Using Data Analytics to Evaluate the Drivers of Revenue: An Introductory Case Study Using Microsoft Power Pivot and Power BI

Abstract

ABSTRACT This case introduces students to a chain of home improvement stores with locations across the United States. In the role of a data analyst, students will help the CFO understand the company's non-financial drivers of revenue. Students will create a “dashboard” visual to evaluate the performance of store managers by date, state, and store number. Ten years of created data—including store revenue and four non-financial store-level performance measures—are available in a Microsoft Access database. Students analyze data using Power Pivot and/or Power BI and summarize their findings in a report. We provide evidence of efficacy from an MBA-level management accounting class, although the case has also been used effectively in a junior-level undergraduate management accounting class. It is suitable for use in courses with a management accounting, AIS, or data analytics focus where the students have little or no prior knowledge about Power Pivot and/or Power BI.