Introduction to Spreadsheets and Models

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Introduction to Spreadsheets and Models

This course is part of multiple programs.

Instructor: Don Huesman

134,880 already enrolled

Included with

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

3,891 reviews

8 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

82%

Most learners liked this course

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

3,891 reviews

8 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

82%

Most learners liked this course

Skills you'll gain

Category: Statistical Modeling
Category: Predictive Analytics
Category: Probability Distribution
Category: Risk Modeling
Category: Data Modeling
Category: Risk Analysis
Category: Excel Formulas
Category: Spreadsheet Software
Category: Regression Analysis
Category: Statistical Methods
Category: Forecasting
Category: Analysis
Category: Simulation and Simulation Software
Category: Data Analysis Software
Category: Financial Forecasting
Category: Business Modeling
Category: Predictive Modeling
Category: Financial Modeling

Tools you'll learn

Category: Google Sheets
Category: Microsoft Excel

Details to know

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Assessments

8 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 4 modules in this course

The simple spreadsheet is one of the most powerful data analysis tools that exists, and it’s available to almost anyone. Major corporations and small businesses alike use spreadsheet models to determine where key measures of their success are now, and where they are likely to be in the future. But in order to get the most out of a spreadsheet, you have the know-how to use it. This course is designed to give you an introduction to basic spreadsheet tools and formulas so that you can begin harness the power of spreadsheets to map the data you have now and to predict the data you may have in the future. Through short, easy-to-follow demonstrations, you’ll learn how to use Excel or Sheets so that you can begin to build models and decision trees in future courses in this Specialization.

This module was designed to introduce you to the history of spreadsheets, their basic capabilities, and how they can be used to create models. You'll learn the different types of data used in spreadsheets, spreadsheet notations for mathematical operations, common built-in formulas and functions, conditional expressions, relative and absolute references, and how to identify and correct circular references. By the end of this module, you'll understand the context of spreadsheets, be able to navigate a spreadsheet, use built-in formulas and functions in spreadsheets, create your own simple formulas, and identify and correct common errors so you can put spreadsheets to work for you.

What's included

6 videos2 readings2 assignments

6 videosTotal 42 minutes

1.1 Objectives and a Little Spreadsheet History4 minutes
1.2 Navigating a spreadsheet and crafting formulas20 minutes
1.3 Using functions5 minutes
1.4 Using conditional expressions in formulas4 minutes
1.5 Common errors in spreadsheets5 minutes
1.6 Differences between Sheets and Excel4 minutes

2 readingsTotal 20 minutes

PDF of Module 1 Lecture Slides10 minutes
Module 1 examples10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes

Practice Quiz #130 minutes
Module 1 Quiz: History, Formulas, Functions and Errors30 minutes

In this module, you'll move from spreadsheet to model, so you can begin to create your own models that reflect real-world events. You'll learn how to organize and lay out model elements, as well as the types of objective functions and their use. You'll also learn what-if analysis and scenarios, sensitivity analysis, and other classic models. By the end of this module, you'll be able to design a spreadsheet reflecting assumptions, decision variables, and outcomes, create a basic cashflow model, evaluate a small business opportunity, conduct what-if analysis, identify key variables using sensitivity analysis, and linear programming models and deterministic models.

What's included

6 videos2 readings2 assignments

6 videosTotal 23 minutes

2.0 Module Introduction3 minutes
2.1 Using assumptions and decision variables in spreadsheet models3 minutes
2.2 Structuring a spreadsheet to model variables, objectives, and objective functions3 minutes
2.3 Constructing simple cashflow model5 minutes
2.4 What-if analysis and sensitivity analysis4 minutes
2.5 Limits to simple, deterministic models6 minutes

2 readingsTotal 20 minutes

PDF of Module 2 Lecture Slides10 minutes
Module 2 examples10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes

Practice Quiz #230 minutes
Module 2 Quiz: Classic Models30 minutes

This module was designed to introduce you to how you can use spreadsheets to address uncertainty and probability. You'll learn about random variables, probability distributions, power, exponential, and log functions in model formulas, models for calculating probability trees and decision trees, how to use regression tools to make predictions, as well as multiple regression. By the end of this module, you'll be able to measure correlations between variables using spreadsheet statistical functions, understand the results of functions that calculate correlations, use regression tools to make predictions, and improve forecasts with multiple regression.

What's included

6 videos3 readings2 assignments

6 videosTotal 40 minutes

3.0 Introduction2 minutes
3.1 Random variables and probability distributions11 minutes
3.2 Changes in discrete and continuous time5 minutes
3.3 Power, exponential, and log functions9 minutes
3.4 Probability trees and decision trees6 minutes
3.5 Correlation and Regression7 minutes

3 readingsTotal 30 minutes

PDF of Module 3 Lecture Slides10 minutes
Module 3 examples10 minutes
Additional reading on exponential and other functions10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes

Practice Quiz #330 minutes
Module 3 Quiz: Probability, Correlation, and Regression30 minutes

In this module, you'll learn to use spreadsheets to implement Monte Carlo simulations as well as linear programs for optimization. You'll examine the purpose of Monte Carlo simulations, how to implement Monte Carlo simulations in spreadsheets, the types of problems you can address with linear programs and how to implement those linear programs in spreadsheets. By the end of this module, you'll be able to model uncertainty and risk in spreadsheets, and use Excel's solver to optimize resources to reach a desired outcome. You'll also be able to identify the similarities and differences between Excel and Sheets, and be prepared for the next course in the Business and Financial Modeling Specialization.

What's included

4 videos3 readings2 assignments

4 videosTotal 34 minutes

4.0 Introduction3 minutes
4.1 Monte Carlo Simulations14 minutes
4.2 Linear Programming10 minutes
4.3 Next Steps, and Differences between Excel and Sheets7 minutes

3 readingsTotal 30 minutes

PDF of Module 4 Lecture Slides10 minutes
Module 4 examples10 minutes
Links and other resources for further study10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes

Practice Quiz #430 minutes
Module 4 Quiz: Simulations, Scenarios, and Optimization30 minutes

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Instructor

Instructor ratings

(291 ratings)

Don Huesman

1 Course134,880 learners

Offered by

University of Pennsylvania

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Reviewed on Oct 19, 2017

Good review of what tools are available to you in spreadsheets. Not recommended if you are already a heavy user of spreadsheets, as this is a pretty rudimentary course.

Reviewed on Jun 3, 2018

Thank you Sir, not only for this course but the splendid work you have done as MD of Wharton online in making the in-house expertise available to millions like me through Courera.

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2021

This course is a must for all the learners who want to go ahead and achieve big because this course not just teaches you about financial scenarios etc. but the knowledge can be used in real life

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When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

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