SPREADSHEET FUNCTIONS/USES (EXCEL)

1. Spreadsheet Applications.
2. What is a spreadsheet application? What traditional accounting tool was a spreadsheet application developed to emulate? What is the most distinguishing feature of a spreadsheet application?

A spreadsheet is a computer application for organizations to analyze and store data in a tabular form. They are developed based on the paper accounting worksheets. The program works when data is entered in the cells of a table. The most distinguishing feature of a spreadsheet is that it calculates a large number of mathematical and statistical operations in fraction of a second with the formulas built in.

 

1. How do spreadsheet applications differ from traditional accounting software applications?

 

1. Spreadsheet applications allow users to modify the application use based on their purpose but in accounting software the functions and applications will be limited to accounting.
2. There are chances of errors that can take place in spreadsheet applications when entering a formula, this error will not take place in accounting software as they are already fixed upon the formulas.
3. Spreadsheets like excel do not offer an audit trail whereas accounting software would.
4. Spreadsheets are more easily accessible than accounting software which is mostly built in the company’s computers.

 

 

1. Describe three key historical milestones in the evolution of spreadsheet applications.

 

1. VisiCalc was the first spreadsheet developed by Apple in 1980s- it combined features of modern spreadsheet applications(“Microsoft Excel’s history – from 1982 until today | Excel Dimensions,” n.d.) .
2. SuperCalc was another one published by Sorcim.
3. MS DOS was one of the biggest achievement before excel was formed, it was Lotus 1-2-3.

 

 

 

2. Microsoft (MS) Excel Basic Functions. Review basic MS Excel basic functions.
3. Hoonuit MS Excel Tutorials.
4. Getting Started

Ms. Excel was developed by Microsft and is a spreadsheet application that allows users to perform various arithmetic and statistical calculations. In this first part we learn to create and save an excel file.

 

1. Work with Data and Data Sets

In this second part, we enter data into data cells using an example, we create data set and autofill data. Simple calculations like addition, substraction, division and multiplication is done. We learn to reference cells, autofill them, format them and cut and paste data.

1. Create Formulas

This is the third part of the training where we learn to create formulas for calculations like autosum, average the numbers in a data set, retrieve a minimum and maximum value of the numbers in a data set. We also learn to create a correlation. We access and search for built in formulas.

 

1. Manage Data and Data sets

This is the fourth part were we trace precedents and dependents. We also sort data and change text to columns. We set up a data validation and learn to insert and delete columns and rows.

 

1. Format your table

This is the fifth part and we learn in this part about merging, labeling, coloring the cells in the spreadsheets/ We learn to change the table format and freeze panes. We create a conditional formatting and insert images and objects in the spreadsheet.

 

1. Work with Sheets

This is the sixth part of the training module, naming and adding sheets and referencing cells in other sheets is taught in this part.

 

1. Work with Charts

We learn in this seventh part of the training how to isnert a chart with the various options provided, editing the chart, changing the type of the chart and data in the chart.

 

1. Share and Secure Data

This is the eighth part of the traing module where we learn to protect the spreadsheet that we have made, we learn how to hide and unhide the columns and rows for safety as wells as better visual understanding. We learn to add comments to the cells and save the file to one drive.

 

1. Import and Export Data

This is the ninth part of the training and we learn to import and export data in different formats like access, text, xml, CVS and pdfs. This part also teaches to print the spreadsheets.

 

 

1. MS Excel. Open Excel and explore functions within the software. Summarize the core structure, components, and capabilities of the application.

The functions of conditional formatting by making sense of data using different shades of colors had made a huge set of data sorted to a simple set of only those required to be seen at that moment. Pivot tables is another function which is greatest for Ms. Excel users. The print optimization option is also one of the best where a selected portion of the spreadsheet can be printed for use. A huge number of fuormulas with an option of creating various ones ourselves is another feature of Excel that is not there in other spreadsheet applications. Features and options like index match and use o filters makes the use to the users unavoidable.

The Basic structure when excel is opened is the options of file, home, insert options, page layout, data, review and view options. The tabs have other various options which can be customized to be seen. The blank checked space is the spreadsheet to work on.

 

 

 

3. Alternatives to MS Excel.

The best alternative to Ms. Excel so far is Google Sheets. The major reasons that it is a best alternative is because:

1. It is free and accessible to all.
2. It has collaboration with Gmail and drive which makes it easier to transmit information on the spreadsheet easily.
3. A history of the changes made on the sheet can be found out.

 

4. Business Uses of Spreadsheets.

For business uses of spreadsheets, they are used widely for calculations, to organize and access data easily at one place. They are used to edit and fix errors made in a large data set. They are used for analyzing data as spreadsheets allow users to sort and filter them easily. Graphical presentation can also be made using spreadsheets which makes it easier to look and interpret big data sets and analyze them and make decisions.

 

References:

 

Hoonuit Online Learning Framework. (2018). Retrieved from https://learnit.hoonuit.com/5516/learnit

 

5 Benefits of Microsoft Excel – Microsoft UK Small and Medium Business Blog. (2018). Retrieved from https://blogs.business.microsoft.com/en-gb/2016/07/08/top-5-benefits-microsoft-excel/

 

Microsoft Excel’s history – from 1982 until today | Excel Dimensions. (n.d.). Retrieved October 4, 2018, from https://www.exceldimensions.com.au/microsoft-excel/microsoft-excels-history-from-1982-until-today/