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Description

Access — Desktop Relational Databases: Modelling, Querying and Reporting

Replace an unmanageable spreadsheet with a structured database featuring data-entry forms and print-ready reports

  • 3 days — 21 h
  • In-person or virtual
  • Foundation
  • Up to 6 participants

Every spreadsheet eventually reaches its limits. The same information is re-entered across several tabs. Duplicates creep in and nobody knows which version is authoritative. Searches become slow and each new extraction request is handled by repeating the same manual steps all over again.

Three days to design a desktop relational database. The data model and the relationships are established first, then form-based data entry is set up before queries and print-ready reports. Each participant builds a complete database around a requirement drawn from their own work.

Learning objectives

  • Design a structured data model organised into tables
  • Define relationships and integrity rules between tables
  • Import existing data from a spreadsheet
  • Build select, calculation and grouping queries
  • Create data-entry forms suited to end users
  • Produce print-ready reports from the data

What makes this programme different

The database built over the three days starts from a real requirement brought by the participant
The move from spreadsheet to database is carried out with imported existing data
The most costly design errors are identified before any data entry begins

Programme

1Modelling Before Data Entry

The structure determines everything else

  • Distinguishing a spreadsheet from a database
  • Identifying entities and their attributes
  • Breaking information down into tables
  • Choosing the key identifiers for each table

2Tables and Relationships

Linking without duplicating

  • Creating tables and defining data types
  • Setting field properties and lookup lists
  • Establishing relationships between tables
  • Applying referential integrity rules

3Querying the Data

Getting the answer without re-entering data

  • Building select queries
  • Adding criteria and calculated fields
  • Grouping and totalling results
  • Creating queries across several tables

4Data-Entry Forms

Making the database usable by others

  • Creating a form from a table
  • Organising fields and controls
  • Creating a form with a subform
  • Adding simple navigation buttons

5Reports and Day-to-Day Use

Getting information out of the database

  • Creating a report from a query
  • Grouping and sorting the data in a report
  • Formatting for printing
  • Importing and exporting data with a spreadsheet

Who is it for

Administrative and operations staff and advanced spreadsheet users dealing with data volumes that have become difficult to manage.

Prerequisites

Working knowledge of basic spreadsheet functions.

Dates & locations

36 scheduled dates between November 2026 and December 2027. Seats are confirmed in the order enquiries are received.

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

September 2027

October 2027

November 2027

December 2027

None of these dates suit you? We open additional sessions on request, and any programme can be run privately for your team.

Practical details

Before the programme
Online positioning questionnaire. Your development objectives are shared with the trainer, who tailors the practical case studies to your context.
Teaching methods
Theoretical input, workshops and practical case studies. Digital course materials and method sheets provided.
Assessment
Multiple-choice tests and role-play exercises. Assessment of learning at the start and end of the programme, with immediate and 60-day follow-up evaluations.
After the programme
One year of access to the e-learning platform. Self-assessment of the skills acquired and a 30-day follow-up session with your trainer.
How to register
Registration online or on the basis of a quotation.
Lead time
11 working days after confirmation of registration.
Accessibility
Accessible to people of determination. Contact our accessibility coordinator to design a suitable solution: contact@mpf-academy.ae
Start dates
Rolling intake: in addition to the scheduled sessions, this programme can start on request.