Introduction

In the modern data landscape, the ability to efficiently transform raw, messy data into clean, structured datasets and perform complex calculations is paramount for deriving accurate and actionable business insights, making Power Query and DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) indispensable skills for any professional leveraging Microsoft Power BI or Excel for advanced analytics. Power Query empowers users to connect to diverse data sources, cleanse, reshape, and integrate data without writing extensive code, while DAX provides a powerful formula language for creating sophisticated measures, calculated columns, and custom aggregations, enabling dynamic reporting and deep analytical capabilities. This training course is meticulously designed to equip business analysts, data analysts, BI developers, financial professionals, and reporting specialists with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills in mastering data extraction and transformation using Power Query Editor, building robust data models, writing advanced DAX formulas for time intelligence and complex business logic, optimizing data models for performance, and effectively preparing and analyzing data to unlock profound insights that drive strategic decision-making and enhance business performance. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to harness these powerful tools to efficiently prepare data and generate advanced analytics, transforming raw information into a powerful strategic asset.

Duration

10 days

Target Audience

• Business Analysts
• Data Analysts
• BI Developers (Power BI focus)
• Financial Analysts
• Reporting Specialists
• Excel Power Users
• Data Modelers
• Data Engineers (seeking analytical layer skills)
• Anyone working with large datasets in Power BI or Excel
• Professionals preparing for Power BI certification

Objectives

• Understand the core functionalities and workflow of Power Query Editor.
• Master data connection, transformation, and cleansing techniques using Power Query.
• Develop proficiency in building robust and efficient data models in Power BI/Excel.
• Learn the fundamental concepts and syntax of DAX (Data Analysis Expressions).
• Understand filter context and row context, crucial for DAX calculations.
• Master various DAX functions for aggregation, filtering, and table manipulation.
• Explore advanced DAX patterns, including time intelligence and iterative functions.
• Develop skills in optimizing data models and DAX formulas for performance.
• Learn about error handling and best practices in Power Query and DAX.
• Formulate strategies for efficient data preparation and advanced analytics.
• Apply Power Query and DAX to solve complex business analytical problems.

Course Content

Module 1. Introduction to Power Query and its Role in Business Analytics

• What is Power Query?: Role in ETL for Power BI and Excel
• Power Query Editor Interface: Ribbon, Queries pane, Applied Steps
• Connecting to Data Sources: Excel files, CSV, Text, Folders
• Power Query Fundamentals: Data types, table structure
• Overview of the Power Query workflow

Module 2. Basic Data Transformation with Power Query

• Changing Data Types: Ensuring data integrity
• Removing Rows and Columns: Cleaning up unnecessary data
• Renaming Columns and Tables
• Using First Row as Headers
• Replacing Values and Filling Down/Up

Module 3. Advanced Data Transformation with Power Query

• Splitting Columns: By delimiter, by number of characters
• Pivoting and Unpivoting Columns: Reshaping data for analysis
• Group By: Aggregating data within Power Query
• Merging Queries: Combining tables based on matching columns (Joins)
• Appending Queries: Stacking tables with similar structures

Module 4. Custom Columns and M Language Fundamentals

• Adding Custom Columns: Writing basic M formulas
• Conditional Columns: Applying IF/THEN logic
• Invoking Custom Functions
• Introduction to M Language Syntax and concepts
• Understanding the Advanced Editor for M code

Module 5. Power Query Best Practices and Performance

• Query Folding: Pushing transformations back to the source system
• Query Dependencies: Understanding query relationships
• Error Handling: Identifying and managing errors in data
• Parameterizing Queries for flexibility
• Tips for optimizing Power Query performance

Module 6. Introduction to Data Modeling for Power BI/Excel

• Why Data Modeling is Crucial: Performance, usability, accuracy
• Star Schema Design: Fact tables, Dimension tables
• Creating and Managing Relationships between tables
• Understanding Cardinality and Cross-Filter Direction
• Hiding columns, sorting by other columns

Module 7. Introduction to DAX (Data Analysis Expressions)

• What is DAX?: Formula language for Power BI and Power Pivot in Excel
• Calculated Columns vs. Measures: Understanding their differences and use cases
• DAX Syntax Fundamentals: Functions, operators, values
• Basic DAX Functions: SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, MIN, MAX
• Creating your first Calculated Column and Measure

Module 8. Understanding Filter Context and Row Context in DAX

• Row Context: Calculations performed row by row
• Filter Context: Filters applied to the data model
• How DAX evaluates formulas based on context
• Importance of context for accurate calculations
• Practical examples demonstrating context evaluation

Module 9. DAX for Aggregation and Filtering

• CALCULATE Function: The most powerful DAX function for modifying filter context
• ALL, ALLEXCEPT, ALLSELECTED: Manipulating filter context
• SUMX, AVERAGEX, COUNTX (Iterator Functions)
• Using EARLIER and EARLIEST (conceptual for row context)
• Performing complex aggregations with context modification

Module 10. Time Intelligence Functions in DAX

• Understanding Date Tables: Best practices for creating
• TOTALYTD, TOTALQTD, TOTALMTD: Year-to-date, Quarter-to-date, Month-to-date totals
• SAMEPERIODLASTYEAR, PARALLELPERIOD: Comparing to previous periods
• DATEADD, DATESBETWEEN, DATESINPERIOD
• Common Time Intelligence patterns for financial and sales analysis

Module 11. DAX for Relationships and Advanced Filtering

• RELATED and RELATEDTABLE: Navigating relationships in DAX
• USERELATIONSHIP: Activating inactive relationships
• CROSSFILTER: Modifying cross-filter behavior
• Using KEEPFILTERS and REMOVEFILTERS
• Advanced conditional logic in DAX measures

Module 12. DAX for Table Functions and Iteration

• FILTER Function: Creating filtered tables within DAX expressions
• ADDCOLUMNS, SUMMARIZE, GROUPBY
• VAR keyword: Improving readability and performance
• Iterative calculations over tables
• Complex scenario-based DAX problems

Module 13. DAX Performance Optimization

• Understanding VertiPaq Engine: In-memory columnar storage
• Optimizing DAX Formulas: Avoiding common performance pitfalls
• DAX Studio: Tools for analyzing and optimizing DAX queries
• Best practices for data model design to support DAX performance
• Identifying and resolving slow-performing measures

Module 14. Error Handling and Best Practices in DAX

• ISERROR, IF(ISBLANK()): Handling division by zero and other errors
• Best practices for naming conventions in DAX
• Commenting DAX code for readability
• Structuring complex DAX measures for maintainability
• Debugging DAX formulas effectively

Module 15. Real-World Case Studies and Integration

• Building a Financial Performance Dashboard: Income Statement, Balance Sheet with DAX
• Sales Analysis: Customer segmentation, product performance with DAX
• Creating a Marketing Campaign Effectiveness Dashboard
• Integrating Power Query and DAX seamlessly for end-to-end solutions
• Review of complex business problems solved using Power Query and DAX.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.