Now that you understand the conceptual foundation of decision-making and DSS, in module 2, we start by defining business intelligence (BI), its architecture and components, and how they relate to DSS. In lesson 2, you will learn the main components of BI platforms, their capabilities, and understand the competitive landscape of BI platforms. In lesson 3, you will learn the building blocks of business reports, the types of business reports, and the components and structure of business reporting systems. Finally, in lesson 4, you will learn different types of OLAP and their applications, and comprehend the differences between OLAP and OLTP. To complete the practice assignments for this unit, you have the following options: (1) Use Strategy Desktop to create compelling data visualizations to analyze data and acquire insights into business practices 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.

This module continues the top job responsibilities of BI analysts by focusing on creating data visualizations and dashboards. You will first learn the importance of data visualization and the different types of data that can be visually represented. You will then learn about the types of Basic and Composite charts. This will help you determine which visualization is most effective for a given data set and identify best practices for designing data visualizations. In lesson 3, you will learn the common characteristics of a dashboard, the types of dashboards, and the list of attributes of metrics usually included in dashboards. Finally, in lesson 3, you will learn the guidelines for designing a dashboard and the common pitfalls of dashboard design. 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, 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.

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.