Detailed Report on Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Certification Course
Conducted
Organized by: The Strategist
Conducted in: Marian Institute of Management
Duration: Phase 1- 01/12 /2025 to 05/10/2025
Phase 2 – 05/01/2026 to 09/01/2026
Introduction
The certification course was organized with the objective of enhancing students’ practical
and industry-oriented knowledge in the areas of data analytics, project management, data
visualization, and emerging technologies. Conducted by The Strategist in collaboration with
Marian Institute of Management, the programme aimed to bridge the gap between academic
learning and professional requirements by providing hands-on exposure to widely used
industry tools and technologies. The course was delivered in two phases, each focusing on
different but complementary skill areas essential for modern business and analytics
professionals.
Phase 1: Data Analytics and Project Management (December 1–5)
The first phase of the certification programme concentrated on developing a strong
foundation in data analytics and project management. The training sessions were designed
to equip participants with analytical thinking abilities, problem-solving skills, and an
understanding of project execution methodologies.
Python training introduced students to the fundamentals of programming and data analysis.
Participants learned basic coding concepts, data handling techniques, and logical problem-
solving approaches. Through practical exercises, students gained exposure to data
manipulation and analytical processes that are widely applied in business environments.
Power Query was another key component of this phase. Students learned how to extract,
transform, and clean data from multiple sources. The training emphasized the importance
of data preparation, which serves as the foundation for accurate analysis and reporting.
Participants practiced transforming raw datasets into structured formats suitable for
decision-making.
The project management module focused on the use of Microsoft Project (MS Project).
Students were introduced to project planning, scheduling, resource allocation, budgeting,
and monitoring project progress. They learned how to create project timelines, manage
dependencies between tasks, and track project performance effectively. This module
provided valuable insights into the practical aspects of project execution and control.
In addition, SAP user-level certification training was conducted to familiarize participants
with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Students gained an understanding of
how business functions such as finance, procurement, inventory management, and
operations are integrated within an organization. The SAP training provided practical
exposure to business process management and enterprise-level systems used across
industries.
Overall, Phase 1 strengthened participants’ analytical capabilities and managerial
understanding while providing hands-on experience with tools commonly used in data-
driven organizations.
Phase 2: Data Visualization and Advanced Analytics (January 5–9)
The second phase of the certification programme focused on advanced analytical
techniques, data visualization, and emerging technologies. The objective was to help
students transform data into meaningful insights and communicate findings effectively to
support decision-making.
A major component of this phase was Power BI training. Participants learned to create
interactive dashboards, visual reports, and performance metrics that enable organizations
to monitor and evaluate business activities. The sessions covered data modeling,
visualization techniques, report design, and dashboard creation. Students developed
practical skills in presenting complex information in a clear and visually appealing manner.
The SQL module introduced participants to database management and data retrieval
techniques. Students learned how to write queries to extract, filter, sort, and analyze
information stored in relational databases. Topics included data selection, joins, aggregation
functions, and query optimization. These skills are fundamental for working with large
datasets and generating valuable business insights.
The programme also included an introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI). Participants
were familiarized with the concepts, applications, and significance of AI in modern
organizations. Discussions focused on machine learning, automation, predictive analytics,
and the growing role of AI in business intelligence and decision-making processes. This
module provided students with awareness of emerging technologies and their potential
impact on future careers.
Through these sessions, Phase 2 enhanced students’ ability to interpret data, create
meaningful visualizations, and understand advanced analytical concepts that support
strategic business decisions.
Learning Outcomes
The certification course enabled participants to:
• Develop foundational knowledge in data analytics and programming.
• Gain practical experience in data cleaning and transformation using Power Query.
• Understand project planning, scheduling, and monitoring through MS Project.
• Acquire exposure to SAP ERP systems and business process integration.
• Create professional dashboards and reports using Power BI.
• Perform database querying and data retrieval using SQL.
• Understand the fundamentals and applications of Artificial Intelligence.
• Strengthen analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Improve readiness for industry-oriented roles in analytics and management.
Conclusion
The two-phase certification course successfully combined theoretical concepts with
practical applications, providing participants with a comprehensive learning experience.
Phase 1 established a strong foundation in data analytics, project management, and
enterprise systems, while Phase 2 focused on data visualization, database management, and
emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence. The programme effectively bridged the
gap between academic knowledge and industry expectations, equipping students with
valuable technical competencies and professional skills. The knowledge and experience
gained through this certification course will contribute significantly to the participants’
academic growth, employability, and future career development.