Teaching Case: Learning Skills of the Data Analytics Lifecycle with Microsoft Power BI and National Parks Data

Abstract

Like many organizations, the U.S. National Parks Service has done an excellent job of collecting and storing data for many years about many variables of interest. However, there are many steps beyond the collection and storage of data that must be taken to transform that data into valuable information that can inform strategic business decisions. This teaching case introduces students to the data analytics lifecycle and the various processes for preparing data to make decisions. Students gain a familiarity with the leading data analytics software Microsoft Power BI as well as Microsoft Excel and SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) to inform data-driven decisions. This case is relevant to undergraduate and graduate students in information systems and other disciplines prioritizing data analytics. The case was not developed in conjunction with the National Parks Service; the case uses real-world data made publicly available by the National Parks Service but the narrative and questions posed are fictional