Advanced Excel: Decision Intelligence in the Age of AI
Data Analytics
COURSE OVERVIEW
This hands-on training program equips participants with the skills to leverage Microsoft Excel Copilot and Power Query to automate data preparation, improve spreadsheet quality, analyze data efficiently, and develop interactive dashboards. Moving beyond basic analysis, participants will master AI-driven forecasting, advanced scenario planning, and predictive analytics. Participants will learn how to seamlessly combine AI-powered assistance with Excel's core analytical modeling tools to transform raw data into reliable forecasts and actionable, strategic business insights for executive decision-making.
Duration: 2.5 days / 20 hours
Delivery Method: Classroom-based, Virtual Instructor Led Training
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
· Utilize Microsoft Copilot effectively through natural language prompts
· Clean and prepare data using Excel tools, Power Query, and Copilot
· Audit workbooks and validate spreadsheet calculations
· Create and enhance spreadsheets using AI-assisted features
· Perform advanced data analysis using PivotTables and PivotCharts
· Build interactive dashboards for business reporting & executive storytelling
· Generate and validate AI-driven predictive forecasts using advanced Excel features.
· Execute risk and scenario modeling using What-If Analysis, Sensitivity Analysis, Scenario Manager, and Goal Seek.
· Translate complex data models into strategic, validated business actions and executive presentations
COURSE OUTLINE
MODULE 1: NEXT GEN DATA MODELING WITH POWER QUERY
· Topics:
o Introduction to Power Query
o Importing data from Excel files
o Importing CSV and text files
o Data profiling tools
o Query Editor interface
o Refreshing and maintaining queries
· Hands-On Activities:
o Importing external datasets
o Reviewing data quality indicators
o Exploring data profiling reports
MODULE 2: DATA TRANSFORMATION WITH POWER QUERY
· Topics:
o Remove duplicates
o Replace values
o Split and merge columns
o Change data types
o Filter and sort records
o Append queries
o Merge queries
o Creating reusable transformation workflows
· Hands-On Activities:
o Transform a raw business data set using Power Query.
MODULE 3: AI POWERED TOOLS WITH EXCEL COPILOT
· Topics:
o Introduction to Microsoft Copilot in Excel
o Understanding Copilot capabilities and limitations
o Best practices for prompting Copilot
o Reviewing and validating AI-generated outputs
o Working with structured Excel Tables
· Hands-On Activities:
o Accessing the Copilot Pane
o Creating effective prompts
o Summarizing datasets using Copilot
MODULE 4: CLEANING DATA WITH EXCEL COPILOT
· Topics:
o Common data quality issues
§ Missing values
§ Duplicate records
§ Inconsistent text entries
§ Date and number formatting issues
o Using Copilot to identify and resolve data issues
o Standardizing data formats
o Preparing data for analysis
· Hands-On Activities:
o Participants will use Copilot to:
§ Detect duplicate records
§ Identify blank or incomplete entries
§ Standardize department and location names
§ Correct inconsistent date formats
§ Convert data into structured Excel Tables
MODULE 5: AUDITING WORKBOOKS WITH EXCEL COPILOT
· Topics:
o Understanding spreadsheet risks
o Reviewing workbook structure
o Formula auditing and validation
o Identifying inconsistencies across worksheets
o Improving workbook reliability
· Hands-On Activities:
o Participants will use Copilot to:
§ Review workbook formulas
§ Explain complex calculations
§ Identify potential formula errors
§ Detect inconsistent formulas
§ Summarize workbook structure
MODULE 6: CREATING AND ENHANCING SPREADSHEETS WITH EXCEL COPILOT
· Topics:
o Generating spreadsheets from natural language instructions
o Creating tables and data structures
o Adding calculated columns
o Formatting and improving spreadsheet presentation
o Generating formulas with Copilot
· Hands-On Activities:
o Participants will use Copilot to:
§ Create a sales tracking spreadsheet
§ Generate formulas using natural language
§ Add calculated fields
§ Apply formatting recommendations
§ Create summary reports
MODULE 7: ANALYZING DATA WITH PIVOT TABLES AND COPILOT
· Topics:
o Preparing data for PivotTable analysis
o Creating PivotTables with Copilot assistance
o Summarizing large datasets
o Comparing categories and performance
o Identifying trends and patterns
o Generating insights from PivotTables
· Hands-On Activities:
o Participants will use Copilot to:
§ Create PivotTables
§ Summarize sales performance
§ Analyze trends by region, product, or department
§ Identify top and bottom performers
§ Generate narrative insights
MODULE 8: ADVANCED DATA VISUALIZATION WITH EXCEL PIVOT CHART
· Topics:
o Dashboard design best practices
o Selecting appropriate visualizations
o Creating KPI metrics
o Building PivotCharts
o Using Copilot to generate insights and summaries
· Hands-On Activities:
o Participants will use Copilot to:
§ Recommend dashboard layouts
§ Create charts and visualizations
§ Build KPI indicators
§ Create executive summaries
§ Develop an interactive dashboard
Module 9: AI POWERED FORECASTING & STRATEGIC DECISION-MAKING
· Topics
o Forecasting trends using Excel AI features
o Scenario Manager and Goal Seek
o What-If Analysis
o Sensitivity Analysis
o KPI interpretation
o Executive storytelling with dashboards
o Validating AI-generated recommendations
o Translating insights into business actions
· Hands-On Exercise
o Participants receive a business dataset and:
§ Build a forecast.
§ Create three business scenarios.
§ Use Copilot to generate insights.
§ Validate recommendations.
§ Present an executive dashboard with action plans.
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