Learning Discovery Engagement
AEM 2010 – Spreadsheet Modeling for Management and Economics
For Non-AEM Majors Only
Online Winter Session 2016
Prof. Donna L. Haeger, Ph.D.
340G Warren Hall
dlh266@cornell.edu
Course Rationale
Application: The use of spreadsheet modeling and data analytics in business is on the rise. Compilation,
organization, use and display of data are paramount for business professionals seeking to make efficient and
expeditious decisions on a daily basis. Interactions with business professionals, Cornell students and alumni
indicate the critical role such skills have in reaching successful career and business goals.
Spreadsheet Modeling: The process of designing and creating a mathematical representation of a business
problem (or set of circumstances) that informs decision makers and serves to cultivate an optimal and informed
decision.
Course Description
This course, while Excel based, will emphasize applied decision making in the business world. This introductory
course is not simply a “how to use Excel” course, rather it covers the theory behind decision making and
applying analytic tools like Excel to various business scenarios. Understanding the value of such skills, this
course will introduce students to methods used to navigate tools and applications, or typical business scenarios
where such capabilities can be leveraged in business.
Students dedicated to success in this course can expect to achieve a basic understanding of intermediate and
advanced methodologies related to many features available in Excel. Students will enjoy a thorough exposure
to real world applications related to leveraging the tool and learn to demonstrate new analytic capabilities in a
business environment.
AEM2010 will help students understand the dynamics of using Excel to solve optimization problems, forecast
future outcomes using assumptions and projections, and evaluate problems that involve uncertainty in order to
inform business strategy and quantitative decision making. Students will also be able to record Macros at the
close of the course.
Course Objectives
 Understand business applications of spreadsheet modeling analysis and decision making
 Efficiently organize and retrieve data and datasets
 Apply logic when making business decisions
 Solve real world business problems using statistical analysis tools
 Apply Excel tools and skills for problem solving and decision making using business scenarios
 Leverage data tables to run scenarios and conduct what if analysis
 Design and utilize effective and efficient data display with charts and tables
 Apply financial impact analysis using loan and investment scenarios
 Expand into more complex decision making using multivariable scenarios
 Record Macros and become familiar with VBA language syntax.
Course Format
In the spirit of learning, discovery and engagement, this course is designed as a collaborative session where
students and teacher learn and evolve together by blending what we know, what we find and what we seek to
understand. The discussion board on the Blackboard (BB) may be used to facilitate communication among
students, teaching assistant and Professor. The course schedule and procedure is outlined on the course
blackboard site and will follow a standard format that students should plan to follow. Application, methodology
and mechanics will be covered throughout. For each module, read the chapter content (levels) covered in the
text. Refer to the tables below for content levels, readings as well as assigned Steps to Success and Case due
dates. Prelim dates are also listed.
The Cengage link on the Blackboard provides starter files needed to complete Steps to Success and Cases. (BB)
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Steps to Success should be completed and submitted after the chapter content has been read. You
should also review any online tutorial content provided in the current module if the concepts are
unclear. Solutions to Steps to Success will be published after due dates. It is the student’s responsibility
to review solutions to determine if any concepts need review in order to pass Prelims.
Cases should be the final activity completed for each chapter module covered. There will be three
Prelims each covering three chapters.
Prelims will open on the Blackboard and students will have one hour to complete and submit the work
for grading.
Course Project will be in the form of an interactive dashboard created using your Excel Skills and other
resources provided in the Project folder on the Blackboard.
Since you have chosen to take the “Bootcamp” version of the course, you will read one chapter (required levels)
each day. You must be vigilant to remain current. Falling behind in this type of hands on course is a recipe for
negative outcomes and a low grade.
The levels covered in the text begin with a high degree of structure and a low degree of complexity. As we move into the
higher levels the structure is reduced and complexity increased, leaving students to apply critical thinking to the exercises.
Preparedness to take AEM 2010
Students are expected to enter this course with basic computing skills using Microsoft Office applications and a
Windows platform. Almost three quarters of businesses are PC based today and so this course will align with
this format to prepare students (even MAC users) for their careers. All work will be submitted in this format.
Navigating Excel tools can be challenging so students must be willing to step out of their comfort zone while
learning to use and apply spreadsheet modeling methods to business decision making. All Prelims are also PC
based.
Students are expected to work on this course every day in order to stay current and proficient in the work.
Repetition is the key to solidifying spreadsheet modeling mechanics. It is acceptable to use the course discussion
board to work collaboratively toward individual success in the course. All work submitted is expected to be
unique and an individual contribution, however. The culture in this course is meant to embody Cornell’s values
of excellence, diversity, inclusion, openness, and engagement.
Textbook and Software
Students must have Microsoft 2013 and be working on a Windows 7 platform. The course uses one book which
provides rich exposure to Excel at three levels of exploration. We will usually cover level’s 1&2 and for Macros
move to level 3. While students like to sell back books, this may be a great one to keep as a reference for future
internships and professional positions.
Succeeding in Business with Microsoft Excel 2013: A Problem Solving Approach, Gross/Akaiwa/Nordquist.
The book can be purchased through the Cornell Bookstore, online at various websites or by using this link below
(be sure to price shop!) Consider buying instead of renting as this book is an excellent desk reference. Your
choice.
This link will take you to an option to buy from our book representative from Cengage, Scott Raynor who indicates a lower
price and free shipping. You can compare this to your other options.
http://www.cengagebrain.com/course/1-1SRM9SB
Managing your grade is your responsibility:
It is a student’s responsibility to manage his or her own grade. Use this document to calculate your grade
(perhaps using Excel) at any time. Rubrics to grade S2S, and Cases have been developed in detail. There will be
no re-grading of work and no negotiation for extra points. You will be given the grade you have earned based on
the rubric.
Students are responsible to submit work on the blackboard on time the duration of the course. For an online
course, this means on a daily basis. There is a late drop box available if you miss a deadline, but remember that
11 points will automatically be deducted from your submission here before it is graded. Regular late
submissions will have an adverse impact on your final grade in the course. Late work is not accepted without
permission from Prof. Haeger and a letter of significant illness or team travel is received. Students must plan
ahead to submit work. If work is not submitted a zero will be entered for the assignment. One submission is
allowed. Please plan ahead if you are sick, have meetings, have interviews etc.
Students should address discrepancies in a grade right away. Check assignments and grades in BB often. If a
grade is blank in BB, then you did not get one and it will lower your average when a zero is entered. If you think
you have a submission sitting in BB that was missed, contact your TA immediately. If you do not have a
submission sitting in BB, then there is simply not a grade. It is your responsibility to submit work and then
confirm the submission has gone through by reentering BB. If you are not familiar with this process, visit the BB
tutorials. Do not email Excel files to Prof. Haeger or your TA. They will not be accepted unless on the Blackboard.
Grading System
 Steps 2 Success
 Cases
 Prelims
 Project
20%
20%
40%
20%
Steps to Success – due daily 1:00 PM
Cases – due daily 5:00 PM
In Excel Workbook format
Demonstrate abilities by application
GRADING SCALE FOR COURSE GRADE:
A+ =
A =
A- =
B+ =
B =
B- =
C+ =
C =
C- =
D+ =
D =
D- =
F =
97-100
93-96
90-92
87-89
83-86
80-82
77-79
73-76
70-72
67-69
63-66
60-62
0-59
Student Responsibilities
 Complete all course requirements by due dates.
 Submit all assignments on time to the correct Blackboard dropbox.
 Complete textbook reading assignments.
 Seek extra help when needed.
 Inform the instructor of any special accommodations required for medical reasons or as outlined in the
Americans with Disabilities ACT (ADA) within two days of semester start.
Professor and TA Responsibilities
 Maintain course objectives, policies, and schedules, as outlined in this course outline
 Inform and discuss with students any changes in the reading and test schedules
 Be available for students for extra help and guidance.
 Make reasonable accommodations for students, as outlined in the Americans with Disabilities ACT (ADA)
Academic Integrity (taken from Dr. van Es who states the spirit of this policy so eloquently)
There is a thin boundary between collaboration, allowed and stimulated, in this class and plagiarism. Remember
that whenever you turn in your work, you are signing it with your name. This certifies that you are the author of
the submitted work and I assume that it is an expression of your original ideas (and effort). Even if you have
discussed your work with others, you should not have copied it or let others copy your work.
Any breach of the academic integrity code listed in the college handbook will be considered grounds for failure in
the course. A primary hearing will be held and a letter put in your record in Student Services.
Students with Disabilities
Pursuant to Cornell University policy and equal access law, students who may need accommodation are
encouraged to register with Student Disability Services to verify their eligibility within the first three weeks of
the semester in order for arrangements to be made that will provide appropriate academic accommodations
required.
Establishing bonds and relationships with my students is very important to me. I consider myself approachable
and hope that you will also. The guidelines presented in class and in this document are a means to create an
equality among all students in terms of course requirements and standards. I cannot make any student an
exception to these rules since this would be an ethical violation as well as a violation of student rights. This
would also compromise my personal standard of being a high integrity educator.
CONTENT COVERED
Chapter 1
APPLIED EXCEL TOOLS
Chapter 2
LARGE DATASETS
Chapter 3
EFFECTIVE DATA DISPLAYS
Chapter 4
APPLYING LOGIC TO DECISIONS
Chapter 5
RETRIEVING DATA
LOOKUP,INDEX,MATCH
Chapter 6
TIME VALUE/LOANS
Amortization Schedules
Chapter 10
AUTOMATING EXCEL - Macros
Chapter 7
ORGANIZING DATA
Pivot Tables
Chapter 8
WHAT IF ANALYSIS
Breakeven and Sensitivity
Chapter 9
Optimization
INDUSTRY & LEVELS
FINANCE Levels 1-3
MANUFACTURING Levels 1-3
MARKETING Levels 1&2
ACCOUNTING Levels 1&2
SALES Levels 1&2
FINANCE
Levels 1&2 (Step 6 Amort. only)
ACCOUNTING
Level 3 - Macros
MARKETING
Levels 1&2
Skip Date and Time section.
MARKETING
Levels 1&2
OPS MANAGEMENT L1&2
The course calendar is on the following page for your convenience.
AEM 2010 Online January 4, 2016 to January 22, 2016
DUE DATES
S2S – Steps to Success are to be submitted to the correct dropbox on Blackboard by 1pm
S2S solutions are open at 1:15pm and can no longer be submitted for credit.
Use the solutions to compare determine what areas might need review.
Cases and Prelims and Project are to be submitted to the correct dropbox on Blackboard by 5pm
All work MUST be submitted via Blackboard
Questions: contact Prof Haeger at dlh266@cornell.edu
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Jan 3
Jan 4
Jan 5
Jan 6
Jan 7
Jan 8
Jan 9
CH 1 S2S
Levels 2&3
CH2 S2S
Levels 1&2
CH2 CASE
CH3 S2S
Levels 1&2
CH3 CASE
Prelim 1
CH 1 CASE
Jan 11
Jan 12
Jan 13
Jan 14
Jan 15
Jan 16
CH5 S2S
Levels 1&2
CH6 S2S
Levels 1&2 #6
CH10 S2S
Level 3
Prelim 2
CH7 S2S
Levels 1&2
Jan 10
CH4 S2S
Levels 1&2
CH4 CASE
Jan 17
Jan 18
CH5 CASE
Jan 19
CH6 CASE
Jan 20
CH10 CASE
Jan 21
Jan 22
CH7 CASE
CH8 S2S
Levels 1&2
CH9 S2S
Levels 1&2
CH9 CASE
Prelim 3
PROJECT DUE
CH8 CASE