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Description

Power BI Advanced: Data Modelling, DAX and Report Optimisation

Move beyond simple charts and build Power BI models that are fast and trustworthy

  • 2 days — 14 h
  • In-person or virtual
  • Intermediate
  • Up to 6 participants

A Power BI report that works on a small dataset becomes slow and unreliable as soon as the model grows: relationships pointing the wrong way, measures that fail to respond to filters, tables imported without prior cleansing. Users lose confidence in the figures displayed and revert to their Excel spreadsheets.

These two days focus on the model rather than on formatting: star schema, date table, the DAX language and filter context, query and visual optimisation. Each participant takes an existing report and restructures it during the session.

Learning objectives

  • Structure a data model using a star schema
  • Write DAX measures with full command of filter context
  • Set up a date table and time intelligence analyses
  • Optimise report performance and model size
  • Organise report publication, sharing and refresh

What makes this programme different

Exercises are based on a large model where design flaws become genuinely visible
Every DAX measure written is tested by changing filters to observe its behaviour
A slow report brought to the session is diagnosed and then optimised in front of the group

Programme

1Advanced Modelling

The model determines everything else

  • Moving from a single table to a star schema
  • Fact tables and dimension tables
  • Relationships, cardinality and filter propagation direction
  • Multiple relationships and handling different date roles
  • Calculated columns and calculated tables: using them judiciously

2DAX and Filter Context

Understanding why a measure returns that figure

  • Difference between a calculated column and a measure
  • Row context and filter context
  • Aggregation functions and iterator functions
  • Changing context with calculation and filter functions
  • Variables in measures and code readability

3Time Intelligence and Business Calculations

Comparing periods without error

  • Building and marking a date table
  • Year-to-date totals and prior-period comparison
  • Offset financial years and company-specific calendars
  • Growth and contribution calculations
  • Handling incomplete periods

4Performance, Publication and Sharing

A fast report that stays maintained

  • Reducing the model: unnecessary columns and choice of granularity
  • Choosing between import mode and direct connection
  • Analysing visual and query performance
  • Publication, workspaces and scheduled refresh
  • Row-level security and distribution to users

Who is it for

Power BI users who have already built reports, management controllers, analysts and department heads seeking to make their dashboards reliable.

Prerequisites

Experience building reports with Power BI Desktop and familiarity with data import and formatting principles.

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.