Spreadsheet Models for Managers


Getting Access to Spreadsheet Models for Managers


If Spreadsheet Models for Managersyou use Excel to model businesses, business processes, or business transactions, this course will change your life. You’ll learn how to create tools for yourself that will amaze even you. Unrestricted use of this material is available in two ways.

As a stand-alone Web site
It resides on your computer, and you can use it anywhere. No need for Internet access.
At this Web site
If you have access to the Internet whenever you want to view this material, you can purchase on-line access. Unlimited usage. I’m constantly making improvements and you’ll get them as soon as they’re available.

To Order On Line

Order "Spreadsheet Models for Managers, on-line edition, one month" by credit card, for USD 69.95 each, using our secure server, and receive download instructions by return email.
Order "Spreadsheet Models for Managers, on-line edition, three months" by credit card, for USD 199.00 each, using our secure server, and receive download instructions by return email.
Order "Spreadsheet Models for Managers, downloadable hyperbook edition" by credit card, for USD 199.00 each, using our secure server, and receive download instructions by return email.

To Order by Mail

Make your check payable to Chaco Canyon Consulting, for the amount indicated:
  • For the download: USD 199.00
  • For access online for three months: USD 199.00
  • For access online for one month: USD 69.95
And send it to:
Chaco Canyon Consulting
700 Huron Avenue, Suite 19C
Cambridge, MA 02138

To use the course software you’ll need some other applications, which you very probably already have. By placing your order, you’re confirming that you have the software you need, as described on this site.

Spreadsheet Models for Managers

Software you need 1/4
Session Links
  • We’ll make available:
    • Session notes in PowerPoint format, Acrobat format, and as Web pages
    • Demonstrations in MS Excel, with narrative Web pages
    • Homework solutions in MS Excel, with narrative Web pages
    • Readings in the form of Web pages
    • A library of course projects submitted by students in previous classes
  • You’ll need access to
    • Microsoft Word 2007 or later (for your course project).
    • For Windows, Microsoft Excel 2007 or later
    • For the Mac, Excel 2011 (not 2008)
    • MS PowerPoint 2007 or later (if you want to read session notes in PowerPoint)
    • A Web browser compatible with Google Chrome 17.0 or later, Mozilla Firefox version 7.0 or later, or Internet Explorer version 7.0 or later, or Apple Safari version 4.0 or later (for homework and readings)
    • Virus protection software

To take this course, you need certain software to read the files we distribute, and to create the documents needed for your homework and course project. You’ll need Microsoft Excel 2007 or later to read the demonstrations and homework solutions, and to create your own homework solutionsand course project. For the Macintosh, Microsoft Excel 2008 won’t suffice, because Microsoft Excel for Mac 2008 doesn’t support macros. You’ll need Microsoft Word 2007 or later to create the documentation for your course project.

And since you’ll be exchanging files with others, we ask that you acquire some virus protection software. This prevents your computer from becoming infected and later infecting others. We won’t accept homework or course project files that appear to have virus infections, as determined by Excel’s virus warning mechanism.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 27-Apr-2016 04:15:26 EDT

Deciding What to Read

The first homework assignment has a fair amount of reading attached to it. Some students feel that the best approach is to read it all, and then try to do the homework. For most of us, such an approach doesn’t work very well.

Before you begin the course, read the general material, such as “Getting Started,” “Software You Need for This Course,” and “How to Work.”

Later, as you begin the homework, let the homework drive your reading choices. For instance, the first homework assignment does require that you master certain techniques. Read “Names” and “The Ripple Principle.” Then, if something confuses you, read up on it: examples are “The Basics of Recalculation” and “References.” Learning something when you need it, and only when you need it, is usually the best way to go.

Avoid Redundant Parentheses

Parentheses sometimes make a real difference. For instance A1*B1+2 is very different from A1*(B1+2). But A1*(B1*2) is exactly the same as A1*B1*2. When the parentheses don’t make any difference in the value of the result, it’s not usually a good idea to include them. They tend to make the formulas harder to read, and there’s always the chance that you’ll put them in the wrong place. More