Microsoft Data Analytics: From Basics To Business Insights

Unlock the Power of Power BI, SQL, and DAX to Build Stunning Reports, Dashboards, and Data Models

What you'll learn

Understand the core concepts of Microsoft Data Analytics and its applications in various industries.

Connect to various data sources, including relational databases, NoSQL databases, online services, and APIs.

Transform and clean raw data using Power Query Editor to prepare it for analysis.

Create calculated columns, measures, and tables using DAX (Data Analysis Expressions).

Apply Time Intelligence functions in Power BI to perform Year-to-Date (YTD), Month-to-Date

Design interactive and visually compelling Power BI reports using a variety of visualization tools.

Configure row-level security (RLS) to restrict data access for specific users.

Publish and share Power BI reports and dashboards on Power BI Service.

Schedule and manage data refreshes for live and imported datasets.

Build data models with optimized relationships between tables for better performance.

Create paginated reports using Power BI Report Builder for static and printable insights.

Design Power BI dashboards with interactive KPIs, slicers, and filters for business monitoring.

Troubleshoot and fix data import errors and connectivity issues in Power BI.

Optimize data models and visuals for improved performance and scalability.

Use SQL Server to query relational databases and integrate results into Power BI.

Handle complex datasets by understanding storage modes (Import, DirectQuery, and Dual Mode).

Create custom DAX measures for calculating advanced metrics and KPIs.

Analyze business metrics and trends using key influencers, decomposition trees, and other AI-powered tools.

Develop a comprehensive sales monitoring dashboard to track business performance.

Requirements

Access to a Computer with internet connection

A Free or premium Microsoft account for accessing Microsoft 365 and Power BI Service features.

Familiarity with Basic Computer Skills

Basic Understanding of Spreadsheets

Interest in Data Analysis

No Programming Experience Required

Description

In a world driven by data, the ability to transform raw information into actionable insights is a skill that sets professionals apart. Mastering Microsoft Data Analytics is a comprehensive course designed to equip learners with the tools, techniques, and confidence to thrive in data-driven environments. Whether you’re new to data analytics or looking to sharpen your skills, this course provides everything you need to harness the power of Microsoft’s cutting-edge analytics tools.This course takes a hands-on approach to teaching the essentials of Microsoft Data Analytics, starting from foundational concepts and advancing to complex techniques. You’ll begin by understanding the key responsibilities of a data analyst and the significance of data in modern business decision-making. From there, you’ll dive into Power BI, the flagship data visualization and reporting tool, learning how to create dynamic and interactive dashboards that communicate data insights effectively.The course also focuses on data preparation and transformation using Power Query Editor, ensuring that you can clean and structure raw data for analysis. You’ll explore a variety of data sources, including files (Excel, CSV), relational databases (SQL Server, PostgreSQL), NoSQL databases (MongoDB, Cosmos DB), cloud services (Azure, Google Analytics), and even APIs. These practical lessons ensure that you can connect to, manipulate, and integrate data from almost any source, making you an indispensable asset in any analytics role.One of the highlights of this course is the introduction to DAX (Data Analysis Expressions), a powerful formula language in Power BI that allows you to create advanced calculations and measures. You’ll master time intelligence, filters, and other DAX functions, enabling you to analyze trends, forecast outcomes, and create performance metrics like Year-to-Date (YTD) and Year-over-Year (YoY) growth.As data volume and complexity increase, performance optimization becomes critical. This course teaches you how to create efficient data models, configure relationships, and choose the appropriate storage modes (Import, DirectQuery, or Dual Mode) to balance speed and scalability. You’ll also learn to handle data import errors, optimize visualizations, and secure your reports with Row-Level Security (RLS), ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.Beyond Power BI, the course introduces the broader Microsoft ecosystem, including SQL Server for querying and managing databases, Microsoft 365 for collaboration, and Azure Analysis Services for advanced data modeling in the cloud. These integrations demonstrate how Microsoft’s tools work together to create a seamless analytics workflow, from raw data ingestion to actionable reporting.The course also prepares you for advanced scenarios, such as building paginated reports for printable insights, integrating AI-powered tools like Key Influencers and Decomposition Trees, and analyzing real-time data streams. By the end, you’ll know how to design comprehensive solutions that combine data visualization, analytics, and collaboration tools to meet diverse business needs.This course doesn’t just teach theory—it ensures practical, real-world application. You’ll work on projects like building a sales monitoring dashboard and preparing data for supply chain analysis, ensuring you leave with a portfolio of work to showcase your skills. For those pursuing certification, the course aligns closely with the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst exam objectives, providing a strong foundation to earn this industry-recognized credential.What You’ll Gain:Confidence in using Power BI to create visually compelling and interactive reports.The ability to connect to and analyze data from various sources, including SQL databases, NoSQL platforms, and online services.Proficiency in DAX for custom calculations and time-based analysis.Skills to build efficient data models and optimize performance for large datasets.Knowledge of Microsoft 365 and Azure integrations for enhanced collaboration and scalability.A practical understanding of data security through Row-Level Security (RLS).Hands-on experience with real-world projects that reflect industry scenarios.Who This Course Is For:Aspiring Data Analysts looking to start their career in analytics.Business Professionals who want to make data-driven decisions.IT and Database Professionals expanding their analytics capabilities.Power Users of Excel, SharePoint, or Microsoft 365 tools seeking to upskill.Anyone preparing for the Power BI Data Analyst certification.Why Enroll?With its intuitive teaching style, real-world projects, and alignment with industry needs, this course is your gateway to becoming a data-driven professional. By mastering Microsoft Data Analytics, you’ll unlock career opportunities, improve business outcomes, and contribute meaningfully to your organization’s success.Take the first step toward mastering data and transforming insights into action—enroll today and begin your journey with Mastering Microsoft Data Analytics!

Overview

Section 1: Foundations of Microsoft Data Analytics

Lecture 1 Course Introduction

Lecture 2 What is Microsoft Data Analytics?

Lecture 3 Overview of Data Analysis

Lecture 4 Key Roles in Data Analysis

Lecture 5 Core Responsibilities of a Data Analyst

Section 2: Getting Started with Power BI

Lecture 6 Introduction to Power BI

Lecture 7 Download & Install Power BI Desktop

Lecture 8 Navigating the Power BI Desktop Interface

Lecture 9 What is Microsoft 365?

Section 3: Power BI Essentials

Lecture 10 Power BI Data Sources and Connections

Lecture 11 Connecting to a data source

Lecture 12 Transform data

Lecture 13 Model data

Lecture 14 Visualize data

Lecture 15 Publish report to Power BI Service

Lecture 16 Build a dashboard

Lecture 17 Collaborate and share

Section 4: SQL Server Setup and Integration

Lecture 18 Introduction to SQL Server

Lecture 19 SQL Server Editions Overview

Lecture 20 Downloading SQL Server

Lecture 21 Installing SQL Server

Lecture 22 Installing SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

Lecture 23 Connecting to SQL Server with SSMS

Lecture 24 Download sample databases

Lecture 25 Restoring Databases

Section 5: Preparing Data from Different Sources

Lecture 26 Introduction to Data Preparation

Lecture 27 Creating and Saving Power BI Files

Lecture 28 Setting Power BI Desktop Options

Lecture 29 Importing Data from Relational Databases

Lecture 30 Running and Previewing SQL Server Queries

Lecture 31 Importing Data from CSV Files

Lecture 32 Loading Additional Data from CSV

Lecture 33 Optimizing Data Connections and Handling Data Issues in Power BI

Section 6: Cleaning, Transforming, and Loading Data

Lecture 34 Introduction

Lecture 35 Fixing Data Performance Issues

Lecture 36 Shaping Initial Data

Lecture 37 Configuring Data Queries (Salesperson.)

Lecture 38 Configuring Data Queries (SalespersonRegion.)

Lecture 39 Configuring Data Queries (Product.)

Lecture 40 Configuring Data Queries (Reseller.)

Lecture 41 Configuring Data Queries (Region.)

Lecture 42 Configuring Data Queries (Sales.)

Lecture 43 Configuring Data Queries (Target.)

Lecture 44 Configuring Data Queries (ColorFormats)

Lecture 45 Updating Queries and Data(Product)

Lecture 46 Updating Queries and Data(ColorFormats)

Section 7: Data Modeling in Power BI Desktop

Lecture 47 Introduction to Data Modeling

Lecture 48 Creating Model Relationships

Lecture 49 Configuring Product Table

Lecture 50 Configuring Region Table

Lecture 51 Configuring Reseller Table

Lecture 52 Configuring Sales Table

Lecture 53 Bulk Updating Properties

Lecture 54 Reviewing the Model Interface

Lecture 55 Creating Quick Measures

Lecture 56 Creating Many-to-Many Relationships

Lecture 57 Relating Target Tables

Lecture 58 Enforcing Row-Level Security

Section 8: Introduction to DAX (Data Analysis Expressions)

Lecture 59 What is DAX?

Lecture 60 Creating a Salesperson Calculated Table

Lecture 61 Create a date calculated table

Lecture 62 Creating Calculated Columns

Lecture 63 Completing the Date Table

Lecture 64 Marking the Date Table

Lecture 65 Creating Simple Measures

Lecture 66 Creating Advanced Measures

Section 9: Advanced DAX: Time Intelligence and Measures

Lecture 67 Introduction to Time Intelligence

Lecture 68 Building a Matrix Visual

Lecture 69 Manipulating Filter Context

Lecture 70 Creating Year-To-Date (YTD) Measures

Lecture 71 Creating Year-Over-Year (YoY) Growth Measures

Lecture 72 Publishing Power BI Files

Section 10: Designing Power BI Reports

Lecture 73 Create a new Power BI File

Lecture 74 Create a live connection

Lecture 75 Designing a Power BI Report (Page 1)

Lecture 76 Designing a Power BI Report (Page 2)

Lecture 77 Designing a Power BI Report (Page 3)

Lecture 78 Publishing Reports

Lecture 79 Exploring Published Reports

Lecture 80 Using Sync Slicers

Lecture 81 Configuring Drill-Through Pages

Lecture 82 Adding Conditional Formatting

Lecture 83 Adding Bookmarks

Lecture 84 Adding Interactive Buttons

Lecture 85 Republish modified report

Lecture 86 Explore modified report

Section 11: Create a Sales monitoring Dashboard

Lecture 87 Create a dashboard

Lecture 88 Configuring Alerts

Lecture 89 Refreshing Datasets

Section 12: Performing Data Analysis on Sales Data in Power BI

Lecture 90 Create a new report file

Lecture 91 Connecting to the Sales Analysis Dataset

Lecture 92 Creating Animated Scatter Charts

Lecture 93 Using Forecasting Tools

Lecture 94 Creating Decomposition Trees

Lecture 95 Identifying Key Influencers

Section 13: Creating Paginated Reports

Lecture 96 What are Paginated Reports?

Lecture 97 Installing Power BI Report Builder

Lecture 98 Creating Blank Reports

Lecture 99 Configuring Report Headers

Lecture 100 Creating Data Sources and Datasets

Lecture 101 Configuring Report Parameters

Lecture 102 Adding Textboxes to Report Headers

Lecture 103 Adding and Formatting Tables

Lecture 104 Formatting Table Data

Lecture 105 Finalizing Report Design

Section 14: Capstone Project

Lecture 106 Overview of Capstone Project

Lecture 107 Building a Comprehensive Business Dashboard

Lecture 108 Applying DAX Measures and Calculations

Lecture 109 Publishing and Sharing Your Reports

Lecture 110 Data-Driven Storytelling

Aspiring Data Analysts,Business Professionals,Data Enthusiasts and Career Switchers,IT and Database Professionals,Students Preparing for Certifications,Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs,Power Users of Microsoft Tools