Spreadsheet Models for Managers

Session 4

Temporal Response
Summary of Pages

he focus of this session is the use of arrays to model temporal response of systems. We'll show how to do this using both a high-level method, called convolution, and a more "nitty-gritty" approach using arrays.

Since we use arrays so often, we need to be skillful in manipulating them, including extracting pieces from arrays. In this session, we'll survey Excel's facilities for extracting subarrays from arrays, using worksheet functions and reference operators.

With knowledge of arrays in hand, we're prepared to examine an approach to computing temporal responses of systems to changing inputs. Our approach is based on a method that is routine in physics, statistical analysis, and communications theory — convolution. Convolution is a powerful approach, one that — once learned — enables you to solve complex modeling problems with a single form. Models that use convolution instead of less powerful alternate methods are more easily understood, more reliable, and cheaper to maintain.

Below is a summary of pages for Session 4.

1. Review of Last Time
2. Excel Functions for Array Access
3. Reference Operators
4. Temporal Response
5. Convolution
6. When Can You Use Convolution?
7. Approaches to Modeling Temporal Response
8. Simple Example
9. Using Convolve
10. The Main Points
11. Reference Readings
12. Preview of Next Time

Links to other materials for Session 4.