Excel Project

As I discussed in last weeks post concerning Excel learning I am always amazed that I am able to still learn something new and useful every time I am part of a curriculum that includes this program. This particular assignment was no different. I think that Professor Olson did a particularly good job in analyzing all the functions of this program that he could teach us and instead of beating us over the head with tons of addition and subtractions functions he gave us a small amount of information that we can turn into a huge amount of success.

Creating relative formulas vs. absolute formulas is one particular time saver that I always new was there but just wasn't quite sure how to make it work. For several years now it has just been simpler to create multiple formulas for different cell addresses. This can be time consuming and sometimes inaccurate. In the case of the use of the $ to designate and absolute formula, it really speeds up the process of large chart creation.

The other most important new tool introduced was the use of the pivot table. At first glance and even first attempt the pivot tool is quite daunting, however once one begins to play with the pivot table it begins to make so much better sense. The values have a tendency to fit in the logical places and the consolidation of information is something that I will be demonstrating for my boss. In the past the sorting of information could give good results however it didn't consolidate well. It is interesting to note that all of the functions that pivot table does could actually be equations that we might one day have had to learn. That brain space will be filled with something much more valuable now I am sure. Check out the example of the pivot table I was able to create.



While Excel is not really going to elevate my blogging ability. I find that it will free up some more time to practice my blogging skills.