Data Preparation and Management

Overview

Data Preparation and Management is designed to equip you with the essential skills needed to prepare and manage data effectively using Microsoft Power BI. Throughout this course, you'll learn how to connect, clean, and transform data from various sources to ensure its integrity and quality. You will explore the principles of Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) processes, data storage, and the importance of maintaining data accuracy. This course emphasizes practical applications, providing you with hands-on experience in managing real-world data scenarios. By the end of this course, you’ll be ready to confidently handle data preparation tasks and ensure that your data is ready for analysis and visualization. This program is for anyone interested in data analytics and visualization; there are no prerequisites. To get the most out of the learning experience, it is recommended to follow the courses in sequence, as each one builds on the skills and knowledge gained in the previous ones. By the time you begin this course, you should have a strong understanding of different types of visualizations and their appropriate use, along with the ability to create cohesive and compelling reports in Power BI. You should also be capable of identifying and addressing common design problems in reports, producing audience-focused reports by understanding business needs.

Syllabus

Data sources

In this module, you will learn how to set up data sources in Power BI. You’ll explore the different types of data sources available, from structured to unstructured data, and understand how to connect them to your Power BI environment. In this module you'll also cover the basics of connectors, triggers, and actions, providing you with the foundational knowledge to manage data sources effectively and ensure smooth data integration.

Data transformation

This module focuses on transforming raw data into a structured format suitable for analysis. You'll be introduced to Power Query, a tool within Power BI, and learn how to perform basic and advanced data transformations. You also cover essential techniques such as appending, merging, and cleaning data, ensuring that you can convert diverse datasets into a cohesive format ready for visualization and reporting.

Data storage and processing

In this module, you will explore the principles of data storage and processing within Power BI. You’ll learn how to configure data storage options, understand the implications of storage choices on performance, and ensure that your data is optimized for quick access and analysis. Additionally, as you progress through this module you will cover data cleaning processes to correct errors and inconsistencies, ensuring the quality and reliability of your data.

Final project and assessment: Data Preparation and Management

This module brings together all the concepts learned in the course through a hands-on project. You’ll be tasked with preparing and managing data for a simulated real-world scenario, applying your knowledge of data sources, transformation, and storage. In this capstone project you will test your ability to ensure data integrity and quality, demonstrating your readiness to handle data preparation and management tasks in professional settings.