We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
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;
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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/ojtp1r/excel
Here's a deal for you
Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Get offer
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
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
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause 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
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Practical intermediate excel for business
According to learners, this course offers highly practical skills directly applicable to business tasks. Many found the sections on VLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, and especially Macros to be particularly valuable and immediately useful for improving efficiency. The course generally receives praise for providing clear explanations, with instructors like Nicky frequently mentioned positively. While the majority found the content beneficial and a solid continuation of the specialization, some learners felt certain modules, such as data modelling or complex conditional logic, were less clear or lacked sufficient depth. The difficulty level was perceived differently by students, with some finding parts challenging and requiring additional effort beyond lectures.
Pace/difficulty varies; some found parts tough.
"Okay course, but definitely challenging."
"Struggled with this course."
"The second half (modelling, macros) was more difficult to grasp from the lectures alone."
"Some modules were tougher than others."
Explanations are generally clear.
"The instructor explained everything clearly."
"Nicky was a great instructor."
"Clear explanations throughout."
"Nicky and the team explain concepts clearly."
Focus on VLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, and Macros.
"The sections on VLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, and Macros were particularly useful."
"Learned so much about automating tasks with macros."
"The modules on VLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, and especially Macros were invaluable."
"The Macros section was a game-changer for my efficiency."
Applicable skills for business settings.
"This course was fantastic! It really helped me improve my Excel skills for my job."
"Perfect for my needs as a business analyst. The content on automating lookups and recording macros is directly applicable."
"Very practical course for business professionals. Liked the focus on real-world examples."
"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."
Certain modules lack depth or clarity for some.
"Some parts, like the data modelling section, felt a bit rushed and could use more detailed examples."
"The explanations were sometimes confusing, particularly in the later modules."
"Was hoping for more depth in advanced topics. Data modelling felt shallow."
"Some parts could be explained better, especially complex formulas and data modelling."
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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.
Compile a list of useful Excel formulas and functions
Show steps
Create a comprehensive resource to support quick access to essential Excel formulas and functions.
Browse courses on
Excel Formulas
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Practice data validation techniques to improve accuracy and consistency in spreadsheets.
Browse courses on
Data Validation
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Enhance decision-making skills by practicing conditional logic techniques in spreadsheets.
Browse courses on
Conditional Logic
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Build a functional spreadsheet model to automate data retrieval and streamline expense tracking processes.
Browse courses on
VLookup
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Sharpen troubleshooting skills by detecting and resolving errors to ensure spreadsheet accuracy and reliability.
Browse courses on
Formula Auditing
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Build a robust data model to simulate different scenarios and generate informed sales projections.
Browse courses on
Data Modelling
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Extend spreadsheet capabilities by exploring advanced macro techniques for increased efficiency and automation.
Show steps
Show steps
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ojtp1r/excel
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:
To read more articles from OpenCourser, visit:
OpenCourser.com/notes
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.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ojtp1r/excel
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Effort
6 weeks of study, 2-4 hours/week
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
Macquarie University
Instructors
Nicky Bull
Dr Prashan S. M. Karunaratne
Professor Yvonne Breyer
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
magyar nyelv
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
اُردُو,
فارسی
বাংলা
tiếng Việt
پښتو
آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Excel Skills for Business. It's comprised of four courses:
- Excel Skills for Business: Intermediate I
- Excel Skills for Business: Advanced
- Excel Skills for Business: Essentials
- Excel Skills for Business: Intermediate II (viewing)
Featured in The Course Notes
Read
one article that features
this course,
Excel Skills for Business: Intermediate II
from our blog, The Course Notes:
To read more articles from OpenCourser, visit:
OpenCourser.com/notes
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser