About this course

The course focuses on the development and construction of models for use in common business operations. Examples are models for investment, product calculations, budgeting, cost allocation, HR-reporting.

Solid basic skills in Excel are required. Less emphasis is placed on pure Excel training, and more on the practical use of Excel to support everyday life as an economist or a controller, from data collection, processing to presentation

Thorough training is provided in look-up and reference formulas, use of offset() and indirect(), and processing of unstructured data by means of advanced structure of text formulas.

Furthermore, there will be specialization in the use of pivot tables for fast and precise data processing. We consider different types of graphs, and a combination of graphs and linking with dynamic images.

Learning outcome

After completing the course, the student will have the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The student

  • has broad knowledge of the structure of Excel
  • is familiar with advanced methods for data structuring and processing
  • has knowledge of the variety of possibilities in the tool
  • has knowledge of the use of macros

Skills

The student

  • can handle large amounts of data and turn it into understandable and manageable information
  • can create models that can be updated periodically
  • can make good presentations of data
  • can efficiently handle external information into their own Excel models
  • can use formulas effectively - focus on lookup formulas, text and logic

General competence

The student

  • has insight into the process of turning data into information
  • can plan and implement models for use in economic analysis
  • can communicate findings from economic analysis in clear presentations and graphs

  • Learning activities

    The course is taught on campus.

    Students are given practice assignments after each lesson. The practice assignments are practical exercises in what has been taught.,

    Practice classes are offered between lectures. The practice classes are held by teaching assistants and are to help students with the practice assignments.

  • Teaching support

    Teaching assistants will be available for assignment support.

  • Syllabus

    No compulsory textbook, but recommended learning support in Excel for økonomistudenter, Morten Helbæk, Børre Anton Olsen. Universitetsforlaget. Released 2019.

  • Prerequisites

    BUS133 Excel - From Data to Information, BUS134-B Excel in Managerial Accounting or equivalent level. Assumes a good understanding of basic Excel.

  • Assessment method

    3 hour campus exam.

    Written exam Karakterregel: Letter grades Hjelpemiddelkode: C1 All types of calculators, other aids as specified

  • About use of AI

  • Examiner scheme

    External examiner ensures the quality of the syllabus, exam assignments and principles for evaluation and answers.

  • Mandatory activity

    Weekly quizzes. Students must pass a certain percentage of the weekly quizzes. To pass, students must get a certain percentage of the questions correct on the quizzes.

    The quizzes are multiple choice.

  • Teaching hours

    Lectures: 1 double lesson per week.

    In addition to the lectures, we offer practice lessons every week. The number of practice lessons is adjusted to the number of students. The practice lessons will be joint for BUS234 and BUS234F and approximately half will be offered online.

  • Reduction of credits

    5 ECTS overlap with BUS234F.

  • Admission requirements

    Minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway (generell studiekompetanse).