Project Phase 2 Instructions
Excel Spreadsheet Analytics
Overview
In this phase of the project, you will use Excel to analyze the dataset previously selected and
prepared. The analysis you provide is your choice, however, you should try to demonstrate your
mastery of most of the Excel skills learned this semester. The more analysis you perform here,
the better your exam grades will be. Specifically, you must incorporate the elements described
below.
Detailed Instructions
Verifiability:
1.
Add a comment to your workbook to provide an explanation about some data that resides
in a cell or range of cells.
2.
Create a named range and use it in the analysis below.
3.
Apply Data Validation to a component of your dataset. You are pretending that we may
be changing the data and the data validation is put in place to help ensure any data
changes are to reasonable values. Be sure to include a helpful error alert message.
Analysis:
The results you produce with your analysis do not have to be impressive, reasonable or positive,
but the analysis you choose to implement should be logical given the dataset you have chosen.
4.
Use at least two basic functions such as SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, MAX or COUNT.
5.
Use at least one other mathematical, statistical or text function presented in class or
course materials such as IF, SUMIF, COUNTIF, AVERAGEIF, VLOOKUP, SEARCH,
LEFT, RIGHT, MID or LEN. You can also build your own formula.
6.
Make sure all your functions comply with the Accuracy design goal paying particular
attention to isolating assumptions and the most flexible use of absolute, relative and
mixed cell references.
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Visualization:
7.
Create at least one pivot table that includes at least one calculation and at least one filter.
Applying a filter means that your pivot table will not include all the data from your
spreadsheet. The pivot table should combine your data points into a reasonable number
of groups (25 or less). Name the worksheet containing the pivot table PIVOT. The
hardest part about creating a pivot table is deciding what you’d like the finished pivot
table to show. Remember, pivot tables are great for grouping data together and
calculating a value that represents each group.
8.
Add at least two charts or pivot charts to your workbook. Since your dataset is so large,
be careful to produce a useable chart. For example, a chart with 100 bars is not usable.
You may have to chart a subset of your data, a filtered pivot table, or your summary
calculations instead of the data itself. Save the chart on a separate worksheet. Ensure
that you select the appropriate chart type for the message you are trying to convey. Label
the chart appropriately.
As your final step:
9.
Apply Worksheet Protection so the data zone is editable while the heading and
calculation zones are not. Do NOT use a password when setting up protection.
Upload Files
Follow the steps below to submit your completed Excel spreadsheet file.
A.
In your Internet browser, go to scholar.vt.edu. Please note that Scholar’s dropbox does
not work consistently in Safari or Chrome. Firefox and Internet Explorer are compatible
browsers.
B.
At the top right of the web page, log in using your VT username and password.
C.
Select the 1504Proj2 tab in the maroon bar near the top of the web page. If you do not
see the proper tab, select the My Workspace tab then Membership. Select 1504Proj2 and
continue with the next instruction. Note: the 1504Proj2 tab will not appear in Scholar
until the second week of the semester.
D.
Select Dropbox from the small menu at the left of the web page.
E.
Select the drop-down arrow in the box labeled “Add” near the center of the web page.
F.
Select Upload Files from the pop-up menu.
G.
Click the Browse button.
H.
Locate your solution file. Be sure to check the last modified date to ensure you are
uploading the intended version of your solution file. If the last modified date is not
displayed, select View to Details.
ACIS 1504 – Project Phase 2
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I.
Double-click the solution file to select it.
J.
Do NOT send an email notification to your instructor.
K.
Click the Upload Files Now button.
L.
Logout of Scholar using the link at the top right of the web page.
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