Module 1 – Induction Class: Introduction to Microsoft Power BI

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Overview

This module introduces learners to Microsoft Power BI, its role in business intelligence, and how organizations use it to analyse data and support business decisions.

Learners will become familiar with Power BI Desktop, its interface, essential features, and the overall report development process. The induction class also explains the program structure, practical learning approach, and the technical competencies learners will develop throughout the training.

The module provides an introduction to the Microsoft PL-300: Power BI Data Analyst certification and the four major skill areas assessed in the examination.

What Will Be Covered

1. Introduction to Business Intelligence and Power BI

  • Understanding Business Intelligence (BI) and its importance in modern organizations.

  • Introduction to Microsoft Power BI and its business applications.

  • Understanding how Power BI supports data analysis, reporting, and decision-making.

  • Introduction to the role and responsibilities of a Power BI Data Analyst.

  • Overview of the Power BI ecosystem and its key components.

  • Understanding how organizations use data to monitor performance and identify business trends.

2. Downloading and Setting Up Power BI

  • Downloading and installing Power BI Desktop.

  • Understanding system requirements and installation options.

  • Exploring Power BI Desktop settings and preferences.

  • Configuring basic application settings.

  • Understanding the initial setup required to begin developing Power BI reports.

Installation Guide: For detailed instructions on downloading and installing Power BI Desktop, refer to our Power BI Desktop Installation – Step-by-Step Guide.

3. Exploring the Power BI Desktop Interface

  • Understanding the Power BI Desktop workspace.

  • Introduction to Report View, Table View, and Model View.

  • Exploring the Data/Fields pane, Visualizations pane, and Filters pane.

  • Understanding the ribbon, report canvas, and available development tools.

  • Exploring the main features used during report development.

  • Understanding how different views support data preparation, modelling, and visualization.

4. Understanding the Power BI Development Workflow

  • Understanding the stages involved in developing a Power BI solution.

  • Introduction to connecting Power BI with different data sources.

  • Understanding the role of Power Query in data preparation.

  • Introduction to data modelling and relationships.

  • Understanding the purpose of DAX calculations and measures.

  • Introduction to creating interactive reports and visualizations.

  • Understanding the basics of publishing and sharing Power BI reports.

  • Exploring how Power Query, data models, DAX, and visualizations work together.

5. Course Roadmap and Learning Approach

Learners will be introduced to the complete training structure, including six core modules and three special classes.

Six Core Modules

  1. Induction Class – Introduction to Power BI.

  2. Power Query – Data connection, cleaning, transformation, and preparation.

  3. Data Modelling – Relationships, model design, and optimization.

  4. DAX Functions & KPIs – Calculations, business measures, and performance indicators.

  5. Visualization I – Charts, tables, cards, filters, and interactive visuals.

  6. Visualization II – Advanced reporting, interactivity, and analytical features.

Special Classes

  • Class 1 – Microsoft Fabric

  • Class 2 – Power Apps & Power Automate Integration with Power BI

  • Class 3 – Power BI MCP & AI Capabilities with Claude and Copilot

Learners will also be introduced to the practical case studies, internship projects, class recordings, templates, and learning resources included in the program.

Program Roadmap: Explore the Power BI Program Roadmap to understand the complete training structure and learning journey.

Skills You Will Gain

By completing this induction module, learners will develop the foundational ability to:

  • Explain the purpose and business applications of Power BI.

  • Understand the role of a Power BI Data Analyst.

  • Identify the main components of the Power BI ecosystem.

  • Install and configure Power BI Desktop.

  • Navigate the Power BI Desktop interface.

  • Identify the purpose of Report View, Table View, and Model View.

  • Explain the stages involved in developing a Power BI report.

  • Understand the relationship between data preparation, data modelling, DAX, and visualization.

  • Recognize the four major skill areas covered in the PL-300 certification examination.

  • Understand the learning pathway and technical competencies they will develop throughout the program.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, learners should be able to:

  1. Install Power BI Desktop and configure the basic application environment.

  2. Navigate the Power BI Desktop workspace and identify its key features.

  3. Explain the role of Power BI in business intelligence and data analytics.

  4. Describe the end-to-end workflow involved in developing a Power BI report.

  5. Differentiate between data preparation, data modelling, calculations, and report development.

  6. Identify the core modules and special classes included in the training program.

  7. Understand the competencies required to prepare for the Microsoft PL-300 certification examination.

Microsoft PL-300 Exam Alignment

The Microsoft PL-300: Power BI Data Analyst certification evaluates a candidate's ability to prepare, model, visualize, analyze, manage, and secure data using Power BI.

The examination is organized into four major skill areas:

Microsoft PL-300 Skill Area

Exam Weight

Prepare the data

25–30%

Model the data

25–30%

Visualize and analyze the data

25–30%

Manage and secure Power BI

15–20%

This induction module introduces learners to these four skill areas and explains how they relate to the Power BI development process.

The technical competencies are developed in the subsequent modules:

  • Prepare the data: Primarily covered in Module 2 – Power Query.

  • Model the data: Primarily covered in Module 3 – Data Modelling, with further calculation skills in Module 4.

  • Visualize and analyze the data: Covered in Modules 4, 5, and 6.

  • Manage and secure Power BI: Introduced through the core learning pathway and further explored in the Microsoft Fabric special class.

Important: Module 1 is an introductory session. It establishes the foundation for PL-300 preparation but does not independently cover the technical examination objectives. Learners should complete the subsequent modules and practise the relevant skills to build the competencies required for the certification.

The following official Microsoft resources will help learners understand the Power BI environment and the certification requirements.

  1. Get Started Building with Power BI
    Introduction to Power BI, its components, and the process of creating reports and visualizations.

  2. Microsoft PL-300 Exam Study Guide
    Review the official examination objectives, assessed competencies, and skill weightings.

  3. Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate
    Understand the certification requirements, examination details, and preparation resources.

Explore the Next Stage of Power BI Development


Begin working with Power Query and understand how raw data is transformed into analysis-ready information.

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