IT Tools in Controlling 2600-MRCz2conNIC
The course is a continuation of “Controlling in an Organisation” and “Reporting in Controlling”. Its aim is to show how IT tools support the work of a controller: from data preparation, through organising and checking data quality, to building reports, dashboards, and analyses that support management decisions.
The lecture covers IT systems used in controlling, the place of controlling in a company’s information architecture, the role of Excel, BI tools, reporting automation, and data integration. Students also learn basic concepts related to data architecture, the ETL process, the data model, dictionaries, data quality, security, self-service BI, and new directions in the development of controlling.
The classes are practical in nature. Students work in Excel, Power Query, and Power Pivot. They prepare source data, create fact and dimension tables, build relationships, perform basic data quality tests, create measures and KPIs, and prepare controlling reports and dashboards. The exercise examples include, among others, operational, sales, and project data.
The course is not solely an Excel skills course. The tools are treated as part of the controlling process: they are meant to support repeatable data preparation, reliable KPIs, a clear report, and a management decision.
Course coordinators
Type of course
Learning outcomes
Upon completing the course, the student:
In terms of knowledge:
• characterises the role of IT systems, Excel, BI, and automation tools in controlling (K_W01),
• discusses methods and tools of IT-based support for management decisions, including the data model, ETL, KPIs, dashboards, and reporting automation (K_W02),
• how to use IT tools (AI, BI, ERP) to transform global civilizational, economic, and environmental (ESG) challenges into strategic financial decisions and modern organizational information systems. (K_W05),
In terms of skills:
• prepares and organises controlling data using Excel and Power Query (K_U01),
• builds a simple data model based on fact tables, dimension tables, and relationships (K_U01),
• creates basic measures and KPIs in the data model using Power Pivot / DAX (K_U01),
• interprets the results of a KPI report and assesses their significance for management decision-making (K_U02),
• independently prepares and presents a controlling report or dashboard for the purposes of efficiency analysis and management decision-making (K_U06).
• the importance of continuous development of digital and controlling competences, demonstrating a readiness for self-education, constant upgrading of qualifications, and providing substantive support to others in adapting to new IT tools. (K_U09).
In terms of social competences:
• critically assesses the role, limitations, and risks of IT tools used in controlling (K_K01),
• think and act in an entrepreneurial manner on both a national and global scale, utilizing modern IT tools to drive innovation and manage organizational finances strategically. (K_K04)
• adhere to, enforce, and develop professional ethical standards in the field of controlling and IT systems, as well as to actively advance the achievements of the profession. (K_K05)
Assessment criteria
Lecture – a written exam comprising closed questions, open questions, and tasks. A passing grade is awarded from 55% of the points available.
Classes – the grade for the classes is a weighted result: 20% work during classes, 80% final test or final assignment. A passing grade is awarded from 55% of the points available.
Practical placement
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Bibliography
Core readings:
1. Nesterak J., Szymala W., Narzędzia informatyczne w controllingu, WUW w Krakowie, 2019.
2. Eisl C., Hoffer P., Losbichler H., Perkhofer L. (eds.), Doskonałość w projektowaniu raportów. Standardy i rekomendacje dotyczące tworzenia skutecznych raportów, International Controlling Association / Akademia Controllingu, Poznań 2020.
3. Möller K. (ed.), Controlling Process Model 2.0. Wytyczne do opisu i projektowania procesów controllingowych, International Group of Controlling / Akademia Controllingu, Poznań 2019.
4. Sierpińska M., Sierpińska-Sawicz A., Węgrzyn R., Controlling finansowy w przedsiębiorstwie, PWN, Warszawa 2019.
5. Russo M., Ferrari A., Analiza danych za pomocą Microsoft Power BI i Power Pivot dla Excela, APN Promise.
Supplementary readings:
1. Nowak E. (ed.), Controlling w działalności przedsiębiorstwa, PWE, Warszawa 2011.
2. Microsoft Learn documentation on Power Query, Power Pivot, Power BI, and DAX.
3. Alexander M., Excel Power Pivot i Power Query dla bystrzaków, Helion.