MSBI Interview Questions And Answers | MSBI Certification Training | Edureka

www.edureka.co/microsoft-biMicrosoft BI Certification Training

How can ensure better Return on Investment (RoI) in my business?
How can I take a decision based on this ocean of data?
How can I integrate heterogenous data feeds to a common platform?
How can I interpret raw data in the most optimised manner?
How can I report and analyse data?
How can I monitor and the dynamics of changing trends?

End-to-End BI Solution
ETL
Data Discovery, Analytics
Visualization, Reporting
Analysis

End-to-End BI Solution
ETL
Data Discovery, Analytics
Visualization, Reporting
Analysis
Microsoft
Business Intelligence

MSBI Interview Questions
What is MSBI?1
Microsoft Business Intelligence (BI) is a suite of products and tools that you can use to monitor, analyse and
plan your business by using scorecards, dashboards, management reporting and analytics.

What are the key features of MSBI?2
Features Remarks
Analytics Dashboards, guided navigation and drill down
Type of Solution End-to-end Business solution with extended ETL
User-friendly Ease of installation, use, maintenance

What are the tools used in MSBI? What do they do?3

What is SSIS? How it is related with SQL Server.4
SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) is a component of SQL Server which can be used to perform a
wide range of Data Migration and ETL operations. SSIS is a component in MSBI process of SQL Server.1
This is a platform for Integration and Workflow applications. It is known for a fast and flexible OLTP
and OLAP extensions used for data extraction, transformation, and loading. The tool may also be used
to automate maintenance of SQL Server databases and multidimensional data sets.
2

What are the tools associated with SSIS?5
Tools Purpose
Business Intelligence Development Studio (BIDS) Development of SSIS Projects
SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) Management of SSIS Packages and Projects

What is a control flow in SSIS?6
A control flow consists of one or more tasks and
containers that execute when the package runs.
To control order or define the conditions for
running the next task or container in the
package control flow, we use precedence
constraints to connect the tasks and containers
in a package.
Package
Container
Task
Task Task
Task Task
Task

What is a data flow in SSIS?7
Data Flow
Destination
Source
Transformation
Data flow consists of the sources and destinations that extract and
load data, the transformations that modify and extend data, and
the paths that link sources, transformations, and destinations. A
separate instance of the data flow engine is opened for each Data
Flow task in a package. Data Sources, Transformations, and Data
Destinations are the three important categories in the Data Flow.

What are the Typical errors in SSIS?8
Data Connection Errors, which occur in case the connection manager cannot be initialized with the
connection string. This applies to both Data Sources and Destinations that use the Connection Strings.1
Data Transformation Errors, which occur while data is being transformed over a Data Pipeline from
Source to Destination.2
Expression Evaluation errors, which occur if expressions that are evaluated at run time perform
invalid3

What is environment variable in SSIS?9
An environment variable configuration sets a package property equal to the value in an environment
variable. Environmental configurations are useful for configuring properties that are dependent on the
computer that is executing the package.

What are the Transformations available in SSIS?10
AGGREGATE AUDIT CHARACTERMAP CONDITIONALSPLIT
COPYCOLUMN DATACONVERSION DATAMININGQUERY DELIVEREDCOLUMN
EXPORTCOLUMN FUZZYGROUPING FUZZYLOOKUP IMPORTCOLUMN

What are the Transformations available in SSIS?10
LOOKUP MERGE MERGEJOIN MULTICAST
ROWCOUNT ROWSAMPLING UNIONALL PIVOT/UNPIVOT

How to log SSIS Executions?11
Integration Services supports a diverse set of log providers, and gives you the ability to create custom
log providers.1
Logs are associated with packages and are configured at the package level. Each task or container in a
package can log information to any package log.2
The tasks and containers in a package can be enabled for logging even if the package itself is not.3

How do you deploy SSIS packages?12
SSIS Project BUILD provides a Deployment Manifest File. You need to run the manifest file and decide
whether to deploy this onto File System or onto SQL Server.1
You can also import the package from SSMS from File System or SQL Server.2

What are variables and what is variable scope?13
Variables store values that a SSIS package and its
containers, tasks, and event handlers can use at run
time.
A variable is created within the scope of a package
or within the scope of a container, task, or event
handler in the package.

Can you name some of the Perfmon counters for SSIS?14
SSIS Service PACKAGE INSTANCES PIPELINE
BLOB BYTES READ BLOB BYTES WRITTEN BLOB FILES IN USE
BUFFERS IN USE BUFFERS SPOOLED FLAT BUFFER MEMORY

Can you name some of the Perfmon counters for SSIS?14
FLAT BUFFERS IN USE
PRIVATE BUFFER
MEMORY
PRIVATE BUFFERS IN
USE
ROWS READ ROWS WRITTEN

What is Analysis Services?15
Analysis Services is a middle tier server for analytical processing, OLAP, and Data mining. It manages
multidimensional cubes of data and provides access to heaps of information including aggregation of data.

Can you list out its key features?16
❖Ease of use with a lot of wizards and designers.
❖Flexible data model creation and management
❖Scalable architecture to handle OLAP
❖Provides integration of administration tools, data sources, security, caching, reporting etc.
❖Provides extensive support for custom applications

Is a Cube the same as a UDM? How?17
A traditional cube is based on a single
measure group (fact) with associated
dimensions in a star or snowflake
structure.
A UDM (Unified Data Model) allows
you to create a multidimensional
structure over just about any
underlying SQL data model through
the use of reference dimensions and
many-to-many dimensions.

What is the need for SSAS component?18
❖It is the only component in SQL Server using which we can perform Analysis and Forecast operations.
❖SSAS is very easy to use and interactive.
❖Faster Analysis and Troubleshooting.
❖Ability to create and manage Data warehouses.
❖Apply efficient Security Principles.

Can you explain the Two-Tier Architecture of SSAS?19
Query Parser
Query Processor Engine
Storage Engine
Formula Engine Cache
Storage Engine Cache
Dimension Data Measure Group
Attribute Store
Hierarchy Store
Fact Data
Aggregations
Analysis Service Engine
MDX
Query

When is a Database called an OLAP Database?20
A Database is called an Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) Database when it follows the FASMI Rules.
FA
I
S
M

When is a Database called an OLAP Database?20
Fast Analysis
Information
Shared
Multi-
Dimensional
A Database is called an Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) Database when it follows the FASMI Rules.

What languages are used in SSAS ?21
SQL
DMX
MDX
ASSL

What languages are used in SSAS ?21
Structured Query Language
Data Mining Extensions
Multi Dimensional Expressions
Analysis Services Scripting
Language

How Cubes are implemented in SSAS ?22
❖Cubes are multidimensional models that store data from one or more sources.
❖Cubes can also store aggregations
❖SSAS Cubes are created using the Cube Wizard.
❖We also build Dimensions when creating Cubes.

Differentiate between a derived measure and a calculated measure.23
Derived Measure Calculated Measure
❖calculated before aggregations are
created
❖values of the derived measure are
stored in the cube
❖calculated after aggregations are
created
❖values of a calculated measure aren’t
stored in the cube

What is a partition?24
A partition in Analysis Services is the physical location of stored cube data. Every cube has at least one
partition by default. Each time we create a measure group, another partition is created.

What is the use of property called non-empty behaviour?25
An identifier referencing the measure groups defining the non empty behaviour of a calculated measure. It is
used when processing non empty statement. When specified, icCube sets the calculated measure as empty
if all the specified measures are empty.

What is a RAGGED hierarchy?26
All Stores
South ZoneNorth Zone
Central Market
East Zone West Zone
Miss A Claire’sMacy’s

What are the roles of an Analysis Services Information Worker?27
An Analysis Services information worker is someone who understands the data employed by a
solution and is able to translate the data into business information.1
The role often has one of the following job titles: Business Analyst (Report Consumer), Manager
(Report Consumer), Technical Trainer, Help Desk/Operation, or Network Administrator.2

What are the different ways of creating Aggregations?28
We can create aggregations for faster MDX statements using Aggregation Wizard or through UBO – Usage
Based Optimizations. Always, prefer UBO method in real-time performance troubleshooting.

What is Write Back?29
The Enable/Disable Writeback dialog box enables or disables writeback for a measure group in a cube.
Enabling writeback on a measure group defines a
writeback partition and creates a writeback table
for that measure group.
Disabling writeback on a measure group removes
the writeback partition but does not delete the
writeback table, to avoid unanticipated data loss.

Name few Business Analysis Enhancements for SSAS.30
Enhancement Type Applied to No data Source
Time Intelligence Cube Cube No
Account Intelligence Dimension Dimension or cube No
Dimension Intelligence Dimension Dimension or cube Yes
Custom Aggregation Dimension Dimension (unary
operator) or cube
No
Semiadditive Behavior Cube Cube Yes
Custom Member Formula Dimension Dimension or cube No
Custom Sorting and
Uniqueness Settings
Dimension Dimension or cube Yes
Dimension Writeback Dimension Dimension or cube Yes

What MDX functions do you most commonly use?31
Name a function that you have used most.

Where do you put calculated members?32
In the Measures Dimension.

If you want to create a calculated member that intersects all measures,
where do you put it?
33
In a dimension other than Measures.

How do I find the bottom 10 customers with the lowest sales in 2003
that were not null?
34
SELECT { [Measures].[Internet Sales Amount] } ON COLUMNS ,
BOTTOMCOUNT(NONEMPTY(DESCENDANTS( [Customer].[Customer Geography].[All
Customers], [Customer].[Customer Geography].[Customer] ),
( [Measures].[Internet Sales Amount] ) ),
10,
( [Measures].[Internet Sales Amount] )) ON ROWS FROM [Adventure Works]
WHERE ( [Date].[Calendar].[Calendar Year].&[2003] ) ;

How in MDX query can I get top 3 sales years based on order quantity?35
SELECT {[Measures].[Reseller Order Quantity]} ON 0
, [Date].[Calendar].[Calendar Year].Members ON 1
FROM [Adventure Works];
Same query using TopCount:
SELECT
{[Measures].[Reseller Order Quantity]} ON 0,
TopCount([Date].[Calendar].[Calendar Year].Members,3, [Measures].[Reseller Order Quantity])
ON 1
FROM [Adventure Works];

What is SSRS?36
SQL Server Reporting Service is a server-based software system that generates reports developed by
Microsoft. It is used for preparing and delivering interactive and variety of printed reports.

Can you explain its Architecture?37
Report Builder Report Designer
Report Manager Report Server
Report Server
Database
Data Sources

Explain Reporting Life Cycle?38
Visual Studio
Designer
Report Class
Report Processor
Rendering
Extension
Data Sources
Report
Document
Standalone
Designer
XML File

How to finetune Reports?39
Expand the Server or utilizing the reporting services of another database server.1
Replication of data continuously.2
Using No-lock, the issues of locking can well be resolved and the performance of the query can be
improved
3

Difference between Logical Page an Physical Page in SSRS.40
Logical page breaks are page breaks that you insert before or after report items or groups whereas Page
breaks help to determine how the content is fitted to a report page for optimal viewing when rendering or
exporting the report.

What is Null Rendering Extension?41
Create a data-driven subscription that uses the Null Delivery Provider. When you specify the Null Delivery
Provider as the method of delivery in the subscription, the report server targets the report server database
as the delivery destination and uses a specialized rendering extension called the null rendering extension.

How does the report manager work in SSRS?42
Report manager is a web application. In SSRS it is accessed by a URL.1
To access any functionality or perform any task, the user must be assigned a role.2

SQL Server Reporting Services vs Crystal Reports.43
SSRS Crystal Reports
❖SSRS have a report server
❖Caching in SSRS is available for Report
history snapshots.
❖SSRS allows only user defined field
labels.
❖Crystal reports are processed by IIS.
❖Caching in Crystal reports is available
through cache server.
❖Crystal reports have standards and
user defined field labels.

What is Report Builder?44
Report Builder is a business-user, ad-hoc report design client that allows users to design reports based on
the business terms they are familiar with, but without needing to understand database schemas.

How does Report Builder support Analysis Services cubes?45
Report Builder supports relational SQL and Analysis Services data sources in SQL Server.

How do I get Report Builder to generate a parameter that can be set
by users viewing the report?
46
In the filter dialog box, click the name of the criteria that you would like to prompt the user for when viewing
the report.

How can I add Reporting Services reports to my application?47
Visual Studio / SSDT / BI Data Tools contains a set of freely redistributable Report Viewer controls
that make it easy to embed Reporting Services functionality into custom applications.
1
Two versions of the Report Viewer exist, one for rich Windows client applications and one for ASP.NET
applications.
2

Can you import Microsoft Excel data to SSRS?48
Reporting Services does not import data. It only queries data in whatever format it is stored in their native
storage system.

Can we deploy SSRS reports on our personal website?49
Your reports can only be deployed on a reporting services site.

Can we use data grids for our report in SSRS?50
No.

What are the drawbacks of reporting in SSRS?51
❖Complex to understand the complete functionality and structure
❖Many users are still relying on Crystal Reports
❖Issues when exporting very large reports to Microsoft Excel
❖Loss of data.

Will running SSRS on Windows XP limit the number of users?52
Yes.

Are there issues when exporting SSRS reports into Microsoft Excel?53
When users are trying to export a SSRS report into Microsoft Excel, one or two columns in the report appear
to merge together.

You want to use a perspective in an MDX query. How do you select the
perspective?
54
Use the Cube Selector in the MDX Query Designer to select a perspective.

Can you use data mining models in SSRS?55
Yes, you can use the DMX Designer to create data mining queries for SSRS reports.

You want your report to display a hyperlink that will take users to your
intranet. How do you configure such a hyperlink?
56
Create a text box item, set the action to Go To URL, and then configure the URL.

You want a report to display Sales by Category, Sub-Category, and
Product. You want users to see only summarized information initially
but to be able to display the details as necessary. How would you
create the report?
57
Group the Sales information by Category, Sub-Category, and Product.1
Hide the Sub-Category group and set the visibility to toggle based on the Category item.2

You want to create an Excel interactive report from SSRS. In SSRS, can
you create the same interactive experience in Excel that you would
have on the Web?
58
No.

When you do not use report caching, is it better to use parameters to
filter information in the query or to use filters in the dataset?
59
It is better to use parameters because they let
SSRS pull filtered data from the data source.
When you use filters, the queries retrieve all data
and then filter the information in an additional
step.

You want your users to select a parameter from a list of values in a list
box. How should you configure the parameter?
60
You should create a data source that contains the possible values and then bind the data source to the
parameter.

What is the main benefit of using embedded code in a report?61
The code you write at the report level can be reused in any expression in the report.

MSBI Interview Questions And Answers | MSBI Certification Training | Edureka

Recommandé

Recommandé

Contenu connexe

Tendances

Tendances (20)

Similaire à MSBI Interview Questions And Answers | MSBI Certification Training | Edureka

Similaire à MSBI Interview Questions And Answers | MSBI Certification Training | Edureka (20)

Plus de Edureka!

Plus de Edureka! (20)

Dernier

Dernier (20)

MSBI Interview Questions And Answers | MSBI Certification Training | Edureka