Excel Forecasting and What-If Analysis

Course Description:

  The Excel Forecasting and What-If Analysis course will train students on how to use tools in Excel (such as Solver, Scenarios, forecasting functions and Data Tables) to build forecasts and complex What-If analysis on their data sets.

Upon completion of the course, users will be able to:

• Use the Quick Analysis Tool
• One-Click Forecasting
• Customizing a Forecast
• Forecasting Functions
• What-If Using Scenarios
• Use Goal Seek
• Use Solver
• Work with large files
• Understand the Excel Data Model

Use the Quick Analysis Tool
Formatting
Charts
Tables
Sparklines

One-Click Forecasting
Use Exponential Smoothing for Forecasting
Trendlines
Seasonality Patterns
Confidence Intervals

Customizing Your Forecast
Forecast Start
Confidence Interval
Seasonality Patterns
Timeline Range
Values Range
Missing Points

Forecasting Functions
Exponential Smoothing
Seasonality
Predicting with Linear Forecast
Use the Confidence Interval Function
Use the Statistics Function to get statistics related to the Forecast

Introduction to What-If Analysis
Overview

What-If Use Scenarios
Creating Scenarios
Changing Cells and the Result Cell
Scenario Manager
Consider Different Variables
Merging Scenarios
Scenario Summary Reports

What-If Use Data Tables
Overview
One-variable Data Tables
Two-Variable Data Tables
Data Table Calculations
Prepare Forecasts and Advanced Business Models

What-If Use Goal Seek
Goal Seek to get to a Desired Result
Set Cell
To Value
By Changing Cell
Goal Seek vs Solver

Solver
Define and Solve a Problem Using Solver
Example of a Solver Evaluation
Define and Solve a Problem
Step through Solver Trial Solutions
Change How Solver Finds Solutions
Save or Load a Problem Model
Solving Methods used by Solver

Solver Examples
Solver for Capital Budgeting
Solver for Financial Planning
Solver to determine Optimal Product Mix
Perform What-If Analysis with the Solver Tool

Large Files and the Excel Data Model
What is the Data Model
Getting External Data
Create and Use Linked Tables
Add existing, unrelated data to a Data Model

Demonstration of Power Pivot

We offer live-instructor group training classes for your team.

Upskill your team from the comfort of your office or online.

Benefits of Group Training Include:

• Experienced Professional Instructor Trains Your Team
• Content Focused On Your Team's Needs
• Convenient Scheduling and Class Setup
• Significant Per/Student Cost Savings
• Online, On-Site and Blended Options Available

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