Spreadsheet Modeling and Analysis - Semester 1, University Name

This assignment explores the principles of spreadsheet modeling and data analysis, focusing on practical applications and best practices. The assignment covers various aspects of spreadsheet design, including ensuring clarity, usability, and maintainability. It emphasizes the importance of clear formatting, the use of appropriate formulas, and avoiding common pitfalls such as data loss and repetitive functions. The assignment also highlights the significance of testing and validating spreadsheets to ensure accuracy and reliability. Furthermore, the assignment provides insights into using tools like freeze frames and split screens for managing large datasets. The content also includes references to relevant research in the field, providing a comprehensive understanding of spreadsheet usage in organizations and its impact on decision-making. The assignment is designed to provide a solid foundation for using spreadsheets effectively in various professional contexts and business applications.

Running head: DECISION MODELING WITH SPREAD SHEETS
Decision Modelling With Spread Sheets
Name of the University
Name of the Student

2DECISION MODELING WITH SPREAD SHEETS

3DECISION MODELING WITH SPREAD SHEETS
Spreadsheets are dynamic in nature and are the founding block over which many modern
sophisticated tools are built. However spreadsheets continue to be a major tool used by small
to major business, ngo, public enterprises etc because of its easy usability and flexible
functionality. A few tips which can be kept in mind to increase the transparency, auditability,
extensibility and maintenance of spreadsheets are mentioned below
1. Choosing visual clarity over too much pointless design
2. Keeping formulas explicit for other users to follow easily
3. Keeping formatting uniform across the spreadsheet
4. Being precise about the units used in the spreadsheet
5. Avoiding Macros
6. Labelling the columns and rows which keeps the spreadsheet user friendly
7. Avoiding repetitive formulas, where one is sufficient
8. Taking care while cutting and pasting values as excel often copies formula’s
9. In case of huge data, as it might be cumbersome to revisit all the data sheets, know of
excel functions such as freeze frames, split screen etc
10. Trying to keeping the design towards the very end and keeping it consistent through-
out the spreadsheet
11. Always trying to keep the process dynamic and trying to use a common formula for
repetitive functions.
12. Saving frequently to ensure no loss of data.
13. Rigorously testing the spreadsheet at every level to ensure the spreadsheet works
correctly as a whole.
Thus, there are many other important points that can be kept in mind while working with
spreadsheet and it will mainly depend upon the context of its use, who is using it and for what
purpose the spreadsheet is being used for.

4DECISION MODELING WITH SPREAD SHEETS
References:
Chan, Y.E. and Storey, V.C., 2016. The use of spreadsheets in organizations: Determinants
and consequences. Information & Management, 31(3), pp.119-134.
Power, D.J., 2014. A brief history of spreadsheets. DSSResources. COM, World Wide Web,
http://dssresources. com/history/sshistory. html, version, 3, pp.08-30.