Digital Innovation and Transformation

Business Intelligence and Data Visualisation

This course provides professionals with the skills to leverage business intelligence tools and data visualisation techniques. Participants will learn to analyse data, create impactful visualisations, and make informed decisions based on data-driven insights, enhancing their organisational effectiveness.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

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Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Organisations face significant challenges in interpreting vast amounts of data to drive strategic decisions. Professionals often struggle to transform raw data into actionable insights that can influence business outcomes. This course addresses these challenges by equipping participants with the necessary skills to effectively analyse and visualise data, ensuring they can contribute meaningfully to their organisation's objectives. By mastering these skills, participants will be able to identify trends, assess performance metrics, and communicate findings that support strategic initiatives, ultimately enhancing their decision-making capabilities and fostering a data-driven culture within their teams. Furthermore, they will learn to navigate complex datasets and utilise various BI tools to streamline their reporting processes, making their insights more impactful and relevant.

Participants will engage in practical exercises that simulate real-world scenarios, such as developing dashboards and reports that inform decision-making. They will learn to select appropriate visualisation techniques based on data characteristics and audience needs, ensuring clarity and impact. By mastering business intelligence tools and visualisation techniques, attendees will enhance their ability to communicate complex data clearly and persuasively. This capability is crucial for driving organisational change, as it empowers professionals to present data insights effectively, influence stakeholders, and support data-driven strategies that align with their organisation's goals. Ultimately, this course will enable participants to elevate their analytical skills and contribute to their organisation's success through informed decision-making.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

The course employs a blend of hands-on workshops, case studies, and group discussions to facilitate learning. Participants will work with real datasets to create visualisations using business intelligence software, allowing them to apply theoretical concepts in practical settings. Each day includes targeted exercises that build specific skills, such as data analysis, visualisation design, and dashboard creation. Participants will produce tangible outputs, including interactive dashboards and comprehensive reports, demonstrating their ability to convey insights effectively. This approach ensures that learning is not only theoretical but also practical, enabling participants to apply their skills immediately in their professional roles. Additionally, peer feedback during group activities will enhance collaborative learning and critical thinking.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Analyse data sets to identify trends and patterns relevant to business decisions.
Design effective data visualisations that communicate insights clearly to stakeholders.
Construct interactive dashboards using business intelligence tools for real-time data analysis.
Prioritise key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with organisational goals.
Justify the selection of specific visualisation techniques based on data characteristics.
Evaluate the effectiveness of different data presentation methods in conveying information.

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Data Analysts responsible for interpreting data and generating reports.
Business Managers seeking to make data-driven decisions.
Marketing Professionals aiming to visualise campaign performance metrics.
IT Professionals involved in implementing business intelligence solutions.

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Data analysis and interpretation skills.
Proficiency in business intelligence software.
Ability to create compelling data visualisations.
Understanding of key performance indicators and metrics.
Effective communication of data insights to stakeholders.
Critical thinking in evaluating data presentation methods.

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Introduction to Business Intelligence and Data Analysis

Applied activity: Participants will analyse a provided dataset to identify key trends and insights relevant to a fictional company's strategic goals. They will collaborate in small groups to discuss their findings and propose actionable recommendations based on their analysis.

Output: A summary report detailing identified trends, insights, and potential business implications.

09:00–09:54Overview of business intelligence concepts and their importance in decision-making.
09:54–10:48Understanding data types, sources, and their relevance to BI processes.
10:48–11:00Key methodologies for data analysis and interpretation in business contexts.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Key methodologies for data analysis and interpretation in business contexts. (continued)
12:12–13:06Introduction to data warehousing, ETL processes, and data quality considerations.
13:06–14:00Identifying business needs and defining analytical objectives for effective reporting.

Day 2Data Visualisation Principles and Techniques

Applied activity: Using a dataset, participants will create various visualisations (charts, graphs) to represent the same data. They will evaluate which formats best convey the intended message and discuss their choices with peers to refine their visualisation skills.

Output: A portfolio of visualisations with explanations of their effectiveness and intended audience.

09:00–09:54Fundamentals of data visualisation and its critical role in business intelligence.
09:54–10:48Exploring various types of visualisations and their appropriate applications.
10:48–11:00Best practices for designing effective and engaging visualisations for diverse audiences.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Best practices for designing effective and engaging visualisations for diverse audiences. (continued)
12:12–13:06Understanding audience needs and tailoring visualisations to enhance comprehension.
13:06–14:00Common pitfalls in data visualisation and strategies to avoid them.

Day 3Business Intelligence Tools and Software

Applied activity: Participants will use a BI tool to create a dashboard that tracks key performance indicators for a fictional company, focusing on usability, clarity, and the ability to derive insights from the data presented.

Output: An interactive dashboard showcasing selected KPIs and insights derived from the data.

09:00–09:54Overview of popular BI tools and their functionalities in data analysis.
09:54–10:48Hands-on training with selected business intelligence software for practical application.
10:48–11:00Creating dashboards and reports using BI tools to track performance metrics.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Creating dashboards and reports using BI tools to track performance metrics. (continued)
12:12–13:06Integrating data from multiple sources for comprehensive analysis and reporting.
13:06–14:00Evaluating BI tools based on organisational needs and user requirements.

Day 4Advanced Data Analysis Techniques

Applied activity: Participants will apply advanced analytical techniques to a dataset, simulating a predictive analysis scenario. They will present their findings to the group, focusing on the implications of their analysis for business strategy.

Output: A presentation summarising the predictive analysis results, insights, and strategic recommendations.

09:00–09:54Exploring advanced analytical methods, including predictive analytics and data mining.
09:54–10:48Applying statistical techniques to enhance data insights and decision-making.
10:48–11:00Using scenario analysis to inform strategic decision-making processes.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Using scenario analysis to inform strategic decision-making processes. (continued)
12:12–13:06Understanding the role of machine learning in enhancing business intelligence capabilities.
13:06–14:00Case studies of successful data-driven decision-making in various industries.

Day 5Integrating BI and Visualisation for Strategic Decision-Making

Applied activity: Participants will work in teams to develop a comprehensive business report that integrates their analyses and visualisations. They will present their report to a panel acting as stakeholders, focusing on the strategic implications of their findings.

Output: A complete business report with integrated data analysis, visualisations, and strategic recommendations.

09:00–09:54Combining data analysis and visualisation for impactful storytelling in business contexts.
09:54–10:48Developing a data-driven decision-making framework that aligns with organisational goals.
10:48–11:00Assessing the impact of data insights on business strategy and operational efficiency.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Assessing the impact of data insights on business strategy and operational efficiency. (continued)
12:12–13:06Communicating findings to stakeholders effectively to drive action and support initiatives.
13:06–14:00Creating a culture of data-driven decision-making within teams and across the organisation.

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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