Data analysis and visualization using Business Intelligence tools 2400-M2ABAWD

The course is intended for data analysts and for individuals involved in preparing analyses and visualising data. The course content introduces participants to Power BI Desktop, one of the most widely used Business Intelligence applications in organisations. During the course, students will learn how to import data from various sources and perform the necessary transformations and data-combination operations. They will learn how to create interactive dashboards in an accessible and intuitive way, including dashboards that can be refreshed in real time. The Business Analytics in Power BI course will provide students with new data-related skills and strengthen their competitiveness in the labour market. Since the course starts with the fundamentals of working in Power BI Desktop, prior knowledge of the application is not required.

Familiarity with Business Intelligence applications extends the professional competences of individuals working with data processing and visualisation. Power BI Desktop is an intuitive application and a natural step towards interactive reporting. It is an appropriate continuation of competence development in data analysis, particularly for those who began working with data in Microsoft Excel, including those who completed the course “Dashboards and Power Excel Tools”.

The course covers the following topics:
1. Automation of data import and transformation using Power Query:
- Importing various types of data files, including MS Excel workbooks, text files and CSV files, as well as loading data from folders.
- Data transformations involving different types of variables, including operations on numbers, text and dates.
- Defining custom columns and conditional columns.
- Automating data import and transformation.
- Filtering and sorting, replacing values, grouping, transposing and reshaping data.
- Merging and appending data.

2. Creating a data model:
- Building a data model using relationships and introducing the concept of quick measures.
- Fundamentals of the DAX language: creating calculated columns and measures defined independently by the student, using functions such as CALENDAR, RELATED, DATESINPERIOD, DATEADD, CALCULATE, DATESYTD, ALL, SUMX and FILTER.

3. Data visualisation and report development:
- Creating interactive reports using different types of charts and visuals, including line charts, column charts, scatter charts, waterfall charts, funnel charts, treemaps, gauges, key performance indicators, cards and heat maps.
- Visualising geographical data by creating maps, shape maps and choropleth maps.
- Filtering reports at different levels: visual, page and whole-report level.
- Using interactions between visual elements and introducing drill-down functionality.
- Using What-if parameters.
- Applying various types of conditional formatting.

Notes:
1. The course is part of the educational pathway entitled “Analytical Dashboards Using Business Intelligence Tools”. Upon completion of the pathway, participants receive a certificate. Details are available on the website of the Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw (Student > Educational pathways).
2. The course is delivered in a blended-learning format: 40% in-person classes, 40% remote classes and 20% asynchronous e-learning classes.
3. Attendance at live classes is not compulsory.

Estimated student workload: 3ECTS x 25h = 75h
(C) - contact hours (I) - independent study hours
- preparation for class: 0h (C) 3h (I)
- classes: 24h (C) 0h (I)
- review of class material: 0h (C) 12h (I)
- preparation of homework assignments and final projects: 0h (C) 30h (I)
- consultations: 6h (C) 0h (I)
Total: 30h (C) + 45h (I) = h

Course coordinators

Przemysław Kusztelak

Type of course

obligatory courses

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student:
IN TERMS OF KNOWLEDGE:
• knows and understands, at an advanced level, issues related to modern advanced analytical tools for data analysis, result visualisation, and the exploration and optimisation of business processes, including their applications in business analytics;
• has knowledge of creating professional visualisations and managerial dashboards using Business Intelligence tools;
• understands how to present the results of analyses and the conclusions arising from them effectively.
IN TERMS OF SKILLS:
• is able to use advanced Business Intelligence analytical tools effectively for data exploration, data visualisation and the creation of interactive dashboards supporting organisational decision-making;
• is able to present the results of conducted analyses in a clear and comprehensible manner;
• is able to plan and implement independent lifelong learning and to guide others in developing analytical competences and adapting to changing tools and methods.
IN TERMS OF SOCIAL COMPETENCES:
• is ready to critically evaluate the knowledge possessed and to perform assigned functions responsibly, with full awareness of the ethical and social consequences of business decisions, in particular responsibility for the quality of analyses and interpretations of data used in decision-making processes;
• is ready to independently improve their analytical skills and follow the latest trends in business analytics, digital tools and concepts supporting organisational development and technological transformation.

Assessment criteria

The final grade consists of:
- comprehensive final project: 100 points
- additional points for activity, including forum contributions and optional additional tasks.

Grading scale:
Points Grade
[0-50) 2
[50-60) 3
[60-70) 3.5
[70-80) 4
[80-90) 4.5
[90-100) 5
100 and above 5!

Bibliography

Required literature:
1. Instructor’s own materials
Supplementary literature:
1. D. Maslyuk, G. Raviv, “Power Query in Excel and Power BI. Data Collection and Transformation”, Helion, 2025
2. A. Ferrari, M. Russo, “Power BI and Power Pivot for Excel. Data Analysis”, Helion, 2023

Notes

Term 2026Z:

For the purposes of the course, students are required to use Microsoft Power BI Desktop, operating in the Windows environment. The recommended language version is Polish.
• Microsoft Power BI Desktop is free software and can be downloaded from the producer’s website.
• The English language version of Power BI is acceptable and does not constitute an obstacle to completing the course.
• Use of another operating system, such as macOS, makes it impossible to complete the course, as the required software is not available.
The University of Warsaw provides access to the necessary computer equipment and software only in the computer laboratories of the Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw. Students using private computers are responsible for ensuring access to the required software on their own.