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

Why use graphics? 6/3
Session Links
  • Graphics includes
    • “Graphs” and “Charts”: graphical representation of quantitative data
    • Graphical formatting elements on worksheets: fonts, color, symbols, shading, etc.
  • Graphics help to “guide the eye” to make the presentation easier to understand
  • Graphics facilitate communications
    • When you’re explaining a model or persuading others of its meaning
    • When you’re developing, maintaining, or just understanding
  • Graphics facilitate intuition
    • Understand the model
    • Uncover inconsistencies and errors
    • Uncover fundamental design errors

Graphs and charts together are sometimes called “presentation graphics,” but we recommend avoiding that phrase because of the word “presentation” and its connotations. For many of us, it summons an image of the stand-up presentations we all give from time to time — to clients, to customers, to review boards, to supervisors. Graphics are certainly useful in those settings, but they are also useful for our own work, when we ourselves are really the only people who see them. When we’re working on a model, and we want to explore its predictions, perhaps only to see if it’s making sense, graphs and charts are invaluable. They needn’t be fancy, but using them in this way can really speed up the model development process.

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

About Charts

The purpose of charts is visual communication. Sadly, many charts that contain important information don’t communicate that information very well. Communicating visually in an effective manner is probably an art, but it’s an art we can learn.

One way to learn is by bad examples — actually studying examples of bad technique. Fortunately, bad examples are easy to find. Finding good examples is more difficult, but there are several excellent references in the class notes. Enjoy!