Problem Solving with Excel

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/excel-analysis

Introduction

### Course Review: Problem Solving with Excel If you're looking to enhance your Excel skills and leverage them for effective problem-solving in a business context, the **Problem Solving with Excel** course on Coursera, developed by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) LLP, is an excellent choice. #### Overview of the Course This course dives deep into the practical applications of Excel, allowing you to explore its capabilities in addressing real-world business challenges. Over the duration of the course, you’ll progress through a structured syllabus that builds from basic functionalities to more advanced skills, equipping you with the essential tools to tackle data-driven decision-making confidently. While the content is tailored for the Windows version of Excel 2013, the fundamental concepts and formulas you will learn are broadly applicable across later versions of Excel, as well as other spreadsheet software. #### Syllabus Breakdown **1. Overview of Excel** In the first module, learners will navigate through the Excel interface and familiar functionalities, such as formulas, subtotals, and text formatting. This foundational knowledge is crucial for those unfamiliar with Excel, and an initial problem-solving exercise helps reinforce your learning. **2. VLookups and Data Cleansing** Moving on, you’ll delve into more specific functions like VLookup and text functions, alongside data cleansing techniques. The emphasis on PwC's perspective on data quality highlights the importance of clean data in business environments. Practical exercises in this module will solidify your understanding of how to apply these functions effectively. **3. Logical Functions & Pivot Tables** This module introduces you to logical functions and the powerful pivot table feature. Understanding how to create and utilize pivot tables is essential for data analysis, making this portion of the course particularly valuable. Moreover, PwC’s insights into the role of Excel in career development provide a motivational context. **4. More Advanced Formulas** Finally, you'll tackle advanced formulas, including statistical calculations and financial formulas. The course culminates in a final project, allowing you to demonstrate your newly acquired skills through practical application. #### What Makes This Course Stand Out? - **Expertise from PwC**: Being developed by one of the leading professional services firms, you can expect industry-relevant insights and high-quality content. - **Structured Learning Path**: The course is well-organized, gradually introducing more complex concepts, making it accessible for learners at different levels. - **Hands-On Practice**: With problem-solving exercises after each module, you can apply what you’ve learned in real-time, reinforcing your skills. - **Final Project**: The opportunity to work on a final project not only consolidates your learning but also serves as a portfolio piece demonstrating your Excel proficiency. #### Recommendations The **Problem Solving with Excel** course is highly recommended for professionals, students, and anyone looking to sharpen their Excel skills for business applications. Whether you are aiming for a role in data analysis, finance, project management, or any field where data interpretation is key, this course will provide you with practical tools and techniques to enhance your capabilities. While the course focuses on Excel 2013, most of the skills learned will be transferable to newer versions of Excel, making it a timeless resource. To get the most out of the course, it is advisable to engage actively with the materials and take advantage of the full-screen mode for video content for an immersive learning experience. In conclusion, investing your time in this course is a step toward mastering a tool that is indispensable in today's data-driven business landscape. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refresh your skills, **Problem Solving with Excel** is a worthwhile addition to your professional development toolkit.

Syllabus

Overview of Excel

In this module, you will learn the basics of Excel navigation and Excel basic functionality. You will learn how to navigate the basic Excel screen including using formulas, subtotals and text formatting. We will provide you an opportunity to perform a problem solving exercise using basic Excel skills. Note: We recommend viewing videos in full-screen mode by clicking the double arrow in the lower right hand corner of your screen.

In this module you will learn about VLookup, value cleansing and text functions. We will also introduce you to PwC's perspective on the value in cleansing data and using the appropriate functions. Finally, we will provide you an opportunity to perform a problem solving exercise using VLookup, value cleansing and text function. Note: We recommend viewing videos in full-screen mode by clicking the double arrow in the lower right hand corner of your screen.

In this module, you will learn about logical functions and pivot tables. We will show you how to create and use pivot tables to solve business problems. We will give you an opportunity to practice creating and using a pivot table to solve a business problem. Finally, we will share some insight on PwC’s perspectives on the impact of Excel on your career and work. Note: We recommend viewing videos in full-screen mode by clicking the double arrow in the lower right hand corner of your screen.

In this module you will learn more advanced Excel formulas. We will show you how to create statistical formulas, perform an index match, and lastly, build financial formulas. We will provide you with an opportunity to problem solve using statistical formulas. Finally, we will give you an opportunity to practice what you have learned through a final project. Note: We recommend viewing videos in full-screen mode by clicking the double arrow in the lower right hand corner of your screen.