Power BI for Data Visualization

Module 1: Orientation and getting data

• Power BI Desktop tour and the end to end workflow
• Connecting to Excel, CSV, and a database
• Power Query basics for rename, split, merge, types, and remove errors

Module 2: Modeling that stays stable

• Star schema idea and why it helps
• Tables, relationships, cardinality, and filter direction
• Calendar table basics for dates and simple time intelligence

Module 3: Visuals and design essentials

• Core visuals like bar, line, table, matrix, and map
• Sorting, formatting, labels, and number formats for clarity
• Filters, slicers, and drill features that users understand

Module 4: First measures and a simple dashboard

• Measures vs columns and the idea of context
• Beginner DAX such as SUM, DISTINCTCOUNT, DIVIDE, and simple year to date
• Building a one page dashboard and saving a clean theme

Module 5: Publish and collaborate

• Publishing to the Power BI Service and organizing workspaces
• Sharing options, permissions, and row level security at a glance
• Scheduled refresh and quick checks for data freshness

Module 6: Data refresh patterns and small pitfalls

• Import vs DirectQuery and when to choose each
• Gateway basics for on premises sources
• Handling common issues like missing relationships or wrong data types

Module 7: Comparing mainstream BI tools

• Power BI strengths and limits in practice
• How Tableau approaches visuals and modeling
• Looker Studio as a light option and Looker for modeled data
• Qlik overview and when associative exploration helps

Module 8: Finishing touches and handover

• Consistent colors, layout grids, and accessible design tips
• Simple performance tips such as removing unused columns and summarizing data
• Handover checklist for version notes, refresh, and audience guidance