Excel & Power BI Data Analysis Complete Class in One Video - 365 MECS 04

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide to data analysis using Excel and Power BI, based on a complete class taught by an Excel MVP. You'll learn essential techniques for data manipulation, visualization, and reporting, making it ideal for anyone looking to enhance their data analysis skills.

Step 1: Understanding Data Analysis

• Definition: Data analysis involves inspecting, cleansing, transforming, and modeling data to discover useful information, draw conclusions, and support decision-making.
• Purpose: It helps organizations make informed decisions based on data-driven insights.

Step 2: Sorting and Filtering Data

• Sorting:

  • Select the data range.
  • Navigate to the "Data" tab and choose "Sort."
  • Choose the column to sort by and the order (ascending or descending).

• Filtering:

  • Select the data range.
  • Click on the "Filter" option in the "Data" tab.
  • Use dropdown arrows to filter data based on specific criteria.

Step 3: Utilizing Flash Fill

• Flash Fill:
  • Start typing the desired output in a new column next to your data.
  • Excel will suggest the rest of the entries based on your pattern.
  • Press Enter to accept the suggestions.

Step 4: Creating PivotTables

• Standard PivotTable:
  • Select your data range and go to the "Insert" tab.
  • Click on "PivotTable" and choose where to place it.
  • Drag fields into the Rows, Columns, and Values areas to summarize data.
  • Explore "Summarize Values By" and "Show Values As" options for deeper insights.

Step 5: Introduction to Power Query

• Importing Data:

  • Go to the "Data" tab and select "Get Data."
  • Choose the data source (Excel, CSV, etc.) and follow prompts to load data.

• Cleaning and Transforming:

  • Use Power Query Editor to remove duplicates, filter rows, and transform data types.
  • Apply necessary transformations to prepare the data for analysis.

Step 6: Understanding M Code

• M Code Basics:
  • M code is the formula language used in Power Query.
  • Familiarize yourself with basic functions like let, in, and if.

Step 7: Combining Multiple Tables

• Combining Tables:
  • Use the "Append Queries" feature in Power Query to combine multiple data tables into one.
  • Load the combined data directly into a PivotTable or Excel chart for visualization.

Step 8: Creating Visualizations

• Line Chart Visualization:
  • Select your PivotTable and go to the "Insert" tab.
  • Choose "Line Chart" and customize your chart design as needed.

Step 9: Data Modeling with Power Pivot

• Using Power Pivot:

  • Load your data model by selecting "Manage Data Model" in the "Power Pivot" tab.
  • Create relationships between tables to analyze connected data effectively.

• DAX Formulas:

  • Familiarize yourself with DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) for creating calculated fields.
  • Common functions include SUMX, RELATED, and CALCULATE.

Step 10: Working with Power BI

• Power BI Desktop:

  • Download Power BI Desktop for free and import your data models.
  • Create interactive dashboards using visuals like charts and maps.

• Publishing Reports:

  • Share your Power BI reports online through Power BI service.
  • Use workspaces to collaborate with others on data analysis projects.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you learned key concepts and techniques for data analysis using Excel and Power BI, including sorting, filtering, PivotTables, Power Query, and DAX formulas. These skills will enable you to analyze data efficiently and create insightful visualizations. To further enhance your skills, consider exploring additional resources or continuing with more advanced topics in data analysis.