Power BI Essentials

Course Overview

Turn raw data into clear, trusted business insight.
This course introduces Microsoft Power BI Desktop as a professional business intelligence tool. It teaches learners how to take data from multiple sources, clean and shape it correctly, build a reliable data model, and produce clear, interactive reports that support decision-making.
The focus is on doing things properly: correct data preparation, sound modelling principles, and meaningful calculations—rather than cosmetic dashboards or shortcuts. Learners will understand not just how to build reports, but why Power BI works the way it does. This course provides the essential foundation required for scalable, maintainable, and trustworthy reporting.

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Who Should Attend?

This course is suitable for:
• Excel users who want to move beyond static reports
• Business analysts and reporting professionals
• Finance, operations, sales, and management staff working with data
• Anyone responsible for analysing, reporting, or presenting business data
• Learners new to Power BI who want to use it correctly from the start

Required Knowledge:
• Confident use of Excel (formulas, basic data handling, tables)
• Understanding of rows, columns, and structured data
• No prior Power BI or DAX experience is required

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What You Will Learn

Getting Started with Power BI Desktop
• Install and configure Power BI Desktop correctly
• Navigate the Power BI interface with confidence
• Understand the Power BI workflow: data → model → visuals → insights
• Learn how Power BI differs from Excel reporting

Clean, Shape, and Prepare Your Data (ETL)
• Understand the role of PowerQuery in Power BI
• Connect to multiple data sources, including Excel, CSV, databases, and web data
• Clean messy data by removing errors, duplicates, and inconsistencies
• Transform and reshape data for reporting purposes
• Combine multiple datasets into a single, structured model
• Apply best-practice ETL techniques for repeatable, reliable data preparation

Build a Robust Data Model
• Understand why data modelling matters in Power BI
• Apply core relational database concepts
• Design efficient models using normalisation and star schema principles
• Create and manage relationships between tables
• Optimise data models for performance, scalability, and clarity

Unlock Dynamic Calculations with DAX
• Understand what DAX is and why it is central to Power BI
• Create calculated columns and measures
• Use logical, mathematical, statistical, and time-based DAX functions
• Understand row context vs filter context
• Build calculations that respond dynamically to user selections
• Perform deeper analysis to uncover meaningful business trends

Create Stunning Data Visualisations
• Design professional, business-ready reports and dashboards
• Use charts, tables, KPIs, cards, slicers, and drill-throughs effectively
• Choose the right visual for the message you want to communicate
• Combine visuals into clear, coherent storytelling reports
• Apply visual design best practices for readability and impact

Publish and Share Your Reports
• Publish reports from Power BI Desktop to the Power BI Service
• Share reports securely with colleagues and stakeholders
• Understand workspaces, apps, and sharing permissions
• Refresh data to keep reports accurate and up to date

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Exclusions:

This course does not cover:
• Power BI Service administration
• Advanced DAX optimisation techniques
• Complex time intelligence patterns
• Row-level security (RLS)
• Deployment pipelines or governance
• Paginated reports
• Advanced custom visuals or embedded analytics
These topics are covered in advanced Power BI courses.

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Key Learning Outcomes

At the end of this training, you should know how to:
• Use Power BI Desktop with confidence and purpose
• Prepare clean, structured data using PowerQuery
• Build reliable data models using sound design principles
• Write effective DAX measures for meaningful analysis
• Create interactive reports that answer real business questions
• Share and maintain reports responsibly in a business environment

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Delivery Format

This is a classroom-based course. Each participant will have access to a fully equipped workstation with Microsoft Power BI Desktop installed. The instructor will guide the course using live demonstrations, practical exercises, and real-time feedback.
Training Environment Includes:
• Individual PCs with MicrosoftPower BI Desktop
• Course materials and online notes
• Comfortable classroom setting conducive to learning

Participants are not required to bring their own laptop.

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Recommended Progression Pathway

After completing this course, learners should consider:
• Microsoft Power BI – Advanced DAX
• Power BI Service, Sharing, and Governance
• Advanced DAX and Performance Optimisation
• PowerQuery for Data Transformation (Advanced)
These courses deepen analytical capability and support enterprise-level reporting.

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Learner Support

Participants will have indefinite online access to all practice files and notes at https://www.dti.ie. Email support will also be offered on items covered during this course at support@dti.ie.