Excel For Top MBAs (And Wannabes)

Spreadsheets are such a funny buzzword and sometimes they can be intimidating. Learn how they can help us solve problems as simple as 1+1=? or as difficult as Black-Scholes Options Pricing.

You'll make order of the rows, columns, and cells in order to help our good friend, Buddy, solve his problem. Tables are the most basic form of data ordering and I'll yet make an metaphorical carpenter out of you!

Once you have learned the substance of the data table we create (the formulas and all such things), we will polish it through number formatting, understanding the print options, and emphasizing the cells most important to us.

A model is only as good as the assumptions you put in it. "Garbage in garbage out" is a common saying among analysts who build models. Here you'll find out why.

Samantha has a problem. It's a good problem and it'll help you figure out how to discount future values of cash flows.

Here we use a table to restate the pertinent facts of the case. I find it easier to remember things when I write them down. You may too.

Here we build a table examining the key components of Samantha's Rhino job offer.

We set up a table for Rhino here and set up the frame for discounted cash flow analysis.

We will finish setting up the table of facts for Rhino and discounting the cash flows of future years.

Having taken out the time to finish Rhino, we can copy it, change the facts, and say "B-I-N-G-O!!"

Here we compare the two options. You will learn to span formulas across multiple worksheets and compare the two choices.

This is an introduction to using graphs in analysis.

This is an extended quiz in finance. It tests what you know so far about calculating present value and extends that knowledge to future values. Then you draw key lessons about retirement and wealth building. But try to answer the question on your own first. Then compare it to what is shown.

Here you'll understand a strategy for how to tackle this retirement problem.

Here, were outline monthly incomes for the four ladies.

You'll calculate the monthly contributions to the retirement accounts in the value of the time they were paid.

Find a new way to apply the difference between present value and future value of an asset.

Here you'll figure out who does the best in retirement and by how much.

You'll see your conclusion in pretty colors.

Should they buy the house, invest in the market, pay down student loan debt? Find out on the next episode of Dragonba... no wait!

When you have too many facts, it's usually good to write them down so that you can make sense of it all. That's what you'll do here.

How much does Rajiv have to pay every month currently?

Amortization schedules are the crux of this section and here is where you'll build Rajiv's. You can change the assumptions and create your own for yourself.

What if we changed a few things in Rajiv's Amortization Schedule?

What does Chemeka's debt picture look like?

Also, I like to sing songs sometimes.

Let's build a mortgage to examine new debt from the house and explore each of the options.

What is a tax shield? If you are taxed at 30% and you make $100. Ordinarily, you'd pay $30. But if you paid $15 in interest expense then you'll only be taxed on $85. You essentially get back 30% of $15, which is $4.50.

Leverage makes the world economy go around but it also causes it to slow down whenever people can't make payments on loans. You'll help our favorite couple figure out what level of debt and leverage they'd feel comfortable with.

Download this spreadsheet and use it as a basis to build your analysis of the Stats and Figures of Bubble Jones.

Learn to combine two (or more) tables of data into one integrated source.

Let's begin to build a pivot table.

Download the attached spreadsheet and let's get to work.

Install the Solver Add-In.

Put the facts into a table and learn more facts. Facts on, facts on facts!!

This is pretty straight forward.

Make Solver do all the hard work for you.

This is pretty self explanatory. You'll learn to interpret the solver reports you just had Excel create for you.

Learn graphing, EOQ, more on the Solver Add In.

Let's use Solver one more time but in a different way.

You'll use algebra to derive a demand curve for the new product.

How do you know if it's worth it if we don't yet know profit at any given level of production/price?