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

What is graphics? 6/2
Session Links
  • Graphics includes:
    • “Graphs” and “Charts”: graphical representation of quantitative data
    • Graphical formatting elements on worksheets: fonts, color, symbols, shading, etc.
  • Ingredients of graphics excellence:
    • Elegant design
    • Understanding of business semantics
    • Sophisticated application of psychology

If it weren’t for graphics, business modeling — and understanding business models — would be far more difficult than it is. Graphics includes everything that makes up a model except for the actual text, formulas and numbers. It includes formatting, layout, color, font choice — in short, everything we do to make our documents easy to use and pleasing to the eye.

Effective graphics are difficult to construct, because so many different skills and capabilities are needed. We need to understand the business content, of course, but more than that, we also need to understand the basics of elegant design. And most important, we need to understand how the human perceptual system works. And that requires some of the fundamental knowledge of the field of psychology.

People who can regularly produce excellent graphical designs are rare. They are important members of the spreadsheet modeling team.

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!