Spreadsheet Methods

NCVA Level 2

This module has been designed to provide extensive practical experience in the use of spreadsheet software in typical business and other activities. It provides the learner with an understanding of fundamental spreadsheet concepts, practical experience in spreadsheet design and implementation and an introduction to the use of macros and additional functions.

Course Content:

Unit 1 Basic Spreadsheet Concepts
Learners should be able to:

identify applications suitable for a spreadsheet
define the following terms: spreadsheet, row, column, cell, label, value, formula
access a spreadsheet package
enter numeric and character data to a spreadsheet
enter formulae to generate results
replicate formulae over a range of cells using relative cell references
save the spreadsheet
make a backup of the spreadsheet within the package
load an existing spreadsheet
insert and delete rows and columns
adjust column width
format column entries (i.e. decimal, currency, alignment)
use the basic functions SUM, AVG
print a specified area of the spreadsheet
exit from a spreadsheet application using proper procedures.

Unit 2 Spreadsheet Design and Implementation
Learners should be able to:

create a design specification for a given spreadsheet application to include:
data input and format
data processing
data output and its format

create a spreadsheet from a design specification
use absolute cell references
use protect/unprotect and hide/display facilities
use title freeze and split screen facilities
use the single condition IF function with relational operators: =, <, <=, >, >=, <>
use a selection of statistical functions
sort a spreadsheet on a selected key
create at least two basic graph types including bar and pie
save graphs to disk
retrieve graphs from disk
print graphs with appropriate titles and labels
print a spreadsheet in whole, in part, with values, with formulae with/without borders

Unit 3 Macros and Additional Functions
Learners should be able to:

use formulae containing both absolute and relative cell references
use multiple IF functions with logical operators AND, OR, NOT
use the LOOKUP function
toggle the recalculation of a spreadsheet
use financial functions - DEPRECIATION and NPV
perform calculations using DATE and TIME functions
create simple macros consisting of at least five commands
execute previously created macros.