Strategies For Building Challenge Entries

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Sam McKay

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In a brand-new episode of The Analytical Mind, the Enterprise DNA experts sat down to discuss their different approaches when making entries for the Power BI Challenges.The experts also touched upon how to build dashboards and reports for an unfamiliar industry, and offered tips for newbies who want to join future challenges.
What You’ll Learn From This Episode
What is the Power BI Challenge?On a bi-weekly basis, the Enterprise DNA team releases a scenario simulating what you are likely to face in the analytics industry. The objective is to assess the scenario and using the dataset provided, your goal is to come up with a solution. The Enterprise DNA team will then review and select a winner for each of the challenges set.What do I get out of the Power BI Challenge?
  • The chance to have your work showcased across the Enterprise DNA network
  • Receive personalized feedback around your development
  • Learn from peers and experts in the industry.
On tackling a Power BI challengeGreg Philps
  • Try to ask questions and get answers from the business users
  • Ask for the minimum amount of data and remove the majority of data you’re not going to use
  • Use the Analyst Hub andcustomiseJSON files
Jarrett Moore
  • Visualize and decide what kind of story you want to tell
Heather Rowe
  • I’d like to see where the data leads me. Colors and themes will come out after I figure out the data
On dealing with an unfamiliar dataset or industryBrian Julius
  • Seek out a subject matter expert. For me, it is about finding the intersection between what I can say that’s interesting about the data and what I can teach myself in the course of doing it
Melissa de Korte
  • It is all about finding an angle that is interesting and that speaks to people.
Sam McKay
  • Just get started and start digging into the data until things become easier
  • Wireframing and sketching out what the pages look like helps
Heather
  • Once my data model is good, I make sure everything is cleaned up and I make measures for everything I’ve hidden
Jarrett
  • The most important thing is to get started, to keep things simple, and to use the native visuals. Beginners can be put off by a bright and shiny post. We’re all at different levels, so just put something together and show us what you’ve got
  • Use the entries from the past challenges and dissect them, and then use your own spin on it
Brian
  • There is no need to reinvent the wheel, just use the past entries and adapt it for your own purposes
Melissa
  • It doesn’t matter where you start. Pick a place that suits your learning curve. If you’re not comfortable with the challenges, there are other things you can do like the Accelerator
On knowing when you’re doneMelissa
  • If I wake up the next day and I’m still happy with the report, I’ll be ready to submit it
Jarrett
  • Once I start second-guessing what I’ve done, then I know I should wrap things up
Brian
  • I refer to the unwanted house guest threshold. Once I start asking “Why are you still here?” or “When are you going to leave,”that’sthe time I submit
About The Show

The Analytic Mind podcast provides an opportunity to learn from a diverse range of global data leaders. Hosted by Sam McKay, CEO of Enterprise DNA. Covered will be a range of data and analytics topics keeping you up to date with recent trends, organizational challenges, and opportunities for innovation in this exciting space.