Tasks and Duties
Task Objective
In this first week, the student is required to design a strategic plan for developing a comprehensive Power BI dashboard. The focus is on planning and setting the foundation for data visualization that aligns with common analytic best practices taught in the Power BI Certification Training Course. The objective is to establish a clear vision, identify the key performance indicators (KPIs), and outline the storyboard for the dashboard design using publicly available data sources.
Expected Deliverables
- A DOC file containing the strategic plan.
- A defined outline of the dashboard objectives and target audience.
- A detailed list of KPIs, metrics, and potential data sources.
- A high-level storyboard or wireframe description for the dashboard layout.
Key Steps to Complete the Task
- Research: Conduct research on industry standards and publicly available data that can be used for visualization. Identify relevant metrics and KPIs that are beneficial to the business context.
- Brainstorm: Develop a brainstorming document capturing ideas for the layout, filtering options, and interactive elements of the dashboard.
- Strategic Outline: Create a strategy document detailing the objectives, expected outcomes, key metrics, and visual elements. Include a preliminary wireframe to depict layout ideas.
- Documentation: Consolidate your findings, discussion points, and designs into a comprehensive DOC file. Ensure clarity and logical flow.
Evaluation Criteria
- Completeness of the strategic plan with clearly defined KPIs and objectives.
- Quality and clarity of the wireframe and layout description.
- Depth of research and relevance of publicly accessible data sources identified.
- Overall structure, organization, and professionalism of the submitted DOC file.
This task is expected to take approximately 30 to 35 hours and is designed to critically assess the student’s ability to plan, strategize, and conceptualize a data visualization project that would serve as a foundation for subsequent phases in Power BI development.
Task Objective
This week focuses on the core aspects of data modeling and transformation in Power BI. The student must demonstrate the ability to ingest, clean, and transform publicly available datasets into a structured data model. The aim is to develop a document that outlines the data transformation process and the creation of business-specific measures using DAX, thereby reinforcing concepts learned in the Power BI Certification Training Course.
Expected Deliverables
- A DOC file detailing the data model design, transformation processes, and DAX formula implementations.
- A step-by-step explanation of data cleansing techniques and the rationale behind choosing specific data transformation methods.
- A description of data relationships and design considerations in the context of visualization planning.
Key Steps to Complete the Task
- Data Acquisition: Identify a publicly available dataset relevant to a business scenario. Explain the sources and context of the data.
- Data Transformation: Document the process of cleaning, combining, and transforming the dataset. Include methods used in Power BI (e.g., Power Query Editor) for data manipulation.
- Modeling: Develop a conceptual data model that explains table relationships, primary and foreign keys, and design rationale.
- DAX Implementation: Propose key DAX measures and calculations that add business value. Explain the purpose of each measure in detail.
- Documentation: Compile a DOC file with annotated diagrams, transformation steps, and thorough explanations of the DAX formulas used.
Evaluation Criteria
- Accuracy and clarity in describing the data transformation and modeling processes.
- Logical and effective construction of the proposed data model.
- Correctness and innovation in the implementation of DAX measures.
- Overall quality, depth, and clarity of the comprehensive DOC submission.
This task is expected to take approximately 30 to 35 hours and will evaluate the student’s proficiency in data modeling and transformation, serving as a core competency area in effective Power BI data visualizations.
Task Objective
In this week’s task, the student will focus on the execution phase by designing and building an interactive Power BI report. The objective is to translate the previously developed data models and strategic plans into an interactive, visual Power BI report design. The student is expected to articulate the design process, interactive elements, and usability considerations in a detailed DOC file.
Expected Deliverables
- A DOC file that details the process of developing an interactive Power BI report.
- A design blueprint outlining dashboard layout, visualization types, and interactive components such as filters, slicers, and drill-down features.
- Explanations of user experience enhancements and data storytelling techniques used in the design.
Key Steps to Complete the Task
- Conceptualization: Develop a blueprint for the interactive report based on stakeholders’ needs. Identify the interactive components that enhance data storytelling.
- Visualization Selection: Choose appropriate charts and visual elements that best represent the identified KPIs and business context.
- Interactivity Plan: Describe how interactive features (e.g., drill-down, cross-filtering, slicers) will be implemented to improve data exploration.
- Documentation: Document the development process in a DOC file that includes sketches, explanations of design choices, and expected user interactions.
- Best Practices: Include a section on Power BI best practices for interactive report design and optimization.
Evaluation Criteria
- Creativity and clarity in designing interactive, user-friendly dashboards.
- Comprehensiveness of the design blueprint and explanation of interactivity mechanisms.
- Adherence to Power BI design best practices and data storytelling principles.
- Quality, clarity, and overall structure of the DOC file submission.
This exercise is designed to take approximately 30 to 35 hours, allowing the student to demonstrate practical, hands-on skills in building interactive Power BI reports, translating theoretical knowledge into effective visual communication tools.
Task Objective
For the final week, the focus shifts to evaluation and optimization of Power BI visualizations. In this task, the student must critically evaluate the performance and usability of a Power BI report developed during the prior tasks. The task requires an assessment of the dashboard’s effectiveness, identification of improvement opportunities, and formulation of an optimization strategy. This reflection and planning exercise reinforces best practices in data visualization and performance tuning, all of which are critical elements of the Power BI Certification Training Course.
Expected Deliverables
- A comprehensive DOC file that includes a detailed evaluation report of a Power BI dashboard.
- An analysis of key performance metrics, usability feedback, and recommendations for optimization.
- A section dedicated to performance tuning strategies, including steps to refine data refresh rates, visualization clarity, and user navigation experience.
- Mock-up changes or proposed adjustments illustrated through sketches or flow diagrams.
Key Steps to Complete the Task
- Performance Evaluation: Review the dashboard’s performance metrics and user-interaction logs (simulated or conceptual) to assess loading times, responsiveness, and overall usability.
- Feedback Analysis: Identify strengths and weaknesses in the current design and document potential areas for improvement.
- Optimization Strategy: Develop a detailed plan that outlines specific enhancements and adjustments in design, data refresh policies, and interactivity. Include recommendations on best practices.
- Presentation Planning: Prepare a section in the DOC file that simulates presenting these optimization ideas to a non-technical audience, ensuring clear communication and justification of changes.
- Documentation: Compile all findings, analysis, and strategic insights into a well-organized DOC file.
Evaluation Criteria
- Depth and comprehensiveness of the evaluation process.
- Clarity and feasibility of the proposed optimization strategies.
- Effectiveness in communicating complex ideas to a broad audience.
- Overall organization, clarity, and professionalism of the DOC submission.
This final task is designed to simulate a real-world scenario where continuous improvement and performance analysis are crucial. It is estimated to require approximately 30 to 35 hours, emphasizing the importance of review, critical analysis, and iterative improvements in the domain of Power BI data visualizations.