Introduction

In today's data-rich environment, the ability to rapidly transform complex datasets into clear, interactive, and actionable visual insights is a cornerstone of effective business strategy. Tableau, a leading and intuitive data visualization tool, empowers business intelligence professionals to connect with diverse data sources, perform agile data analysis, and create compelling dashboards that drive data-driven decision-making across all organizational levels. Moving beyond traditional reporting, Tableau fosters a culture of self-service analytics, enabling users to explore "what-if" scenarios and uncover hidden trends with unparalleled ease and speed. This training course is meticulously designed to equip business analysts, data professionals, marketing and sales managers, financial analysts, and anyone aspiring to master data visualization with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in understanding the Tableau ecosystem, connecting to various data sources, performing advanced data preparation, developing sophisticated calculations and parameters, designing impactful dashboards and stories, and effectively sharing insights with stakeholders to influence strategic outcomes.

Duration

10 days

Target Audience

• Business Analysts
• Data Analysts & Scientists (Beginner/Intermediate)
• Reporting Specialists
• Marketing & Sales Professionals
• Financial Analysts
• Project Managers
• IT Professionals involved in data analysis
• Department Heads & Managers
• Anyone needing to visualize and share data insights

Objectives

• Understand the core concepts of data visualization and business intelligence in Tableau.
• Master data connection, preparation, and integration techniques within Tableau.
• Develop proficiency in creating various chart types and advanced visualizations.
• Learn to build interactive and dynamic dashboards and stories.
• Understand how to create and apply calculated fields, parameters, and sets.
• Explore advanced analytical features within Tableau, such as forecasting and clustering.
• Develop skills in publishing, sharing, and collaborating on Tableau workbooks.
• Understand Tableau best practices for performance optimization and data governance.
• Learn to connect Tableau with different data sources, including databases and cloud platforms.
• Formulate strategies for deploying Tableau solutions within an organization.
• Apply Tableau to solve real-world business problems and generate actionable insights.

Course Content

Module 1. Introduction to Tableau and Business Intelligence Concepts

• What is Tableau?: Desktop, Public, Server, Online, Prep
• Understanding the Tableau interface: Panes, shelves, cards
• Key principles of data visualization and visual analytics
• The role of Tableau in the modern BI landscape
• Overview of common use cases and success stories

Module 2. Connecting to Data and Data Preparation

• Connecting to various data sources: Excel, CSV, Text files
• Connecting to databases: SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL
• Connecting to cloud data sources: Google Analytics, Salesforce
• Understanding data types and roles in Tableau
• Basic data cleaning and transformation in Tableau Desktop

Module 3. Data Integration and Relationships

• Joins: Inner, Left, Right, Full Outer
• Blending Data: When and how to use data blending
• Creating relationships between tables
• Understanding the logical layer and physical layer in Tableau
• Best practices for data source setup

Module 4. Basic Visualizations and Chart Types

• Dimensions vs. Measures: Understanding their roles in views
• Creating Bar Charts, Line Charts, Pie Charts, and Scatter Plots
• Building Text Tables, Highlight Tables, and Heatmaps
• Using Marks Card for color, size, shape, and label
• Filtering, sorting, and grouping data

Module 5. Advanced Visualizations and Geographical Mapping

• Dual-Axis Charts and Combination Charts
• Treemaps, Bubble Charts, Funnel Charts, Gantt Charts
• Creating Geographical Maps: Symbol maps, filled maps, custom maps
• Adding map layers and background images
• Designing effective spatial visualizations

Module 6. Calculated Fields and Formulas

• Creating Basic Calculated Fields: Numeric, string, date functions
• Aggregate Calculations: SUM, AVG, COUNT, MIN, MAX
• Logical Functions: IF, CASE, IIF
• Table Calculations: Running sum, Percent of Total, Difference From
• Level of Detail (LOD) Expressions: FIXED, INCLUDE, EXCLUDE

Module 7. Parameters and Sets for Interactivity

• What are Parameters?: Creating and using parameters for dynamic values
• Applying Parameters to Filters, Calculated Fields, and Reference Lines
• What are Sets?: Creating and managing sets
• Using Sets in calculations, filters, and conditional formatting
• Combining Sets for advanced analysis

Module 8. Dashboard Design and Layout

• Understanding Dashboard Components: Sheets, text, images, web pages
• Dashboard Layouts: Tiled, Floating
• Interactivity: Actions (Filter, Highlight, URL), Dashboard filters
• Designing for different screen sizes and devices
• Best practices for visual hierarchy and user experience

Module 9. Storytelling with Data

• What is a Story?: Creating a narrative flow with data
• Story Points: Adding titles, captions, and annotations
• Guiding the audience through insights
• Using dashboards and individual sheets in stories
• Principles of effective data storytelling

Module 10. Advanced Analytics in Tableau

• Trend Lines and Forecasts: Linear, exponential, polynomial
• Reference Lines, Bands, and Distribution Lines
• Cluster Analysis: Identifying data groups
• Totals and Subtotals: Adding summary information
• Integration with R and Python for advanced statistical analysis

Module 11. Publishing and Sharing Tableau Content

• Publishing Workbooks to Tableau Server or Tableau Online
• Understanding Permissions and Security Settings
• Subscriptions for automated report delivery
• Creating and managing projects and sites
• Embedding Tableau views into web pages

Module 12. Tableau Server/Online Administration and Governance

• Site Administration: Users, groups, content management
• Data Source Management: Embedded vs. Published data sources
• Refresh Schedules and Data Extracts
• Performance Monitoring and Optimization on Server/Online
• Data Governance and Security Best Practices for Tableau deployments

Module 13. Performance Optimization in Tableau

• Strategies for improving workbook performance: Data extracts, filters, calculations
• Reducing marks in a view
• Optimizing data connections and queries
• Best practices for dashboard performance
• Using the Performance Recorder to identify bottlenecks

Module 14. Tableau Prep for Data Preparation

• Introduction to Tableau Prep Builder: Interface and workflow
• Connecting to and cleaning data in Tableau Prep
• Pivoting, aggregating, joining, and unioning data flows
• Creating calculated fields in Prep
• Outputting prepared data for Tableau Desktop

Module 15. Real-World Applications and Case Studies

• Applying Tableau to specific business functions: Sales, Marketing, Finance, Operations
• Building comprehensive business dashboards
• Case studies of successful Tableau implementations across industries
• Troubleshooting common Tableau challenges
• Future trends in data visualization and self-service BI.

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.