Microsoft Office Excel – Data Analysis and Presentation

Overview

Microsoft Excel remains one of the most widely used tools for data work in the business environment. In practice, its value stems not only from the ability to perform calculations, but also from its capacity to quickly organize data, identify dependencies, generate reports, and present results in a way that is easily understood by business stakeholders.

The training "Microsoft Office Excel – Data Analysis and Presentation" has been designed for individuals who wish to transition from daily spreadsheet tasks to consciously using Excel as an analytical tool. Participants learn not only how to use specific functions, but above all, best practices for working with data: from building formulas, through pivot table analysis, to visualization and preparing clear reports.

The program is practically oriented. It covers both topics essential for operational and reporting work, as well as elements that significantly increase work efficiency: pivot tables, charts, scenarios, data validation, custom formats, as well as importing data from files and external sources. This ensures that participants complete the training with a set of tools ready for immediate application in daily duties.

Training Objectives

• organizing and speeding up data work in Excel;
• developing skills in building formulas and applying functions for data analysis;
• learning to prepare reports based on pivot tables and charts;
• improving data quality through validation, conditional formatting, and proper cell formatting;
• demonstrating how to connect Excel with external data sources and create simple, interactive dashboards.

Target Audience

• beginner to intermediate business analysts and data analysts;
• specialists preparing reports, summaries, and analyses for teams or clients;
• employees of finance, sales, operational, and administrative departments who work with data spreadsheets;
• individuals wishing to present data more effectively and draw practical conclusions from it.

Prerequisites

Basic familiarity with the Windows environment and spreadsheet basics is recommended. The training does not require prior analytical experience or advanced knowledge of Excel.

Delivery Method

• interactive presentation and discussion;
• trainer-led demonstrations;
• extensive practical exercises performed in spreadsheets;
• work on examples and mini-scenarios closely aligned with real-world business applications;
• possibility of delivery in either online or classroom format.

Availability in the Development Services Database (BUR)

The service can be prepared for publication in the Development Services Database (Baza Usług Rozwojowych). In practice, this involves preparing a service card containing, among other things, a course description, target audience, learning outcomes, participation conditions, validation methods, and organizational parameters.

The attached XLSX file contains the information set needed to develop or enter the service into the BUR. Final publication should always be verified against the operator's current requirements and the rules of the specific funding round.

Standard Training Organization

• confirmation of scope, schedule, and organizational parameters prior to delivery;
• contact with the coordinator responsible for preparing and managing the training;
• opportunity to gather participant needs prior to the start of training;
• delivery of training in accordance with the agreed program and group level;
• issuance of certificates and provision of post-training information upon completion.

Learning Outcomes

• The participant applies Excel formulas and functions for calculations and data work.
• The participant creates and modifies pivot tables.
• The participant presents data using charts and PivotCharts.
• The participant controls data quality.
• The participant imports data from selected external sources and prepares a simple dashboard.

Verification Criteria

• The participant creates formulas using logical, mathematical, and lookup functions, correctly referencing data in the spreadsheet.
• The participant builds a PivotTable report, changes layout, filters data, groups items, and selects appropriate calculation types.
• The participant selects chart type, modifies data series, and adds elements to support result interpretation.
• The participant applies data validation, conditional formatting, and custom cell formats.
• The participant retrieves data from a file or external source and utilizes it in an interactive report.

Validation Methods

• Practical spreadsheet tasks, observation of participant work
• Practical exercise, mini-report case study.
• Practical task, review of results.
• Practical exercise, results checklist.
• Case study, final summary.

1. The Role of Business Cases in the Organization

• What is a business case and its role in decision-making
• Business case vs. business plan – differences in purpose and application
• When a business case is needed (initiatives, projects, changes)
• Business case audiences and their expectations

2. Identifying Business Problems and Opportunities

• Defining business problems – symptoms vs. root causes
• Analyzing problem sources
• Identifying and mapping business opportunities
• Impact of problems and opportunities on the organization
• Prioritizing initiatives – what truly matters to focus on

3. Financial Aspects of Business Cases

• Initiative costs: implementation, maintenance, indirect costs
• Financial and non-financial benefits
• Return on Investment (ROI) – how to calculate and interpret
• Financial risks and uncertainty of assumptions
• Scenarios for situation development (decision variants)

4. Structure and Key Components of a Business Case

• Business case document structure
• Executive summary – how to prepare an effective decision-making summary
• Problem description and proposed solution
• Alternatives (including doing nothing)
• Business recommendation
• Implementation plan and high-level schedule

5. Business Cases in Project and Portfolio Management

• Role of business cases in decision-making processes and governance
• Linking initiatives to organizational goals
• Managing portfolios of strategic and operational initiatives
• Evaluation, selection, and prioritization of projects
• Updating business cases during implementation
• Go / No-Go / Continue decisions

Module 6. Motivating Yourself and Others in Team Collaboration

• SWOT – identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
• PESTEL – analyzing external factors influencing the initiative
• Porter's Five Forces analysis – assessing market attractiveness
• MOST – linking the initiative to the organization’s direction
• Aligning the initiative with the organizational context

7. Building Decision-Making Arguments

• Logic of business argumentation – the decision-maker’s perspective
• Storytelling in business cases – how to narrate the initiative
• Working with data, facts, and assumptions
• Tailoring communication to management and decision committees
• Answering questions and addressing doubts

8. Summary and Practical Implementation

• Best practices in preparing and managing business cases
• Integrating business cases into daily organizational work
• Coherence between goals, initiatives, and execution
• Tools and materials supporting continued application of the approach