Using data analytics to evaluate the drivers of revenue: An introductory case study using Microsoft Power Pivot and Power BI

Abstract

This case introduces students to a big-box chain of home improvement stores with locations across the United States. In the role of a data analyst for the company, students will help the new CFO to understand the non-financial drivers of revenue in this retail chain. In addition, students will create a “dashboard” visual that allows the CFO to evaluate the performance of each store manager by date and by state and by store number. Ten years of data created specifically for this project, including revenue by store and data to create four non-financial performance measures at the store level are available in a Microsoft Access database. Students analyze this data using Excel Power Pivot and/or Power BI and summarize their findings in a visual and written report.