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

About the homework problems 1/14
Session Links
  • Some problems require thought
    • Some are similar to — but go beyond — what we show you in demonstrations and in these notes
    • This is meant to prepare you for what you will encounter at work
  • Many problems are “word problems”
    • You’ll have to read and understand what they tell you and what they ask for
    • You’ll have to convert that understanding into spreadsheets
  • You might feel that the wording of some problems is ambiguous
    • This too is meant to prepare you for what you’ll encounter at work
    • Resolving the meaning is part of what we’re trying to teach
  • If you’re unsure of what is wanted:
    • Consult your teammates
    • Send mail to the course discussion list
    • In some cases, it’s possible that we might not provide a resolution that you find satisfactory in advance of the due date

Some students feel that homework problems should be directly parallel to what we discuss in demonstrations and in these notes. We disagree, because exact parallelism isn’t available in the real world.

When you try to apply in the real world what we’ll be showing you, the real world will make no such commitment to you. You need to practice what we show you, that much is true. But you also need to practice applying what we show you to situations that aren’t quite the same as what we presented. Only when you can do that will you have learned anything useful, that will distinguish you as an employee and professional of outstanding capability. Some of the homework we assign is intended to “stretch” you in this way.

A similar situation exists in the area of ambiguity. Some of the word problems we assign can be interpreted in different ways. In the real world, ambiguity abounds. Our homework is intended to give you practice in determining the most probable interpretation.

Even with all of that, you still have an advantage over the real world in this course. That advantage derives from the knowledge that the critical steps needed for each homework assignment are in some way related to the topics of that assignment. In the real world, you’ll find no such guidance.

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