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Research 101: Pivot Tables & Dashboards

Daniel Martinez, PhDDirector, Institutional Research

Presented at the California Association of Institutional Research Annual ConferenceMonterey, November 8, 2019

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• The difference between data and information

• Some examples of dashboards and pivot tables

• Pivot tables– Why– How

• Alternatives to pivot tables

What we will cover today

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What is the difference between data and information?

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How data becomes information

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A dashboard displays key data points to monitor performance.

What is a dashboard?

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Why use pivot tables?

• Transparency• Accountability• Efficiency Memory Updates Drill down Grouping

• Cost

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Examples

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Example 1

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Example 2

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Example 3

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Example 4

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Example 5

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Example 6

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Let’s build a dashboard!

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158,454 rows of data!

Step 1: Raw Data

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Step 2: Convert data to a table

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Step 2: EXCEL identifies the table size

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Step 3: Rename Table

IMPORTANT for updating data!

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Step 3: Use the same name to update data

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Step 4: Create Pivot Table

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EXCEL identifies the table

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Pivot Table Layout

Pivot Table

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Add ID to the Values Area

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Add Term to Rows

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Create Chart

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Filters

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Filters

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Insert Filter

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Insert Slicer

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Select Subject

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Select a subject to drill down

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Add Gender to Columns

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Remove Data to Save Space

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Difference in File Size

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Update Chart

Open new data set…

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Copy Sheet to Pivot Table File

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Use the same name as the previous table

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Refresh the pivot table

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Updated!

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Discussion

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Dr. Daniel MartinezDirector, Institutional Research

damartinez@collegeofthedesert.edu