The aim of this module is to understand and apply spreadsheet development within a Business and Marketing context. To attain a foundation of practical skills for the analysis, design and development of good spreadsheet practice To develop a sound understanding and application of Decision Support Systems within a Business/Marketing context, in particular the link between management decision making and business problem solving. This module builds on modules in semesters 1, 2 and 3.
Business Systems Analysis
A Systems view of Business Processes and Business functions: Finance, Marketing, Production and Manufacturing. Review of supporting management decision making processes e.g. production Scheduling, Sales Forecasting, Budget Forecasting and their application with the use of spreadsheet development.
Building Functional Spreadsheet Applications
Developing spreadsheet applications within a Financial, Operations, Marketing context. Steps in Model formulation and construction; formulae construction; relative and absolute addresses; Data naming and labelling data; building relationships; Generalising Model formulation and construction. Use of H/Vlookup, Pivot tables; Applying conditional functions. Application of financial in-built functions in EXCEL for business analysis.
Decision Support Applications
Creation of a Decision Support Applications; Use of “What if analysis “, Goal Seeking and related DSS facilities within the context of business applications. Building and designing generalised, robust EXCEL models . Use of dynamic models using Excel, Forecasting roll-on models; Use of ‘What if’ Analysis, Scenario Manager and other DSS tools. Building Consolidated Models, linking spreadsheets, automated functions.
Spreadsheet Design and Fundamentals
Building Level I spreadsheet applications e.g. Sales and Cash Flow Projections, Sales Forecasting. Formatting and good spreadsheet design, Labelling cells. Using EXCEL to present, describe and analyse data for marketing, Financial and managerial applications. Importing and exporting of data sets across platforms.
Busines Decision Making and Problem Solving
Developing a generic framework for problem solving: Problem Identification, Analysis, solution Design and Implementation. Explore the role of automated Decision Support Systems. Lessons in best practice. Understanding the role of the user in such systems.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 60 |
| Formal Examination | 40 |