Course description

This course provides an in-depth introduction to Tableau, designed for individuals seeking to master data analysis and visualization using this powerful tool. Participants will start by exploring Tableau's ecosystem, including Tableau Desktop, Server, and Online, and learn how to connect to various data sources such as CSV files, Excel, SQL databases, and web data connectors.

The course covers essential data preparation techniques, including filtering, joining, and shaping data, and progresses to advanced visualization techniques like creating interactive dashboards, utilizing parameters, and designing for both mobile and web platforms. Emphasis is placed on practical skills through hands-on exercises, enabling learners to build sophisticated dashboards and collaborate effectively using Tableau Server and Online.

Course objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of Tableau's ecosystem, including Tableau Desktop, Server, and Online, and their respective roles in data analysis and visualization.
• Learn how to connect Tableau to multiple data sources, including CSV files, Excel spreadsheets, SQL databases, and web data connectors.
• Acquire skills in preparing, cleaning, and shaping data, including filtering, joining, pivoting, and handling duplicates and null values.
• Master the creation of various types of visualizations in Tableau, such as bar charts, line charts, pie charts, scatter plots, and treemaps, to effectively communicate data insights.
• Develop expertise in advanced Tableau features, including creating calculated fields, using table calculations, level of detail (LOD) expressions, and parameters for dynamic data views.
• Learn how to build interactive and visually appealing dashboards, incorporating elements such as dashboard actions, story points, and design considerations for mobile and web.
• Understand how to publish Tableau workbooks to Tableau Server or Online, manage projects and workbooks, and set up user permissions and data refresh schedules.
• Gain the ability to share dashboards with stakeholders, collaborate on Tableau Server or Online, and embed Tableau visualizations in web pages for broader accessibility.

Target groups

The course is designed for:

• Business Analysts: Professionals seeking to enhance their data analysis and visualization skills using Tableau to make data-driven decisions.
• Data Analysts: Individuals aiming to deepen their expertise in data preparation, cleaning, and creating interactive reports and dashboards.
• Managers and Executives: Those who need to interpret data insights and trends effectively to drive strategic decisions and improve business outcomes.
• IT Professionals: Technicians and developers interested in integrating Tableau into existing systems and leveraging its data visualization capabilities.
• Students and Recent Graduates: Individuals pursuing careers in data science, business intelligence, or analytics who want to gain practical experience with Tableau.

Course requirements

To get the best out of the course, the following will be required:

• Basic Computer Skills: Proficiency in basic computer operations and internet navigation.
• Tableau Software: Install Tableau Desktop. Instructions for downloading and installation will be provided.
• Sample Data: Access to and preparation of sample datasets provided during the course.
• Basic Data Understanding: Familiarity with basic data concepts and terminology will be helpful for understanding data visualizations.
• Willingness to Learn: An eagerness to explore and learn data visualization techniques and practices using Tableau.

Course outline

1. MODULE 1: Introduction to Tableau
   1. What is Tableau?
      1. Definition and key features
      2. Role of Tableau in data visualization
      3. Comparison with other data visualization tools
   2. Benefits of Data Visualization in Tableau
      1. Simplifying complex datasets
      2. Identifying patterns and trends
      3. Enhancing data-driven storytelling
   3. Introduction to Dashboards in Tableau
      1. What are dashboards?
      2. Difference between worksheets and dashboards
      3. Examples of interactive Tableau dashboards
   4. Key Principles of Effective Visualization
      1. Clarity and simplicity
      2. Appropriate use of color and layout
      3. Avoiding common visualization mistakes
   5. Tableau Product Suite Overview
      1. Tableau Desktop
      2. Tableau Server
      3. Tableau Online
      4. Tableau Prep
      5. Downloading and installing Tableau Public
      6. Navigating the Tableau interface
2. MODULE 2: Data Connections and Preparation
   1. Connecting to Data Sources
      1. Excel, CSV, and text files
      2. Databases: SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL
      3. Cloud data sources: Google Sheets, AWS, Snowflake
      4. Web connectors and APIs
   2. Data Preparation in Tableau
      1. Understanding Tableau's data interpreter
      2. Joining tables
      3. Blending data from multiple sources
      4. Pivoting and splitting columns
   3. Tableau Prep Basics
      1. Overview of Tableau Prep Builder
      2. Cleaning and shaping data
      3. Creating flows for repetitive tasks
3. MODULE 3: Building Visualizations in Tableau
   1. Basic Charts
      1. Bar charts
      2. Line charts
      3. Pie charts
      4. Area charts
      5. Stacked bar charts
   2. Intermediate Charts
      1. Scatter plots
      2. Histograms
      3. Box-and-whisker plots
      4. Heat maps
      5. Tree maps
   3. Advanced Visualizations
      1. Gantt charts
      2. Bullet charts
      3. Waterfall charts
      4. Sunburst charts
      5. Sankey diagrams
   4. Creating Maps in Tableau
      1. Symbol maps
      2. Filled maps
      3. Custom geocoding
      4. Using map layers and background images
4. MODULE 4: Dashboards and Interactivity
   1. Designing Dashboards
      1. Best practices for dashboard design
      2. Arranging and formatting elements
      3. Using containers and layout options
   2. Adding Interactivity
      1. Filters and parameters
      2. Actions: Filter, highlight, and URL
      3. Drill-down and hierarchy navigation
   3. Advanced Dashboard Techniques
      1. Customizing tooltips
      2. Using dynamic titles
      3. Embedding web content
      4. Creating mobile-friendly dashboards
5. MODULE 5: Data Analysis and Calculations
   1. Working with Calculations
      1. Basic calculations
      2. Aggregate calculations
      3. Table calculations
      4. Level of detail (LOD) expressions
   2. Statistical Analysis in Tableau
      1. Trend lines and forecasts
      2. Reference lines and bands
      3. Distributions and outlier detection
   3. Using Parameters
      1. Creating and configuring parameters
      2. Using parameters in calculations
      3. Dynamic parameter controls
6. MODULE 6: Sharing and Publishing
   1. Exporting dashboards and reports
   2. Publishing to Tableau Public
   3. Sharing dashboards with Tableau Online and Tableau Server
   4. Embedding Tableau visualizations in websites