Next Generation Excel: Modeling In Excel For Analysts And MBAs (For MS Windows And Mac OS), 2nd Edition

Preface

I have taught people how to utilize Excel for business since 1997. My focus has always been on the applications needed in a business environment.

Because of years of teaching the application’s extensive possibilities, I have found that systematic and hands-on approaches are the most effective.

When you get to the heart of the matter, you will find that the author is speaking to the reader, as I am doing now. This book was voluntarily written in a very informal tone, to keep the learning process as dynamic as it can be in a classroom or workshop setting.

I wanted to create a book that appeals to students, as well as practitioners and instructors. All the techniques in this book have been developed first with the professors and students who attended my classes and workshops. What is in this book is the distillation of the feedback of many years’ teaching. I have learned what people really want to know about Excel. One thing is certain: They don’t want to read long, complicated explanations. They want a simple answer with visual figures or pictures; therefore, this book is filled with short explanations and screen shots. It is organized in a way to help you hit the ground running, and quickly at that!

I have verified the application of this book’s subject matter outside of the classroom—in putting together projects, generating business plans, and other decision-making instances. I have applied the various techniques time after time in a variety of consulting projects. All ...