Empowering Business Intelligence: Crafting a Power BI Learning Experience for Amtrak
Project Overview
For a company as large and dynamic as Amtrak, business intelligence is more than just a tool—it’s a strategic necessity. As a major player in logistics and transportation, Amtrak relies on data to optimize operations and make data-driven decisions. Recognizing the value of their significant investment in Power BI licenses, Amtrak sought to empower their workforce with the skills needed to harness data effectively.
I developed a comprehensive facilitator guide and training materials to support their vision, focusing on building foundational skills in Power BI. By enabling their employees to clean, model, and visualize data effectively, this program was designed to unlock new opportunities for data storytelling and informed decision-making across the organization.
Key Highlights
- Industry Relevance: Tailored the training to align with Amtrak's logistical focus, leveraging real-world datasets and corporate-use cases.
- Instructional Expertise: Developed a step-by-step facilitator guide covering the Power BI lifecycle (Discovery, Modeling, and Visualization) with scenarios that resonate with Amtrak's operations.
- Hands-On Activities: Designed exercises for learners to connect to various data sources, including internal secured databases, public web datasets, and Excel files.
- Engagement Tools: Integrated Bloom's Taxonomy questions and group discussions to deepen understanding and encourage critical thinking.
View Facilitator Guide
Features and Techniques
- Detailed Facilitator Guide:
- Scripted instructions for key topics such as data discovery, connecting to secured sources, and clearing datasets.
- Hands-on activities with built-in troubleshooting and support prompts.
- Review sections with targeted Bloom’s Taxonomy questions for reflection and application.
- Interactive PowerPoint Slides:
- Lifecycle diagrams and step-by-step visuals to support live demos.
- Activity slides with clear instructions and learner prompts.
- Concise review slides to reinforce learning objectives.
- Supplemental Materials:
- Video tutorials on Power BI’s Get Data feature and web-based connections.
- PDF reference guide with best practices for common challenges.
- Self-Paced Assignments: Post-session tasks to reinforce learning, practice independently, and identify challenges for future sessions.
IMPACT
This project demonstrates my ability to create instructional solutions that address corporate training needs effectively:
Business Alignment: Focused on enhancing Amtrak’s return on investment by ensuring employees understand and utilize Power BI’s full capabilities.
Learner-Centric Approach: Emphasized accessibility, real-world application, and practical troubleshooting to engage diverse learners.
Scalability: Provided a reusable framework for future Power BI training sessions across the organization.
Fun Facts
Number of Slides Designed
13
Interactive Elements
3 hands-on activities
Real-World Scenarios Incorporated
2 (Web-based data, secured work data)
Supplemental Materials Provided
2 videos, 1 PDF guide
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