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Description

Structuring Your Data: Organising Tables, Cleaning and Preparing for Analysis

Bring order to your files so that analyses stop breaking with every update

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

Working files often combine multi-row headers, merged cells, subtotals inserted mid-table and inconsistent date formats. Every analysis then calls for manual cleaning that has to be repeated at the next refresh, and two people rarely obtain the same result from the same file.

This short virtual format goes straight to the point. Participants discover the rules of an analysis-ready table, learn to spot and correct the most common structural defects, then organise their data so that cleaning no longer has to be redone with each update.

Learning objectives

  • Distinguish a presentation table from an analysis-ready table
  • Identify the structural defects that block an analysis
  • Standardise labels and formats within a single column
  • Convert a cross-tabulated table into an analysis-ready table
  • Document data entry rules to avoid rekeying

What makes this programme different

A short virtual format focused on a single professional skill
Structural defects corrected live on real files
Data entry rules ready to share with your team immediately

Programme

1What an Analysis-Ready Table Is

One row, one record

  • The difference between presentation and data
  • Header rules and the single-column principle
  • Data types and consistent formats
  • The pitfalls of merged cells and blank rows

2Cleaning Without Starting Over

Correcting recurring defects

  • Spotting duplicates and outliers
  • Harmonising labels and dates
  • Handling missing values
  • Unpivoting a cross-tabulated table into a flat table

3Keeping Data Clean

Structure that holds over time

  • Data entry rules and value lists
  • Separating data from calculations
  • Naming conventions for files and columns
  • Simple checks before each analysis

Who is it for

Anyone working with tracking tables or data extracts as part of their role.

Prerequisites

No prerequisites

Dates & locations

12 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.