Training - Pivot Tables

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The Decision Support Section offers training in Pivot Tables throughout the year. Should you wish to register for one of the sessions, please email sia.enquiries@qut.edu.au.

PLEASE NOTE: The pivot table training is for QUT staff only.

Introduction to Pivot Tables

Microsoft Excel Pivot Tables are "interactive tables that quickly summarise, or cross tabulate, large amounts of data. The rows and columns can be rotated to see different summaries of the source data, the data can be filtered by displaying different pages, or the details for areas of interest".

The Decision Support section produces many pivot tables each year to enable users to produce specific reports to suit individual requirements.

Operating Pivot Tables

The pivot tables produced by the Division of Finance and Resource Planning are databases containing statistical information consistent with the University's statutory reporting requirements to DEEWR.

The above table displays a time series analysis of course enrolments and EFTSU for QUT (excluding the Sunshine Coast University College).

To operate the pivot table, simply click on any of the down arrows in the 'Page Field' area of the table and select the value of the element of your query.

For example, click on the Attend element and select Full Time to display the number of full time student enrolments and EFTSU.

Alternatively, click and drag any of the shaded elements into the 'Row Field' area of the table to obtain a breakdown of all values within the element.

For example, drag the Attend element into the row field to display the number of full time, part time and external student enrolments and EFTSU.

Further explanations on pivot tables are available from the 'Help' option in Microsoft Excel, under 'Examples and Demos'.

To display a single set of data (ie. enrolments only) the following steps need to be followed:

1. Click on the Pivot Table Wizard button .

2. Click and drag the EFTSU button out of the "data" area, to the right, and release the mouse button.

3. Select Finish.

To display two sets of data, one as values, the other as a percentage of the value:

1. Click on the Pivot Table Wizard .

Note: When displaying two sets of data you need to have the same data element twice in the "data" area.

2. Click and drag the enrol button into the data area (this will be displayed as "Sum of Enrol2").

3. Double click on the Sum of Enrol2 button.

4. Click on Options

5. Select in the "show data as" area the "% of row or column" option, depending on the direction you data is displayed within your table.

6. Change the name in the "Name" field from "Sum of Enrol2" to "%".

7. Click on OK.

8. Click Finish.

Your table should now show a row of data with values and a row with %.

If you require further help, please contact Anne Griffiths , Information Officer, (07) 3138 2396,
Email: ak.griffiths@qut.edu.au

To access the Decision Support Pivot Tables, visit the QCR Website.