Forecasting & Trend Analysis in Excel 2003: Course 4002

This course provides experienced Excel users with a practical, hands-on understanding of advanced Excel data forecasting and charting techniques. It examines the risks and benefits of forecasting, teaches different forecasting and trending methods, and explores ways to maximize profit potential.

This course is 3 hours long.

Objectives:

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

Describe the role data forecasting plays in organizational planning.
Identify the positive and negative aspects of data forecasting.
Create formula-based data forecasts.
Define best, middle, and worst case scenario data.
Establish target values using Goal Seek.
Calculate moving averages.
Chart moving averages interactively.
Calculate Net Present Value and Internal Rate of Return.
Define and solve problems in Solver.

System Requirements:

Pentium II 400 MHz;
256MB RAM;
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher;
256k connection (broadband recommended);
Windows XP, 2000 or higher;
Flash Player 7.0 or higher;
Speakers and soundcard.

Subscription: 1 year

The Risks and Benefits of Data Forecasting
Module Introduction

Applications of Data Forecasting
Lesson Introduction
Uses of Data Forecasting
Interpreting Data Forecasts
Self Test

Data Forecasting for Business Needs
Lesson Introduction
Forecasting for Growth
Forecasting for Planning
Self Test

Recognizing the Positive and Negative Aspects of Data Forecasting
Lesson Introduction
Benefits of Data Forecasting
Risks of Data Forecasting
Self Test
Module Summary

Creating Formula-Based Forecasts
Module Introduction

Three Formula-Based Forecasting Resources
Lesson Introduction
Data Forecasting Techniques
Identifying the Tools to Create Data Forecasts
Self Test

Lab A: Building a Forecast Formula
Lesson Introduction
Scenario
Exercises
Lab Review

Lab B: Creating Forecasts Based on Scenarios
Lesson Introduction
Scenario
Exercises
Lab Review

Lab C: Establishing Targets by Using Goal Seek
Lesson Introduction
Scenario
Exercises
Lab Review

Tips for Formula-Based Forecasts
Lesson Introduction
Best Practices to Create Forecasts
Using Forecasting Tips in Excel
Self Test
Module Summary

Forecasting By Using Moving Averages
Module Introduction

Measuring Organizational Performance Using Moving Averages
Lesson Introduction
Defining a Moving Average
Describing the Limitations of Using Moving Averages
Self Test

Using Moving Averages for Decision Making
Lesson Introduction
Forecasting Income and Resource Usage
Facilitating Business Forecasting Using Moving Averages
Self Test

Lab A: Calculating and Charting a Moving Average
Lesson Introduction
Scenario
Exercises
Lab Review

Lab B: Creating an Interactive Chart
Lesson Introduction
Scenario
Exercises
Lab Review

Refining Moving Average Analysis
Lesson Introduction
Forecasting and Trend Analysis Using Microsoft® Office Excel® 2003
Techniques for Refining a Moving Average Analysis
Self Test
Module Summary

Maximizing Profit Potential
Module Introduction
Net Present Value and Internal Rate of Return
Lesson Introduction
Determining Net Present Value
Determining Internal Rate of Return
Self Test

Lab A: Calculating Net Present Value
Lesson Introduction
Scenario
Exercises
Lab Review

Lab B: Calculating Internal Rate of Return
Lesson Introduction
Scenario
Exercises
Lab Review

Introducing Solver
Lesson Introduction
Handling Circular References
Using Solver to Find Solutions
Using the SUMPRODUCT Formula to Summarize Data
Best Practices for Defining Problems in Solver
Self Test

Lab C: Determining Optimal Project Mixes
Lesson Introduction
Scenario
Exercises
Lab Review
Module Summary