DIGI 031 - Excel for Analysis
Course Description
Work smarter, not harder—advance your Excel skills using tools to forecast, optimize and automate repetitive tasks like a pro.
This 40-hour micro-credential course is designed for individuals who have working intermediate knowledge of Excel and are looking to elevate their Excel skills and drive efficiency through hands-on, practical applications. This advanced course puts a strong emphasis on leveraging Excel for modern data analysis. You'll explore essential topics like PivotTables, dynamic array functions, forecasting and optimization techniques that are vital in today's data-driven environment.
You'll gain valuable experience creating visually engaging dashboards and impactful data summaries using PivotTables. In addition, you'll discover how to enhance your PivotTables with calculated fields and the powerful features of Power Pivot. You'll also hone your ability to write sophisticated Excel formulas, enabling you to tap into dynamic array functions and uncover insights through forecasting and simulation modelling. A key highlight includes learning how to utilize Excel Solver to model product mix decisions and address distribution challenges effectively.
This course, delivered in-person on SAIT's Calgary campus, is led by an experienced instructor and combines interactive lectures with practical exercises and take-home assignments. You’ll also gain access to up-to-date guided course materials through your online learning portal.
By the end of the course, you'll be able to use Excel as a strategic tool for identifying market trends and uncovering lucrative business opportunities. Additionally, you'll learn to optimize operational savings in areas such as inventory management and supply chain processes.
Note: Registration for this course closes seven days before the course start date. You'll need to provide proof you have met the course prerequisite or equivalent before you can register. See Prerequisites and How to Register sections below for more information.
This course is ideal if you:
- are a business professional or analyst seeking to enhance your data analysis skills and streamline decision-making using Excel's advanced features
- want to improve operational efficiency by optimizing business processes such as inventory management, supply chain operations or resource allocation
- aspire to create professional dashboards and visualizations that effectively communicate complex data insights to stakeholders.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you’ll be able to:
- optimize Excel PivotTable options for users using data summary, PivotCharts and formulas
- create dynamic dashboards using design, slicer connections and applications
- write advanced Excel formulas for data analytics using nested functions, lookup functions and 2023 dynamic array functions
- create data trend predictions using correlation, hypothesis testing and Exponential Triple Smoothing (ETS) forecasting
- conduct data simulations and optimization using data tables, Goal Seek and Solver.
You’ll demonstrate your skill and knowledge acquisition through four assignments. All coursework must be completed as per the course schedule and no later than the course end date.
Earn a SAIT micro-credential
This course qualifies for the SAITMicro badge. Students who successfully complete this course with a final grade of A- (80%) or higher will earn a micro-credential and receive a shareable digital badge. Learn more.
To request a course outline, contact ConEdAdvising@sait.ca.
Funding Opportunities
Learn more about how to pay for or reduce your education/training costs with available awards, bursaries, loan options and grants, including the Canada Alberta Job Grant.
Working intermediate knowledge of Excel is required to do well in this course. Note course prerequisite or proof of equivalent required to register.
Delivery formats: For your convenience, this course is delivered the in-person classroom format. Learn more about our delivery formats.
Course completion: Upon successful completion of this non-credit course, you’ll receive an electronic copy of your official transcript. You’ll also be able to self-print a proof of completion document from your Continuing Education student account. There is also the opportunity to earn a SAITMicro digital badge, if you have met the earning criteria.
Admission is based on a first-qualified, first-registered basis. Registration closes seven days before the course start date. Payment in full is required upon registration by Visa or Mastercard.
To self-serve register online:
- Set up your Con Ed student account.
- Click on the DIGI-031 course section you want to take and follow the prompts in the online shopping cart process to confirm you have completed prerequisite course DIGI-030 or to upload your proof documentation for the acceptable equivalent (your completion of an MOS Excel certification exam). It'll take 24-48 hours to verify and approve your submission. Once approved, you'll be notified by email to complete your online registration for DIGI-031.
Questions? Contact ConEdAdvising@sait.ca.
Prerequisites
DIGI 030 - Excel for Reporting is a mandatory prerequisite for this course.
Alternatively, we will accept successful completion within the past five years of the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) associate-level certification exam for Excel, specifically:
- Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Associate (Microsoft 365 Apps)
OR - Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Associate (Office 2019)
Advanced-level Excel certifications are also acceptable.