OVERVIEW IN KEYWORDS
The following summarises the content of the course using key words. More information can be seen by clicking the “More details” buttons.0.a Financial Modelling Starter
The definition of modelling. Purpose, uses, application areas. The skills required. Links between modelling and data analysis.
Examples of simple models. Examples from personal finance, business, and scientific applications.
Excel modelling foundations. Workbook and grid structures. Influence diagrams. Mapping a model concept into calculations. Creating formulas. Dependency and precedents tracing. Manual and automatic calculation options.
0.b Decision Support and Model Planning
Principles of modelling for decision support. Generating high quality decisions. Meaning of decision quality. Decision context and framing. The fallacy of choice. Decision identification: scope, objectives, and criteria. Decision structures: Go/no go, scenarios, sub-options, and sequences. Introduction to principles and best practices in model building: Sensitivities, transparency, and complexity reduction.
0.c Core Excel Operations
Excel functionality and core operations. Copy, paste, insert, delete, undo. Using Find/Replace in modelling and data analysis. Wildcard characters. GoTo and GoTo Special. Efficient selection of ranges. Navigation around a model. Short-cuts and KeyTips. Named ranges. Use in formulas and model navigation. Advantages and disadvantages. Formatting and graphics. General formatting. Conditional formatting. Custom formatting. Principles of effective visual communication. Using graphs and charts in Excel.