BIS 155 Advanced PC Applications (Devry)
Week 1-8 Discussion Questions
Week 1
Getting Familiar with Excel (Graded)
Excel was introduced in 1985. Since then, it has become a standard business tool. In this thread, discuss the different features of Excel that make it a valuable business tool. In addition, discuss why Excel skills are so important in todays job market
Week 2
Formulas and Functions (Graded)
One of the benefits of Excel is the ability to use formulas and functions. Discuss the differences between formulas and functions. Pick a function in Excel and discuss how that function is used to calculate results in your worksheets. Using the following scenarios, discuss how you would apply the Excel functions or create a formula to solve the scenario.
You wish to calculate the commission on sales. The commission is 6% on all sales that are at least 20% above cost.
You wish to calculate the total pay for an employee who receives regular time for 40 hours, time and a half for 40-50 hours, and double time for hours over 50.
You have a list of contracts and due dates for annual maintenance fees. You wish to determine when you have a contract due in the next 45 days and provide a note that warns you that the payment is due.
Please feel free to add other, unique mathematical challenge questions to the discussion, and let us work together to figure out how you might calculate it.
Week 3
Data Analysis (Graded)
Excel provides many different ways in which to analyze data. Discuss the different methods by which you can analyze data in your spreadsheet. Assume the role of a Regional Manager for a retail organization looking at ways to analyze the large amounts of sales data you have. What are some of the ways Excel can be used to analyze this data? What are some examples of reports you might want to review? Using the concepts from this week, how will you determine where to start and what tools can you use within Excel to help you organize everything and make decisions?
Week 4
Excel Data Exchange (Graded)
Excel 2010 provides the capability to exchange data with other applications. Discuss the different types of ways to exchange data between Excel and other Microsoft applications. Are there limitations to the exchange process? How can you exchange data with other applications that are not part of the Microsoft Office Suite? Discuss how you would exchange data with external data sources such as websites.
Week 5
Data Consolidation and What-if Analysis (Graded)
Discuss and compare the data consolidation and What-If analysis Excel tools. Under what circumstances would you use each of these tools? Do they both serve the same purpose, or is each one used under different scenarios? Give examples of how each can be used.
Week 6
Bringing It AllTogether (Graded)
This week will be an opportunityto share ideas and approaches to the Excel course project. What are some spread sheet features you will use to make your spreadsheet professional, readable, reliable, andrepeatable? Which spreadsheet functions and data analysis types do you think will be the most challenging to implementin this project? What questions do you have about those functions and types of data analysis
Week 7
Database Decisions (Graded)
Discuss the differences between storing data in Access and Excel.Why would you use a spreadsheet over a database? At what point does it become more efficient to store your data in a database rather than a spreadsheet? If you are deciding whether to use a spreadsheet or database, what questions should you consider?
Week 8
Looking Ahead (Not – Graded)
Class,looking back over the Terminal Cours eObjectives for this course, what are you looking forward to learning more about throughout your education and career?