Excel Skills for Business: Intermediate II

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/excel-intermediate-2

Introduction

### Course Review: Excel Skills for Business: Intermediate II on Coursera In today's fast-paced work environment, proficiency in spreadsheet software, particularly Microsoft Excel, is not just an asset—it's a necessity. Coursera's "Excel Skills for Business: Intermediate II" course offers a comprehensive journey into some of the most powerful features Excel has to offer, making it an essential resource for anyone looking to enhance their business skills. #### Course Overview As part of the Excel specialization series, this course delves into intermediate skills that help users build on their foundational knowledge. It emphasizes both practical applications and theoretical understanding, helping learners transform Excel from a set of features into a dynamic tool for data management, analysis, and reporting. Upon successful completion of this course, you'll be equipped to: - Check for and prevent errors in spreadsheets - Implement data validation to ensure accurate data entry - Apply advanced conditional formatting for better data visualization - Utilize conditional logic and automate lookups to streamline data retrieval - Implement robust auditing practices and worksheet protection - Create data models to analyze different scenarios - Record and manage macros to enhance your efficiency #### Detailed Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Data Validation** The course kicks off with data validation and conditional formatting. Learners explore how to create and apply data validation rules to ensure the integrity of data entry. The module also covers both basic and advanced conditional formatting techniques, enabling students to visually highlight data trends and critical values. 2. **Conditional Logic** Diving deeper into Excel's logical functions, this module teaches the fundamentals of conditional logic, guiding students through various logical tests and operations. You’ll master the use of nested IF functions, a vital skill for anyone managing complex datasets. 3. **Automating Lookups** This module introduces powerful functions such as CHOOSE, VLOOKUP, INDEX, and MATCH. You'll learn how to efficiently extract necessary information from various data sources within workbooks—essential for workflows that rely on quick data retrieval. 4. **Formula Auditing and Protection** Worried about errors in your calculations? The course provides a deep dive into formula auditing practices, helping students trace precedents and dependents, resolve circular references, and safeguard their worksheets against unintended changes. 5. **Data Modelling** Data modelling is a crucial skill for analyzing business scenarios. Through tools like Goal Seek, Data Tables, and the Scenario Manager, learners will discover how to model different outcomes based on varied inputs, assumptions, and results. 6. **Recording Macros** Efficiency is key in any business setting. This module introduces the concept of macros, teaching participants not just to create, but also to edit and manage them. By automating repetitive tasks, you can increase productivity significantly—an invaluable skill in today's workplace. 7. **Final Assessment** The course concludes with a final assessment designed to test your understanding and application of all the concepts covered. This comprehensive evaluation ensures that you grasp the material and can confidently apply your skills in real-world scenarios. #### Why I Recommend This Course "Excel Skills for Business: Intermediate II" is highly recommended for anyone seeking to elevate their Excel skills. Here are a few reasons why this course stands out: - **Engaging Content:** The course is designed with a variety of interactive components that keep learners engaged. Real-world examples and practical applications reinforce theoretical concepts. - **Flexible Learning:** As a Coursera course, it allows for flexible scheduling. You can learn at your own pace, making it manageable for those balancing work, study, and personal commitments. - **Expert Instructors:** The course is taught by industry professionals who provide insights and best practices drawn from their extensive experience with Excel in a business context. - **Valuable Credentials:** Completing the course not only enhances your skill set but also bolsters your employability, as you will possess a certificate that showcases your accomplishment. #### Final Thoughts Whether you're a seasoned professional looking to sharpen your skills or a newcomer aiming to make a mark in the business world, "Excel Skills for Business: Intermediate II" provides a robust foundation for mastering one of the most critical tools in today’s workplace. With tools and techniques that can significantly improve productivity and decision-making, this course is an investment in your career that can yield substantial dividends. Enroll today and take a significant step towards becoming an Excel expert!

Syllabus

Data Validation

We kick off this course with data validation and conditional formatting. This module takes you through creating and applying data validation, as well as working with formulas in data validation. This is followed by basic and advanced conditional formatting.

Excel has several logical functions and this module explores some of them. Start by learning the concept of conditional logic in formulas, followed by how to conduct logic tests and use conditional operations, to your benefit. We will also look at nested IF functions to evaluate data.

How do you find information from different parts of a workbook? This module introduces you to functions like CHOOSE, VLOOKUP, INDEX, MATCH and other dynamic lookups to find and display data from several sources.

If you are worried that errors have crept into your worksheet, this module will show you how to check for errors, trace precedents and dependents, resolve circular references, and finally, protect your worksheets and workbooks from further harm.

This module is all about data modelling. Learn to model different scenarios based on input, assumptions and/or outcomes. Also learn the use of functionalities like Goal Seek, Data Tables and the Scenario Manager to make your models more robust.

We all love a bit of automation, and this module teaches you just that. By the time you have completed this module, you will be able to identify the uses of macros, as well as create, edit and manage them to increase your efficiency.