Forecasting and Predictive Modeling

Overview

In this intermediate-level specialization, you will build statistical and Machine Learning (ML)-based forecasts for business planning. You'll create time-series forecasts using Power BI, develop machine learning models with Azure AutoML, and evaluate forecast accuracy. You'll learn to communicate uncertainty and improve forecast reliability through iterative refinement.

This course is for financial professionals with 1–3 years of experience, including analysts, who have a foundational understanding of financial principles and standard data tools. By the end of this course, you will be able to apply Power BI forecasting tools for time-series predictions with confidence intervals, build machine learning models for revenue prediction using Azure AutoML, evaluate forecast accuracy to optimize model performance, and present forecast scenarios with appropriate uncertainty communication.

This course requires Power BI Desktop, which runs on Windows PCs or Macs with Parallels Desktop. A subscription to Azure ML is also required. Microsoft 365 online can be used as an alternative, though the desktop version is recommended for full feature access.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

Structured courses with graded quizzes, assignments and deadlines you can reset.
A shareable certificate from the university or company when you pay.
Financial aid is often approved for students in India (apply 15 days before you need it).
From Microsoft, a well-regarded name.
Self-paced: start any time.

Disadvantages

Paid after a 7-day free trial (Coursera Plus or per course).
Some courses can be audited for free, but graded work and certificates need payment.

Some points apply to every course of this kind; see how we rank.

This course is paid. Here is how to take it for free

Free trials: You can start a 7-day free trial for many individual courses, Specializations, or a Coursera Plus subscription to test full course features. Cancel before the seventh day if you do not want to be charged.
Financial aid: If you cannot afford the fee for a certificate, you can apply for financial aid through the link on the course home page by filling out an application about your background and goals.

Microsoft is in Tier 2: excellent universities and the companies that build the technology of our institution ranking (86/100).