Enhancing project management reporting with Power BI
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School of Science |
Master's thesis
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Authors
Date
2024-09-30
Department
Major/Subject
Human-Computer Interaction and Design
Mcode
Degree programme
Master's Programme in ICT Innovation
Language
en
Pages
125
Series
Abstract
In today’s data-driven environments, project managers increasingly rely on effective data visualization tools to monitor and report on project performance. However, project management dashboards often include ineffective data visualization, which complicates their tasks. This thesis explores the enhancement of project management reporting using Microsoft Power BI, with a focus on improving dashboard usability for project managers. From an academic standpoint, the thesis builds upon data visualization principles and user-centred design methods, aiming to contribute to the field of Human-Computer Interaction by identifying principles that can create high-usability dashboards. From an industry perspective, the study seeks to address the practical needs and challenges faced by project managers when using business intelligence tools for project portfolio reporting. The research adopts a user-centred design approach, integrating qualitative methods such as user interviews and heuristic evaluation not only to identify needs and challenges, but also to assess the usability of existing dashboards. Additionally, a comprehensive literature review identified 11 key data visualization principles, which guided the development of the final Power BI report. Through an iterative design process—including wireframing, prototype testing, and customized usability survey—the study applies these principles to create an optimized dashboard tailored to the needs of project managers. The thesis contributes to both academic research and industry professionals. Academically, it fills a gap at the intersection of user-centred design, project management, and data visualization by proposing principles for designing dashboards. For industry, it offers professionals an optimized Power BI report to be used within project management contexts, with possibility of adaptation to other fields.Description
Supervisor
Viitanen, JohannaThesis advisor
Nastos, YanisTyllinen, Mari
Keywords
data visualization, user-centred design, project management, dashboards, user experience, Microsoft Power BI, heuristic evaluation, prototyping