AI-Powered Business Excel
Course Objective
This hands-on course empowers students to master business decision-making using Microsoft Excel augmented with AI tools. Students will build advanced spreadsheet skills, apply statistical and predictive models, and integrate AI-powered platforms such as Copilot, ChatGPT, and Power BI into business problem-solving. The course emphasizes digital fluency, data analytics, and strategic communication.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply advanced Excel formulas, pivot tables, and dashboards for business analytics.
- Use Excel in combination with AI tools for forecasting, optimization, and scenario planning.
- Automate data cleaning, analysis, and visualization with AI assistants.
- Design interactive business models and reports using Power BI and Excel integration.
- Communicate insights through data storytelling and strategic dashboards.
AI-Powered Business Excel Syllabus T30
| Session No. | Topics | Tool/Reading/Activity | Skill Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Excel as a Business Tool | Excel 365 Demo | Digital Fluency |
| 2 | Excel Shortcuts, Data Entry & Formatting | Practice Files | Productivity |
| 3 | Data Cleaning & Validation | Power Query | Data Hygiene |
| 4 | Using Formulas: Logical, Lookup, Date & Text | Winston Ch.3-5 | Analytical Modelling |
| 5 | Advanced Excel Functions (INDEX, MATCH, XLOOKUP) | Winston Ch.6-7 | Decision Support |
| 6 | Pivot Tables & Pivot Charts | Winston Ch.8 | Insight Discovery |
| 7 | Dashboards: KPI, Metrics, Visual Design | Excel + Templates | Data Visualization |
| 8 | Statistical Functions & Descriptive Analytics | Winston Ch.9 | Quantitative Reasoning |
| 9 | Forecasting Techniques in Excel | Winston Ch.11 | Predictive Modelling |
| 10 | Regression Analysis & Trendlines | Winston Ch.12 | Business Forecasting |
| 11 | Solver & Goal Seek for Optimization | Excel Lab | Optimization Strategy |
| 12 | What-If Analysis: Scenarios, Data Tables | Excel Interactive Models | Scenario Planning |
| 13 | ChatGPT for Excel Formula Generation & Support | Live Demo | AI-Assisted Productivity |
| 14 | Copilot in Excel: Predictive & Natural Language Tools | Copilot Use Case | AI Automation |
| 15 | Connecting Excel to Power BI | Power BI Setup | Integrated Reporting |
| 16 | Data Modeling in Power BI | Power BI Workspace | BI Architecture |
| 17 | Power BI DAX Functions & Calculated Fields | DAX Lab | Analytical Logic |
| 18 | AI in Forecasting: Copilot + Excel + ChatGPT | Hands-on Project | Predictive Analytics |
| 19 | Final Project Lab: Building a Business Dashboard | Team Work | Solution Design |
| 20 | Project Presentations & Strategic Insight Discussion | Student Teams | Leadership Communication |
Textbook & Resources
Primay Tools
- Microsoft Excel 365 with Copilot, Power BI, ChatGPT (OpenAI)
Reference Books:
- Data Smart by John Foreman
- Microsoft Excel Data Analysis and Business Modeling by Wayne Winston