionals, providing them with the tools to streamline data processes and enhance data analysis capabilities. Additionally, the course underscores best practices in data management. Participants will learn strategic approaches to data challenges, ensuring that their data processes are efficient, scalable, and sustainable. This course is not just about mastering a tool; it's about empowering professionals with the skills to transform data into a strategic business resource. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to leverage Power Query in Excel or Power BI Desktop to its full potential, turning data into a powerful driver for business success and innovation.
Major Topics:
- Introduction to Power Query in Power BI: the interface and basic functionalities
- Removing duplicates, handling null values, and data type conversions
- Advanced methods for manipulating data, including pivoting, merging, and appending queries
- Efficiently loading data into the Power BI data model
- Setting up details for each step in the process so you can document what is happening and why
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the key features and functionalities of Microsoft Power Query
- Distinguish between different data transformation techniques in Power Query, including data cleaning, merging, and pivoting
- Indicate the best practices for documenting each step in your data transformation process