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Nicky Bull, Dr Prashan S. M. Karunaratne, and Professor Yvonne Breyer

Spreadsheet software remains one of the most ubiquitous pieces of software used in workplaces across the world. Learning to confidently operate this software means adding a highly valuable asset to your employability portfolio. In this third course of our Excel specialization Excel Skills for Business you will delve deeper into some of the most powerful features Excel has to offer. When you have successfully completed the course you will be able to

Check for and prevent errors in spreadsheets;

Create powerful automation in spreadsheets;

Read more

Spreadsheet software remains one of the most ubiquitous pieces of software used in workplaces across the world. Learning to confidently operate this software means adding a highly valuable asset to your employability portfolio. In this third course of our Excel specialization Excel Skills for Business you will delve deeper into some of the most powerful features Excel has to offer. When you have successfully completed the course you will be able to

Check for and prevent errors in spreadsheets;

Create powerful automation in spreadsheets;

Apply advanced formulas and conditional logic to help make informed business decisions; and

Create spreadsheets that help forecast and model data.

Once again, we have brought together a great teaching team that will be with you every step of the way. Nicky, Prashan and myself will guide you through each week. As we are exploring these more advanced topics, we are following Alex who is an Excel consultant called in by businesses that experience issues with their spreadsheets.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Data Validation
We kick off this course with data validation and conditional formatting. This module takes you through creating and applying data validation, as well as working with formulas in data validation. This is followed by basic and advanced conditional formatting.
Read more
Conditional Logic
Excel has several logical functions and this module explores some of them. Start by learning the concept of conditional logic in formulas, followed by how to conduct logic tests and use conditional operations, to your benefit. We will also look at nested IF functions to evaluate data.
Automating Lookups
How do you find information from different parts of a workbook? This module introduces you to functions like CHOOSE, VLOOKUP, INDEX, MATCH and other dynamic lookups to find and display data from several sources.
Formula Auditing and Protection
If you are worried that errors have crept into your worksheet, this module will show you how to check for errors, trace precedents and dependents, resolve circular references, and finally, protect your worksheets and workbooks from further harm.
Data Modelling
This module is all about data modelling. Learn to model different scenarios based on input, assumptions and/or outcomes. Also learn the use of functionalities like Goal Seek, Data Tables and the Scenario Manager to make your models more robust.
Recording Macros
We all love a bit of automation, and this module teaches you just that. By the time you have completed this module, you will be able to identify the uses of macros, as well as create, edit and manage them to increase your efficiency.
Final Assessment

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Taught by Nicky Bull, Dr Prashan S. M. Karunaratne, and Professor Yvonne Breyer, who are recognized for their work in data analysis and Excel
Teaches industry-standard techniques and practices for working and managing advanced Excel spreadsheets
Covers relevant spreadsheet topics, including data validation, conditional formatting, conditional logic, automating lookups, formula auditing and protection, data modelling, and recording macros
Provides exposure to techniques for detecting and preventing errors in spreadsheets, which is valuable for data accuracy
Helps develop skills in creating powerful automation in spreadsheets, which can enhance productivity and efficiency
Builds proficiency in applying advanced formulas and conditional logic to support informed decision-making, which is crucial for data-driven decision-making

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Reviews summary

Excel skills for business: advanced ii

Learners say this intermediate to advanced level "Excel Skills for Business: Advanced II" course is largely positive and provides essential knowledge for professionals who use Microsoft Excel in their work. Students report that the course is well-structured, includes practice challenges and assessments and provides a helpful review of essential concepts like logical functions, data validation, and data modeling. According to reviewers, some key features of the course include: * Well-paced and engaging video lectures and demonstrations. * Hands-on practice challenges, weekly assessments and a final assessment to test understanding. * A focus on practical, business-related applications of Excel skills. * A team of instructors who are knowledgeable and passionate about Excel. While some reviewers found the course to be challenging, they generally agreed that it was worthwhile and helped them to significantly improve their Excel skills. Overall, learners say this course is highly recommended for those looking to advance their Excel proficiency.
The course is challenging, but it is also very rewarding.
"The course is challenging, but it is also very rewarding."
The course focuses on practical, business-related applications of Excel skills, which makes it very relevant for professionals.
"The course focuses on practical, business-related applications of Excel skills, which makes it very relevant for professionals."
The course is well-structured with a good balance between theory and practice.
"The course is well-structured with a good balance between theory and practice."
The instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about Excel, and they do a great job of explaining the concepts in a clear and engaging way.
"The instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about Excel, and they do a great job of explaining the concepts in a clear and engaging way."
The practice challenges are challenging but also very helpful for reinforcing the concepts learned in the course.
"The practice challenges are challenging but also very helpful for reinforcing the concepts learned in the course."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Excel Skills for Business: Intermediate II with these activities:
Compile a list of useful Excel formulas and functions
Create a comprehensive resource to support quick access to essential Excel formulas and functions.
Browse courses on Excel Formulas
Show steps
  • Research and identify commonly used Excel formulas and functions.
  • Categorize and organize the formulas and functions for easy reference.
  • Create a document or spreadsheet for compilation.
Practice Excel data validation techniques
Practice data validation techniques to improve accuracy and consistency in spreadsheets.
Browse courses on Data Validation
Show steps
  • Create a spreadsheet with sample data.
  • Apply data validation rules to ensure data integrity.
  • Use conditional formatting to highlight invalid data.
Solve exercises on conditional logic in spreadsheets
Enhance decision-making skills by practicing conditional logic techniques in spreadsheets.
Browse courses on Conditional Logic
Show steps
  • Create a spreadsheet with sample data and formulas.
  • Apply IF functions to evaluate conditions and return values.
  • Nest IF functions to handle complex conditions.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Develop an automated spreadsheet model to track expenses
Build a functional spreadsheet model to automate data retrieval and streamline expense tracking processes.
Browse courses on VLookup
Show steps
  • Design the spreadsheet layout and data structure.
  • Implement VLOOKUP, INDEX, and MATCH functions for automated data retrieval.
  • Create charts and visualizations to summarize expense data.
Identify and resolve errors in complex spreadsheets
Sharpen troubleshooting skills by detecting and resolving errors to ensure spreadsheet accuracy and reliability.
Browse courses on Formula Auditing
Show steps
  • Review a spreadsheet with intentionally introduced errors.
  • Utilize auditing tools to identify and trace errors.
  • Resolve circular references and protect worksheets from unauthorized changes.
Create a data model to forecast sales projections
Build a robust data model to simulate different scenarios and generate informed sales projections.
Browse courses on Data Modelling
Show steps
  • Gather historical sales data and market trends.
  • Develop a mathematical model to represent sales projections.
  • Implement the model in a spreadsheet using Goal Seek, Data Tables, and Scenario Manager.
Learn about advanced macro techniques in Excel
Extend spreadsheet capabilities by exploring advanced macro techniques for increased efficiency and automation.
Show steps
  • Review online tutorials on advanced macro recording techniques.
  • Practice creating and modifying macros to automate repetitive tasks.
  • Implement macros in complex spreadsheets to streamline workflows.

Career center

Learners who complete Excel Skills for Business: Intermediate II will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst is responsible for collecting, cleaning, and interpreting data to help businesses make better decisions. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Data Analyst, such as data validation, conditional logic, and data modelling. You will also learn how to use Excel to create powerful dashboards and visualizations that can help you communicate your findings to decision-makers.
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst is responsible for understanding the business needs of an organization and translating those needs into technical requirements that can be implemented by IT. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Business Analyst, such as data validation, conditional logic, and data modelling. You will also learn how to use Excel to create financial models and other tools that can help you analyze business data.
Financial Analyst
A Financial Analyst is responsible for analyzing financial data and making recommendations on investment decisions. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Financial Analyst, such as data validation, conditional logic, and data modelling. You will also learn how to use Excel to create financial models and other tools that can help you analyze financial data.
Market Researcher
A Market Researcher is responsible for collecting and analyzing data on consumer behavior. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Market Researcher, such as data validation, conditional logic, and data modelling. You will also learn how to use Excel to create surveys and other tools that can help you collect data from consumers.
Operations Research Analyst
An Operations Research Analyst is responsible for using mathematical and analytical techniques to solve business problems. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Operations Research Analyst, such as data validation, conditional logic, and data modelling. You will also learn how to use Excel to create optimization models and other tools that can help you solve business problems.
Project Manager
A Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Project Manager, such as data validation, conditional logic, and data modelling. You will also learn how to use Excel to create project plans and other tools that can help you manage projects.
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Software Engineer, such as data validation, conditional logic, and data modelling. You will also learn how to use Excel to create software specifications and other tools that can help you develop software applications.
Data Scientist
A Data Scientist is responsible for using data to solve business problems. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Data Scientist, such as data validation, conditional logic, and data modelling. You will also learn how to use Excel to create data visualizations and other tools that can help you communicate your findings to decision-makers.
Management Consultant
A Management Consultant is responsible for helping businesses improve their performance. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Management Consultant, such as data validation, conditional logic, and data modelling. You will also learn how to use Excel to create financial models and other tools that can help you analyze business data.
Actuary
An Actuary is responsible for assessing and managing risk. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Actuary, such as data validation, conditional logic, and data modelling. You will also learn how to use Excel to create financial models and other tools that can help you assess and manage risk.
Statistician
A Statistician is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Statistician, such as data validation, conditional logic, and data modelling. You will also learn how to use Excel to create statistical models and other tools that can help you analyze data.
Economist
An Economist is responsible for studying the economy and making recommendations on economic policy. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Economist, such as data validation, conditional logic, and data modelling. You will also learn how to use Excel to create economic models and other tools that can help you analyze economic data.
Financial Planner
A Financial Planner is responsible for helping people plan for their financial future. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Financial Planner, such as data validation, conditional logic, and data modelling. You will also learn how to use Excel to create financial plans and other tools that can help you help people plan for their financial future.
Insurance Agent
An Insurance Agent is responsible for selling insurance policies to individuals and businesses. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Insurance Agent, such as data validation, conditional logic, and data modelling. You will also learn how to use Excel to create insurance quotes and other tools that can help you sell insurance policies.
Real Estate Agent
A Real Estate Agent is responsible for helping people buy and sell real estate. This course may be helpful for developing the skills needed to be a successful Real Estate Agent, such as data validation, conditional logic, and data modelling. You will also learn how to use Excel to create real estate listings and other tools that can help you buy and sell real estate.

Featured in The Course Notes

This course is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read one article that features Excel Skills for Business: Intermediate II:

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Excel Skills for Business: Intermediate II.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Excel functions and formulas, making it a valuable resource for those looking to enhance their Excel skills. It covers a wide range of topics, including basic arithmetic functions, logical functions, and financial functions.
Comprehensive guide to VBA programming in Excel, providing advanced techniques and best practices for automating tasks and enhancing spreadsheets. It valuable resource for experienced VBA developers looking to take their skills to the next level.
Provides a practical guide to financial modeling in Excel, covering topics such as financial forecasting, sensitivity analysis, and scenario planning. It valuable resource for professionals in finance, accounting, and banking.
Delves into the world of Excel VBA and macros, empowering readers to automate tasks and enhance the functionality of their spreadsheets. It provides step-by-step instructions and practical examples, making it an ideal resource for those seeking to master Excel automation.
Is tailored for business analysts, providing a practical guide to using Excel for data analysis and decision-making. It covers topics such as data cleaning, data visualization, and financial analysis, making it a valuable resource for those looking to enhance their analytical skills.
Covers the basics of creating and customizing charts and pivot tables in Excel, making it a valuable resource for those looking to visualize and summarize their data effectively. It provides clear and concise instructions, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users.
Beginner-friendly guide to Excel VBA programming, providing a step-by-step approach to creating macros and automating tasks in Excel. It covers the fundamentals of VBA, making it a valuable resource for those looking to enhance their productivity.
Beginner-friendly guide to Microsoft Excel, providing a comprehensive overview of its features and functionalities. It covers topics such as data entry, formulas, and functions, making it a valuable resource for those new to Excel.

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