In this module, learners build on foundational concepts by exploring Business Intelligence (BI), its architecture, components, and relationship with Decision Support Systems (DSS). The module focuses on how BI platforms support data-driven decision-making in organizations. | This module covers: Lesson 2.1 - BI concepts, architecture, and key components; Lesson 2.2 - BI platform capabilities, including data connectivity and platform functionality; Lesson 2.3 - business reporting, types of reports, and the structure of reporting systems; Lesson 2.4 - OLAP styles, their applications, and differences between OLAP and OLTP systems. | Applying Concepts Using MicroStrategy Software: 1) Introduction to MicroStrategy as a Business Intelligence tool and its role in supporting data-driven decision-making; 2) Hands-on use of MicroStrategy, including connecting to data sources, exploring datasets, and understanding platform capabilities; 3) Creating reports and visualizations using MicroStrategy to support business reporting and analysis. | To complete the practice assignments for this unit, learners may: 1) Use Strategy Desktop to create data visualizations and analyze data to generate business insights; 2) Use Strategy Library (for Mac users) to complete the corresponding assignments. Note: Access requires a corporate or academic email address; personal email accounts are not permitted. | By the end of this module, learners will be able to: 1) Understand Business Intelligence concepts and platform components; 2) Explain business reporting systems and OLAP functionalities; 3) Use MicroStrategy software for data analysis, reporting, and visualization.

In this module, learners focus on creating effective data visualizations and designing interactive dashboards to support business decision-making. The module introduces types of data, chart selection (basic and composite charts), and best practices for creating clear and impactful visualizations. It also covers dashboard concepts, including types of dashboards, key components, metrics, and common design guidelines and pitfalls. | This module covers: Lesson 3.1 - Data Visualization; Lesson 3.2 - Data Visualization Guidelines and Pitfalls; Lesson 3.3 - Performance Dashboards; Lesson 3.4 - Dashboard Design Guidelines and Pitfalls. | Applying Concepts Using MicroStrategy Software: 1) Introduction to MicroStrategy Visual Insight for creating visualizations and dashboards; 2) Hands-on use of MicroStrategy for data exploration and dashboard design; 3) Creating and refining dashboards for business analysis and decision support. | To complete the practice assignments for this unit, you may: 1) Use Strategy Desktop to create data visualizations and analyze data to generate business insights; 2) Use Strategy Library (for Mac users) to complete the corresponding assignments. Note: Access requires a corporate or academic email address; personal email accounts are not permitted. | By the end of this module, learners will be able to: 1) Understand data visualization principles and chart selection; 2) Apply best practices and avoid common dashboard design pitfalls; 3) Use MicroStrategy to create dashboards and visualizations for business analysis.

This module focuses on how BI is used for Business Performance Management (BPM). You will learn the main components of BPM, the four phases of the BPM cycle, and how organizations typically deploy BPM. In lesson 2, you will learn the purpose of the Performance Measurement System and how organizations need to define the key performance indicators (KPIs) for their performance management system. In lesson 3, you will learn the four balanced scorecard perspectives and the differences between dashboards and scorecards. You will also be able to compare the benefits of using a balanced scorecard versus using Six Sigma in a performance measurement system. Finally, in lesson 4, you will learn the role of visual and business analytics (BA) in BI and how various forms of BA are supported in practice. To complete the practice assignments for this unit, you have the following options: (1) Use Strategy Desktop Visual Insight to design a dashboard for a Financial Services company in a peer-evaluated exercise, apply these concepts to create a dashboard, blend it with external datasets, and explore various visualization capabilities, and find insights faster in a peer-evaluated exercise and/or (2)Use Strategy Library https://education.cloud.microstrategy.com/MicroStrategyLibrary/app (for Mac users) to complete the corresponding assignments. Note: Access to the Strategy Platform is only available through the official Strategy corporate website, which requires either a corporate or academic email address. Strategy does not permit the use of personal email accounts.

Module 5 covers BI maturity and strategy. You will learn about different levels of BI maturity, the factors that impact BI maturity within an organization, and the main challenges and potential solutions for achieving pervasive BI maturity. The last lesson will focus on the critical success factors for implementing a BI strategy, BI framework, and BI implementation targets. Finally, in your summative project for this unit, you have the option to (1) apply these concepts to create a dashboard, blend it with external datasets, and explore various visualization capabilities and find insights faster. In a peer-evaluated exercise, you will use Strategy visual analytics capabilities to analyze KPIs for a fast-food company to find the causes of problems, and/or (2) use Strategy Library https://education.cloud.microstrategy.com/MicroStrategyLibrary/app (for Mac users) to complete the corresponding assignments. Note: Access to the Strategy Platform is only available through the official Strategy corporate website, which requires either a corporate or academic email address. Strategy does not permit the use of personal email accounts.