PPW
Research #15
Data & Analytics
Data & Analytics
Microsoft Power BI Training: Power Query, DAX & Dashboards
Transform raw data into clear, interactive Power BI reports that help decision-makers explore performance and act on insight.
Course overview
Turn learning into workplace capability.
Transform raw data into clear, interactive Power BI reports that help decision-makers explore performance and act on insight. Participants work through realistic workplace scenarios, guided practice and structured reflection so they can apply the learning immediately.
The programme connects analytical thinking with data quality, reproducible analysis, clear visual communication, and decisions that can be supported by evidence.
By the end
Learning outcomes
- Connect to and transform common data sources.
- Build a reliable relational data model.
- Create useful measures with core DAX concepts.
- Design, publish and maintain audience-centred dashboards.
By the end
Learning objectives
- Explain Power BI ecosystem and workflow and connect it to the participant's workplace context.
- Apply data preparation with Power query using a structured method and appropriate supporting evidence.
- Use data modelling and relationships to complete a realistic task accurately and efficiently.
- Evaluate DAX measures and calculations by applying quality criteria, controls, and professional judgement.
- Integrate dashboard and visual design with related tools, people, information, and review points.
- Produce a practical, workplace-ready output together with a clear next-step implementation plan.
Practical curriculum
Course outline: Microsoft Power BI Training: Power Query, DAX & Dashboards
A focused sequence designed for application, reflection and measurable next steps. Expand each module for its detail and practical exercise.
01. Power BI Ecosystem and Workflow
- Roles of Power BI Desktop, the Power BI service, semantic models, reports, dashboards, and gateways.
- End-to-end workflow from source connection and transformation to modelling, measures, visuals, and sharing.
- Choosing import, DirectQuery, or other supported connection approaches according to requirements.
- File organisation, naming, ownership, refresh, workspace, licensing, and governance considerations.
Practical exercise: Participants analyse a realistic sample dataset, validate the result, and communicate one defensible recommendation while applying Power BI ecosystem and workflow.
02. Data Preparation with Power Query
- Connecting to sources and profiling column quality, distribution, errors, types, and missing values.
- Filtering, splitting, merging, appending, grouping, pivoting, unpivoting, and standardising data.
- Building clear, ordered, reusable transformation steps without silently changing business meaning.
- Testing refresh behaviour, source changes, privacy levels, query dependencies, and output quality.
Practical exercise: Participants analyse a realistic sample dataset, validate the result, and communicate one defensible recommendation while applying data preparation with Power query.
03. Data Modelling and Relationships
- Fact and dimension concepts, grain, keys, cardinality, filter direction, and star-schema design.
- Creating and validating relationships without hiding many-to-many or duplicate-key problems.
- Date tables, hierarchies, role-playing dimensions, and business-friendly field organisation.
- Testing model behaviour using simple measures, filters, totals, and known reconciliation values.
Practical exercise: Participants analyse a realistic sample dataset, validate the result, and communicate one defensible recommendation while applying data modelling and relationships.
04. DAX Measures and Calculations
- Difference between measures, calculated columns, calculated tables, and source-level calculations.
- Row context, filter context, relationships, propagation, and evaluation of a measure.
- Building base measures before ratios, time comparisons, conditional logic, and reusable patterns.
- Checking totals, blanks, granularity, filter interactions, naming, formatting, and performance.
Practical exercise: Participants analyse a realistic sample dataset, validate the result, and communicate one defensible recommendation while applying DAX measures and calculations.
05. Dashboard and Visual Design
- Business question, analytical purpose, measures, assumptions, and success criteria for dashboard and visual design.
- Required data, structure, quality checks, preparation, and reproducibility considerations.
- Appropriate analytical or visual methods and interpretation of the resulting evidence.
- Limitations, misleading conclusions, governance concerns, and communication of recommended action.
Practical exercise: Participants analyse a realistic sample dataset, validate the result, and communicate one defensible recommendation while applying dashboard and visual design.
06. Publishing, Refresh and Governance
- Business question, analytical purpose, measures, assumptions, and success criteria for publishing, refresh and governance.
- Required data, structure, quality checks, preparation, and reproducibility considerations.
- Appropriate analytical or visual methods and interpretation of the resulting evidence.
- Limitations, misleading conclusions, governance concerns, and communication of recommended action.
Practical exercise: Participants analyse a realistic sample dataset, validate the result, and communicate one defensible recommendation while applying publishing, refresh and governance.
Programme detail
How the course runs
Methodology
- Short instructor explanations that establish the principles, terminology, and workflow of Microsoft Power BI Training: Power Query, DAX & Dashboards.
- Live demonstrations and worked examples and hands-on analysis of a realistic sample dataset.
- Individual, pair, and group activities using realistic inputs that do not require disclosure of confidential information.
- Facilitated review, peer discussion, trainer feedback, and correction against clear quality criteria.
- A final application task plus a personal or team action plan for transfer to the workplace.
Assessment & evidence of learning
- Opening diagnostic questions to establish experience, needs, and relevant workplace scenarios.
- Observation of guided practice and completion of module activities relevant to Data & Analytics.
- Knowledge checks, review questions, or scenario decisions at appropriate points in the programme.
- A final practical output, simulation, presentation, analysis, or implementation plan reviewed against stated criteria.
- Trainer feedback and participant reflection identifying strengths, corrections, and next-step workplace actions.
Prerequisites
- Basic computer, file-management, and workplace digital-literacy skills are recommended.
- Participants should have access to a suitable laptop and an appropriately licensed, trainer-supported version of the required software.
Course completion & workplace transfer
- Record corrections, open questions, support needs, and an accountable next action for workplace application.
- Review the final practical output against the learning outcomes and complete the trainer's closing knowledge check, reflection, or skills demonstration.
Who should attend
Who this course is for
Analysts, managers, finance teams and reporting professionals.
01
Live online via Zoom Meeting
Join a scheduled public intake from anywhere. Trainer-led, camera-on, with hands-on exercises and Q&A throughout.
02
Private in-house group session on Zoom
The same programme run privately for one organisation on its own date, with examples tailored to your policies and roles.
03
Joining details by email
The Zoom link, meeting ID and passcode are sent automatically once payment succeeds, with reminders one day and one hour before the start.
Course questions
What organisations usually ask
Is Microsoft Power BI Training: Power Query, DAX & Dashboards HRD Corp claimable?
The programme can be proposed as HRD Corp claimable training, subject to the employer’s eligibility, current scheme rules, course registration and final approval.
Who should attend this course?
Analysts, managers, finance teams and reporting professionals.
How long is the course and how is it delivered?
The standard duration is 2 days. Every session runs live on Zoom with a trainer — there is no face-to-face or physical classroom option. Available formats: Live online via Zoom Meeting, Private in-house group session on Zoom.
How do I receive the Zoom link?
Reserve a seat online and complete payment. The Zoom joining link, meeting ID and passcode are emailed automatically the moment payment succeeds, followed by an automatic reminder one day before and one hour before the session starts.
What do I need to join the session?
A computer with a stable internet connection, the free Zoom client, a webcam and a headset. Sessions run in Malaysia time (GMT+8). Software used in hands-on courses should be installed before day one — the joining email lists what to prepare.
Build a stronger team
Bring Microsoft Power BI Training: Power Query, DAX & Dashboards to your organisation.
Tell us your preferred dates, team size and learning priorities. We will prepare a tailored programme and quotation.
*HRD Corp claimability is subject to employer eligibility, current scheme rules, course registration and approval. Public fees are indicative until confirmed in writing. Certification, licensing and statutory pathways may require an approved provider, separate assessment, experience or registration set by the relevant authority or awarding body.