Course Information

The goal of this class is to learn how to use charts, PivotTables and other Excel features to create management reports called Dashboards.  The class will begin with learning how to create and modify charts. Once you have modified the charts we will create chart templates to make creating future charts faster.  We will also look at the new Sparkline feature in Excel.

Next, you will learn PivotTables and Pivot Charts. We will learn how to use Timelines and Slicers to change the views in PivotTables. We will also look at how using the Table feature can help make PivotTables and charts more dynamic.   Next, we will look at special types of conditional formats like icon sets and data bars.  Then we will combine the information to build a Dashboard.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

Create and modify charts and save chart templates.  The participants will also understand how Tables are useful when building PivotTables. They will understand how to build PivotTables and use Slicers and Timelines.  Using these skills, they can then build Dashboards.  The student will also understand how to work with advanced conditional formatting techniques.

Course Outline

Understanding Charting

• Create Excel Charts
• Understanding the different types of Charts
• Using the Chart Ribbon
• Use the new Recommended Charts
• Changing the Chart Type and Moving the Chart
• Modifying charts 
• Work with Chart Elements
• Create and use Chart Templates
• Look at Excel’s new Sparkline feature

Understanding Tables and PivotTables

• Learn how to design your spreadsheet to make it easier to create Tables and PivotTables
• Learn various ways to Filter data
• Understand the difference between Filtering data and using Tables
• Create Tables and Understand their benefits
• Create and Modify PivotTables
• Create and Modify Pivot Charts
• Work with Slicers
• Understand how Slicers can help with Dashboards
• Work with PivotTable Timelines
• Work with Recommended PivotTables

Conditional Formatting

• Understand how to apply and modify Conditional Formatting
• Understand how to use new features like Data Bars and Icon Sets

Combine Your Knowledge and Create a Dashboard

• Use your knowledge of PivotTables, Charts. Slicers, Timelines and Conditional Formatting to create a simple dashboard.
• Learn Basic Drawing options and Excel Options to help with dashboards.

TAC Rule 523.142(g) requires the CPE Sponsor to monitor individual attendance and assign the correct number of CPE credits. Participants will be asked to document their time of arrival and departure in compliance with this Rule. Additionally, attendance will be monitored throughout the day and CPE certificates will reflect actual attendance of each participant.

If you are making travel plans to come to Austin, we recommend making "refundable" air and hotel reservations or waiting until 14 days before the class to actually book your reservations. Courses are occasionally canceled or rescheduled due to low enrollment. We determine whether a course has enough participants 16 days prior to the course date. If we cancel or reschedule, we will email the participant and his or her billing contact no later than 14 days before the original class date.

The course coordinator will contact you with parking information. Handicapped parking is free at the meters around the downtown area.

Vending machines with Coca-Cola products and various snack items are available. There is also a refrigerator and microwave in our coffee bar area. Feel free to bring in your own drinks and food if you prefer.

You might want to bring a light sweater or jacket, as room temperatures vary.

To see answers to our Frequently Asked Questions, visit http://www.sao.texas.gov/training/faq.html.