Digital Innovation and Transformation

Microsoft Power BI: Data Analysis & AI Dashboards

This course equips professionals with the skills to leverage Microsoft Power BI for data analysis and AI-driven dashboard creation. Participants will learn to transform raw data into actionable insights, enabling informed decision-making and enhanced business performance.

5 days Classroom or live online English

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Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Data-driven decision-making is crucial for modern businesses, yet many professionals struggle to effectively analyse and visualise data. This course addresses the challenge of converting complex datasets into understandable insights using Microsoft Power BI. Participants will learn to create AI-enhanced dashboards that facilitate real-time analysis and reporting, ensuring they can meet organisational demands for clarity and efficiency. By mastering these tools, participants will be better positioned to drive strategic initiatives and improve operational outcomes, making their contributions invaluable in a competitive landscape. Additionally, they will develop the ability to identify key performance indicators and tailor their analyses to specific business contexts, enhancing their overall effectiveness.

Professionals will engage in hands-on exercises that simulate real-world scenarios, allowing them to practise creating dashboards tailored to specific business needs. They will gain practical capabilities in data modelling, visualisation techniques, and AI integration, empowering them to present data compellingly and make strategic decisions based on their analyses. This practical experience is essential for those looking to advance their careers in data analytics and business intelligence, as they will leave equipped with the skills to not only analyse data but also to communicate insights effectively to stakeholders. Participants will also learn how to interpret data trends and make informed recommendations, further enhancing their value within their organisations.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Fragmented data and time-consuming manual reporting.
Dashboards that obscure rather than clarify performance.
Difficulty modelling data and validating AI-assisted insights.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

The course employs interactive workshops, case studies, and hands-on exercises to build practical capabilities in Microsoft Power BI. Participants will engage in data modelling exercises, create visualisations, and integrate AI features through guided simulations. Each session culminates in a tangible output, such as a fully functional dashboard or a data analysis report, demonstrating their newly acquired skills in a professional context. The use of real-world scenarios ensures that participants can relate their learning to their current roles, enhancing retention and application of knowledge in their work environments. Feedback sessions will reinforce learning and encourage collaborative problem-solving among participants, ensuring they leave with a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Construct interactive dashboards using Power BI that meet specified business requirements.
Analyse data sets to identify trends and insights relevant to organisational goals.
Integrate AI capabilities within Power BI to enhance data visualisation and interpretation.
Design data models that optimise performance and usability in Power BI.
Evaluate the effectiveness of different visualisation techniques for specific data types.
Prioritise data sources and metrics to align with strategic business objectives.

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Data Analysts seeking to enhance their analytical skills with Power BI.
Business Intelligence Professionals aiming to create impactful dashboards.
Marketing Analysts who need to visualise campaign performance data effectively.
Financial Analysts looking to improve reporting accuracy and efficiency.
IT Professionals responsible for data management and reporting solutions.

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Proficient in data modelling and transformation techniques using Power BI.
Skilled in creating dynamic and interactive data visualisations.
Able to apply AI features to enhance data analysis and reporting.
Competent in evaluating and selecting appropriate visualisation methods.
Capable of aligning data analysis with business strategy and objectives.
Experienced in presenting data insights to stakeholders effectively.

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Introduction to Power BI and Data Analysis

Applied activity: Participants will connect to a sample dataset, perform data cleaning using Power Query, and prepare the data for analysis. They will explore various data sources and demonstrate their understanding of data connections, ensuring the data is ready for visualisation.

Output: A cleaned dataset ready for analysis in Power BI, demonstrating data integrity.

09:00–09:54Overview of Power BI interface and functionalities, including navigation and key features.
09:54–10:48Understanding data sources and establishing data connections for analysis.
10:48–11:00Introduction to data transformation and cleaning techniques using Power Query.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Introduction to data transformation and cleaning techniques using Power Query. (continued)
12:12–13:06Exploring Power Query for data preparation and manipulation tasks.
13:06–14:00Best practices for data analysis in Power BI, focusing on accuracy and efficiency.

Day 2Creating Effective Visualisations

Applied activity: Participants will create a series of visualisations from the cleaned dataset, applying customisation techniques to enhance clarity and storytelling. They will design a dashboard layout that effectively communicates insights and engages users, focusing on user interaction.

Output: A dashboard prototype featuring multiple visualisations and interactive elements.

09:00–09:54Principles of data visualisation and storytelling to communicate insights effectively.
09:54–10:48Building basic visualisations: charts, tables, and maps tailored to specific data types.
10:48–11:00Customising visuals for clarity and impact, including colour schemes and labels.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Customising visuals for clarity and impact, including colour schemes and labels. (continued)
12:12–13:06Using slicers and filters to create interactive dashboards that enhance user experience.
13:06–14:00Best practices for dashboard layout and design to improve usability and engagement.

Day 3Advanced Data Modelling Techniques

Applied activity: Participants will develop a comprehensive data model by defining relationships and creating DAX measures. They will implement row-level security to control data access based on user roles, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality in reporting.

Output: A fully functional data model with security features and DAX calculations.

09:00–09:54Understanding relationships between data tables and how to create them in Power BI.
09:54–10:48Creating calculated columns and measures using DAX to derive insights.
10:48–11:00Optimising data models for performance and scalability in reporting.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Optimising data models for performance and scalability in reporting. (continued)
12:12–13:06Implementing row-level security in Power BI reports to control data access.
13:06–14:00Using parameters and what-if analysis in dashboards to explore scenarios.

Day 4Integrating AI Features in Power BI

Applied activity: Participants will integrate AI visuals into their dashboards, using Key Influencers to analyse data trends and AutoML to create predictive models based on historical data. They will evaluate the effectiveness of these AI features in enhancing their dashboards and user experience.

Output: An enhanced dashboard featuring AI-driven insights and predictive analytics.

09:00–09:54Overview of AI capabilities in Power BI and their applications in data analysis.
09:54–10:48Using AI visuals: Key Influencers and Decomposition Tree for deeper insights.
10:48–11:00Implementing AutoML for predictive analytics and forecasting trends.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Implementing AutoML for predictive analytics and forecasting trends. (continued)
12:12–13:06Exploring Q&A features for natural language queries to enhance user interaction.
13:06–14:00Best practices for interpreting AI-generated insights and integrating them into reports.

Day 5Capstone Project: Building a Comprehensive Dashboard

Applied activity: Participants will work in teams to create a comprehensive dashboard that integrates data modelling, visualisation, and AI features. They will present their dashboards to a mock stakeholder panel for evaluation and constructive feedback, focusing on clarity and impact.

Output: A final, polished dashboard ready for presentation, incorporating feedback.

09:00–09:54Defining project scope and objectives for the dashboard based on business needs.
09:54–10:48Integrating all learned techniques into a cohesive project for practical application.
10:48–11:00Collaborating in teams to simulate real-world scenarios and challenges.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Collaborating in teams to simulate real-world scenarios and challenges. (continued)
12:12–13:06Presenting dashboards to stakeholders for feedback and improvement suggestions.
13:06–14:00Iterating based on feedback to enhance the final product and ensure it meets requirements.

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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