Data Analytics Using Excel and Power BI Training Course

Data Analytics Using Excel and Power BI

Build PL-300-Aligned Power BI and Copilot Skills for Confident, Data-Driven Decisions

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Platform:
Online
In-class
Date Venue Duration
05 - 09 October 2026 Sandton, Gauteng 5 Days
07 - 11 December 2026 Sandton, Gauteng 5 Days

Course Introduction

In today’s data-driven world, businesses must leverage advanced analytics tools to gain actionable insights and maintain a competitive edge. Microsoft Excel and Power BI are two of the most powerful tools for data analysis, visualisation, and reporting. While Excel provides advanced data manipulation and analysis capabilities, Power BI enhances decision-making through interactive dashboards and real-time analytics.

This course offers hands-on training in both platforms, covering everything from data cleaning in Excel to designing dynamic dashboards in Power BI — including Microsoft Copilot integration and content aligned with the industry-recognised Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate (PL-300) certification. You will learn how to apply data analytics techniques to solve real-world business problems and make data-driven decisions.

Course Duration Options

This course is available in two formats, so you can choose the depth that fits your time and needs:

2.5-Day Essentials Core Foundations

Excel data preparation, core Power BI skills, DAX essentials, Copilot introduction, and integration/publishing basics, closing with an overview of the PL-300 certification pathway.

Ideal for: Those who need practical, immediate capability without an extended time commitment.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
  • Apply advanced data analysis techniques using Excel
  • Create dynamic, interactive dashboards in Power BI
  • Utilise PivotTables, Power Query, and Power Pivot for complex data processing
  • Visualise data using advanced charting and graphing tools
  • Integrate and analyse data from multiple sources
  • Apply DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) in Power BI for deeper insights
  • Use Microsoft Copilot in Excel and Power BI to accelerate analysis and report-building
  • Develop automated reports and real-time dashboards
  • Perform forecasting and trend analysis to support strategic decision-making
  • Build the skills and knowledge aligned with the Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate (PL-300) certification

Who should attend?

  • Data Analysts and Business Analysts
  • Finance and Accounting Professionals
  • Business Intelligence (BI) Professionals
  • Project Managers and Team Leaders
  • Marketing and Sales Analysts
  • IT and Operations Managers
  • Professionals Responsible for Data-Driven Decision-Making
  • Anyone Looking to Enhance Their Analytical and Reporting Capabilities
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Training Methodology

Our diverse instructional approaches ensure effective learning:

– Lectures & Presentations: Engage with expert-driven, stimulating content.
– Course Material: Access well-crafted supporting resources.
– Group Work: Collaborate on discussions and case studies for practical insights.
– Workshops & Role-Play: Participate in immersive, scenario-based activities.
– Practical Application: Focus on applying theoretical knowledge in real situations.
– Post-Training Support: Receive extensive support after training for skill implementation.

Training Outline

2.5-Day Essentials — Training Outline

DAY 1 — Excel Data Preparation and Analysis Essentials
Introduction to Data Analytics and Tools
  • The role of data analytics in business, and selecting the right tool for the right job
Data Cleaning and Preparation Essentials
  • Managing missing data and duplicates
  • Power Query for data transformation
Core Excel Analysis Tools
  • Essential lookup functions (VLOOKUP, INDEX, MATCH)
  • PivotTables and Pivot Charts for core reporting

DAY 2 — Power BI Essentials
Introduction to Power BI
  • Power BI interface, connecting data sources, and data transformation with Power Query
  • Core data modelling and relationships
Data Visualisation and DAX Essentials
  • Building interactive dashboards and core Power BI visualisations
  • Introduction to DAX: calculated columns and measures
  • Using Microsoft Copilot in Power BI to accelerate report-building

HALF-DAY 3 (Morning) — Integration, Publishing, and Your Next Step
Integration and Publishing Essentials
  • Importing Excel data into Power BI, and best practices for cross-platform analytics
  • Publishing and sharing Power BI dashboards
  • Overview of the Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate (PL-300) pathway, and deciding whether the 5-Day Comprehensive programme is the right next step

5-Day Comprehensive — Training Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Data Analytics and Tools
Module 1: Introduction to Data Analytics and Tools
  • The role of data analytics in business
  • Overview of Excel and Power BI for data analysis
  • Key data analytics techniques
  • Selecting the right tool for the right job
  • Case Study: Analysing customer churn data to identify retention strategies

Module 2: Data Cleaning and Preparation in Excel
Module 2: Data Cleaning and Preparation in Excel
  • Managing missing data and duplicates
  • Text-to-Columns, Flash Fill, and data parsing
  • Using Excel formulas for data cleansing
  • Power Query for data transformation
  • Case Study: Cleaning and preparing sales transaction data for business analysis

Module 3: Advanced Excel Functions for Data Analytics
Module 3: Advanced Excel Functions for Data Analytics
  • Mastering lookup functions (VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, INDEX, MATCH)
  • Logical and statistical functions
  • Array formulas and dynamic ranges
  • Conditional formatting and data validation
  • Current Issue: Handling and analysing large, complex datasets in remote work environments

Module 4: Excel Pivot Tables and Pivot Charts
Module 4: Excel Pivot Tables and Pivot Charts
  • Creating and customising Pivot Tables
  • Grouping, filtering, and slicing data
  • Pivot Chart best practices
  • Case Study: Financial performance analysis using Pivot Tables

Module 5: Power Pivot and Data Modelling
Module 5: Power Pivot and Data Modelling
  • Understanding data models
  • Relating multiple tables
  • Power Pivot calculations
  • Advanced data analysis in Power Pivot
  • Case Study: Integrating multiple financial data sources to generate consolidated reports

Module 6: Introduction to Power BI
Module 6: Introduction to Power BI
  • Power BI interface and features
  • Connecting data sources
  • Data transformation with Power Query
  • Data modelling and relationships
  • Current Issue: Addressing data security concerns in cloud-based analytics solutions

Module 7: Data Visualisation in Power BI
Module 7: Data Visualisation in Power BI
  • Creating charts and graphs
  • Designing interactive dashboards
  • Power BI visualisations (maps, cards, etc.)
  • Customising reports for different stakeholders
  • Case Study: Sales performance tracking with Power BI dashboards

Module 8: DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) in Power BI
Module 8: DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) in Power BI
  • Introduction to DAX formulas
  • Calculated columns and measures
  • Time intelligence functions
  • Advanced DAX for business insights
  • Case Study: Forecasting revenue growth using DAX calculations

Module 9: Power BI Reporting, Publishing, and Copilot
Module 9: Power BI Reporting, Publishing, and Copilot
  • Best practices for building reports
  • Creating and sharing Power BI dashboards
  • Automating reports and scheduling data refresh
  • Publishing reports to the Power BI Service
  • Using Microsoft Copilot in Power BI and Excel to accelerate report-building and natural-language querying
  • Current Issue: Managing real-time reporting in a rapidly changing business environment

Module 10: Integrating Excel and Power BI
Module 10: Integrating Excel and Power BI
  • Importing Excel data into Power BI
  • Embedding Power BI reports in Excel
  • Linking Excel data models with Power BI dashboards
  • Best practices for cross-platform analytics
  • Case Study: Combining Excel and Power BI to track marketing campaign performance

Module 11: Advanced Analytics, Forecasting, and Certification Pathway
Module 11: Advanced Analytics, Forecasting, and Certification Pathway
  • What-if analysis and scenario planning
  • Forecasting and predictive analytics in Power BI
  • Applying machine learning models
  • Advanced data analysis for strategic decision-making
  • Aligning your skills with the Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate (PL-300) exam objectives
  • Case Study: Using Power BI to predict market trends and investment risks

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Success Stories

Discover how our courses enhance professionals’ effectiveness in their workplaces.

uMngeni-uThukela Water

IFRS Updates Trainings

What made the sessions exceptionally helpful was the deliberate focus on actionable strategies rather than just high-level concepts. The structured approach kept the content engaging. It was a highly impactful professional development experience.

Telekom Networks Malawi Plc

Financial Analysis, Modelling and Forecasting

It has been a really fruitful and helpful training. Many thanks to PROSPEN AFRICA and the facilitator Olufemi. This is definitely going to make my work life easier and meaningful.

Northam Booysendal Mine

Mastering Payroll Preparation, Analysis, and Management

The course really taught us deep in to Payroll and made us aware of things we were not aware of.

Telekom Networks Malawi PLC

Financial Analysis, Modelling and Forecasting

The training was very insightful and the facilitator was very engaging which made everything easier to understand and follow. It has really equipped us in our areas of lack and we feel confident now on our next assignments on forecasts and analysis

Magalies Water

GRAP training

The course was practical, informative and relevant

FAQs – Data Analytics Using Excel and Power BI

Master data analytics using Excel and Power BI to transform data into actionable insights, create meaningful reports and dashboards, identify trends, and support informed business decision-making.

What topics are covered in the Data Analytics with Excel and Power BI course?
The course covers data cleaning and transformation using Power Query, relational data modeling, writing DAX measures, advanced Excel formulas, constructing interactive Power BI dashboards, trend identification, and dynamic business reporting techniques.
Who should attend the Data Analytics with Excel and Power BI training course?
This course is designed for data analysts, business intelligence professionals, finance specialists, operations managers, reporting officers, project managers, and business consultants seeking to leverage Excel and Power BI for data-driven decision-making.
How does this course enhance reporting efficiency and business insights?
Delegates learn how to automate manual reporting processes, connect multiple raw data sources seamlessly, visualize complex business metrics through interactive dashboards, and extract actionable insights to guide executive management strategy.
How long is the Data Analytics with Excel and Power BI training course?
The programme is structured as an intensive 3-day practical hands-on masterclass featuring step-by-step dashboard creation, real-world dataset exercises, data modeling labs, and visual storytelling workshops.
What practical tools and technical skills will delegates gain from this masterclass?
Delegates master advanced Power Query functions, DAX calculations, Power BI Desktop publishing, interactive visual slicers, trend analysis models, automated data pipelines, and executive report design principles.
Can Prospen Africa deliver this course as customized in-house training?
Yes. Prospen Africa can tailor the masterclass to work directly with your organization’s proprietary datasets, internal database architecture, custom Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and sector-specific reporting requirements.

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