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.

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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.

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Make your check payable to Chaco Canyon Consulting, for the amount indicated:
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  • 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

Future value examples 9/7
Session Links
  • Example C. You’re saving for retirement. You’ve found an investment vehicle that pays 4% compounded annually. You now have $10,000. If you add $2,000 at the beginning of every year, what will be the value of your savings in 35 years?
=fv(4%,35,-2000,-10000,1)
  • Example D. How much will you have if, in years 21 through 35, the interest rate is 6%?
=fv(6%,15,-2000,-fv(4%,20,-2000,-10000,1),1)
  • Example E. How much will you have if, in years 21 through 35, you add $2,500 per year but the interest rate remains at 4%?
=fv(4%,15,-2500,-fv(4%,20,-2000,-10000,1),1)

These examples of non-uniform interest or
payments require careful treatment

The first example above is straightforward, even though it combines both a payment stream and an initial sum. But the next two require some thought.

In each case (examples D and E), we change something during the second part of the investment period. In D, we change the interest rate. In E, we keep the interest rate fixed, and alter the payment stream. These alterations create a more complex situation, and the expression of that complexity as an Excel formula can be confusing. It’s explained in the demonstration narrative.

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

Nesting Worksheet Function Calls

Nesting invocations of worksheet functions can be a bit tricky, because nested function calls are difficult to think about. Sometimes, in developing a spreadsheet model, we can gain clarity by avoiding nesting. That is, while we’re still thinking about how to approach a modeling problem, we intentionally choose to avoid nesting function calls. After we understand the problem better — and only then — we might go back and replace what we’ve done with a more compact version that exploits nesting. In addition to producing forms that are easier to think about, this practice of developing a simpler form first has another benefit. It enables us to examine intermediate values more easily, which enables us to confirm that the calculations we’re performing make sense.

Some feel that building something that you intend to replace is a waste of effort — that it’s far easier to build things in final form from the start. When that approach works, it is faster and more efficient. But when we think we’re likely to make mistakes, the “slower” way is faster.

Do You Know What a Dynamic Model Is?

In years past, we’ve learned that what makes a model dynamic — as opposed to static — can be difficult to grasp. If you have some doubts yourself, and you haven’t yet looked at the reading on Models vs. Tools, we believe that you will find it helpful.