Building Mathematical Models in Excel


Book Description

This book is for agriculturists, many of whom are either novices or non-computer programmers, about how they can build their mathematical models in Microsoft Excel. Of all modeling platforms, spreadsheets like Excel require the least proficiency in computer programming. This book introduces an Excel add-in called BuildIt (available for free as download) that shields users from having to use Excel's VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) programming language and yet allows agriculturists to build simple to large complex models without having to learn complicated computer programming techniques or to use sophisticated Excel techniques. This book first discusses how BuildIt works and how it is used to build models. Examples range from the simple to progressively more complex mathematical models. Ultimately, readers are taught how to build a generic crop growth model from its five core components: meteorology, canopy photosynthesis, energy balance, soil water, and crop growth development. Ultimately, agriculturists will be able to build their own mathematical models in Excel and concentrate more on the science and mathematics of their modeling work rather than being distracted by the intricacies of computer programming.




Mathematical Modeling with Excel


Book Description

This text presents a wide variety of common types of models found in other mathematical modeling texts, as well as some new types. However, the models are presented in a very unique format. A typical section begins with a general description of the scenario being modeled. The model is then built using the appropriate mathematical tools. Then it is implemented and analyzed in Excel via step-by-step instructions. In the exercises, we ask students to modify or refine the existing model, analyze it further, or adapt it to similar scenarios.




Optimization Modeling with Spreadsheets


Book Description

Reflects the latest applied research and features state-of-the-art software for building and solving spreadsheet optimization models Thoroughly updated to reflect the latest topical and technical advances in the field, Optimization Modeling with Spreadsheets, Second Edition continues to focus on solving real-world optimization problems through the creation of mathematical models and the use of spreadsheets to represent and analyze those models. Developed and extensively classroom-tested by the author, the book features a systematic approach that equips readers with the skills to apply optimization tools effectively without the need to rely on specialized algorithms. This new edition uses the powerful software package Risk Solver Platform (RSP) for optimization, including its Evolutionary Solver, which employs many recently developed ideas for heuristic programming. The author provides expanded coverage of integer programming and discusses linear and nonlinear programming using a systematic approach that emphasizes the use of spreadsheet-based optimization tools. The Second Edition also features: Classifications for the various problem types, providing the reader with a broad framework for building and recognizing optimization models Network models that allow for a more general form of mass balance A systematic introduction to Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) The identification of qualitative patterns in order to meaningfully interpret linear programming solutions An introduction to stochastic programming and the use of RSP to solve problems of this type Additional examples, exercises, and cases have been included throughout, allowing readers to test their comprehension of the material. In addition, a related website features Microsoft Office® Excel files to accompany the figures and data sets in the book. With its accessible and comprehensive presentation, Optimization Modeling with Spreadsheets, Second Edition is an excellent book for courses on deterministic models, optimization, and spreadsheet modeling at the upper-undergraduate and graduate levels. The book can also serve as a reference for researchers, practitioners, and consultants working in business, engineering, operations research, and management science.




Regression Analysis


Book Description

The technique of regression analysis is used so often in business and economics today that an understanding of its use is necessary for almost everyone engaged in the field. This book will teach you the essential elements of building and understanding regression models in a business/economic context in an intuitive manner. The authors take a non-theoretical treatment that is accessible even if you have a limited statistical background. It is specifically designed to teach the correct use of regression, while advising you of its limitations and teaching about common pitfalls. This book describes exactly how regression models are developed and evaluated —where real data is used, instead of contrived textbook-like problems. Completing this book will allow you to understand and build basic business/economic models using regression analysis. You will be able to interpret the output of those models and you will be able to evaluate the models for accuracy and shortcomings. Even if you never build a model yourself, at some point in your career it is likely that you will find it necessary to interpret one; this book will make that possible. Included are instructions for using Microsoft Excel to build business/economic models using regression analysis with an appendix using screen shots and step-by-step instructions.




Principles of Financial Modelling


Book Description

The comprehensive, broadly-applicable, real-world guide to financial modelling Principles of Financial Modelling – Model Design and Best Practices Using Excel and VBAcovers the full spectrum of financial modelling tools and techniques in order to provide practical skills that are grounded in real-world applications. Based on rigorously-tested materials created for consulting projects and for training courses, this book demonstrates how to plan, design and build financial models that are flexible, robust, transparent, and highly applicable to a wide range of planning, forecasting and decision-support contexts. This book integrates theory and practice to provide a high-value resource for anyone wanting to gain a practical understanding of this complex and nuanced topic. Highlights of its content include extensive coverage of: Model design and best practices, including the optimisation of data structures and layout, maximising transparency, balancing complexity with flexibility, dealing with circularity, model audit and error-checking Sensitivity and scenario analysis, simulation, and optimisation Data manipulation and analysis The use and choice of Excel functions and functionality, including advanced functions and those from all categories, as well as of VBA and its key areas of application within financial modelling The companion website provides approximately 235 Excel files (screen-clips of most of which are shown in the text), which demonstrate key principles in modelling, as well as providing many examples of the use of Excel functions and VBA macros. These facilitate learning and have a strong emphasis on practical solutions and direct real-world application. For practical instruction, robust technique and clear presentation, Principles of Financial Modelling is the premier guide to real-world financial modelling from the ground up. It provides clear instruction applicable across sectors, settings and countries, and is presented in a well-structured and highly-developed format that is accessible to people with different backgrounds.




Microsoft Excel 2013


Book Description

Transform your skills, data, and business and create your own BI solutions using software you already know and love: Microsoft Excel. Two business intelligence (BI) experts take you inside PowerPivot functionality for Excel® 2013, with a focus on real world scenarios, problem-solving, and data modeling. You'll learn how to quickly turn mass quantities of data into meaningful information and on-the-job results?no programming required!




Mathematical Modeling with Excel


Book Description

This text presents a wide variety of common types of models found in other mathematical modeling texts, as well as some new types. However, the models are presented in a very unique format. A typical section begins with a general description of the scenario being modeled. The model is then built using the appropriate mathematical tools. Then it is implemented and analyzed in Excel via step-by-step instructions. In the exercises, we ask students to modify or refine the existing model, analyze it further, or adapt it to similar scenarios.




Advanced Mathematical Modeling with Technology


Book Description

Mathematical modeling is both a skill and an art and must be practiced in order to maintain and enhance the ability to use those skills. Though the topics covered in this book are the typical topics of most mathematical modeling courses, this book is best used for individuals or groups who have already taken an introductory mathematical modeling course. This book will be of interest to instructors and students offering courses focused on discrete modeling or modeling for decision making.




A Step by Step Approach to the Modeling of Chemical Engineering Processes


Book Description

This book treats modeling and simulation in a simple way, that builds on the existing knowledge and intuition of students. They will learn how to build a model and solve it using Excel. Most chemical engineering students feel a shiver down the spine when they see a set of complex mathematical equations generated from the modeling of a chemical engineering system. This is because they usually do not understand how to achieve this mathematical model, or they do not know how to solve the equations system without spending a lot of time and effort. Trying to understand how to generate a set of mathematical equations to represent a physical system (to model) and solve these equations (to simulate) is not a simple task. A model, most of the time, takes into account all phenomena studied during a Chemical Engineering course. In the same way, there is a multitude of numerical methods that can be used to solve the same set of equations generated from the modeling, and many different computational languages can be adopted to implement the numerical methods. As a consequence of this comprehensiveness and combinatorial explosion of possibilities, most books that deal with this subject are very extensive and embracing, making need for a lot of time and effort to go through this subject. It is expected that with this book the chemical engineering student and the future chemical engineer feel motivated to solve different practical problems involving chemical processes, knowing they can do that in an easy and fast way, with no need of expensive software.




Business Statistics for Competitive Advantage with Excel 2007


Book Description

Exceptional managers know that they can create competitive advantages by basing decisions on performance response under alternative scenarios. To create these advantages, managers need to understand how to use statistics to provide information on performance response under alternative scenarios. Statistics are created to make better decisions. Statistics are essential and relevant. Statistics must be easily and quickly produced using widely available software, Excel. Then results must be translated into general business language and illustrated with compelling graphics to make them understandable and usable by decision makers. This book helps students master this process of using statistics to create competitive advantages as decision makers. Statistics are essential, relevant, easy to produce, easy to understand, valuable, and fun, when used to create competitive advantage. The Examples, Assignments, And Cases Used To Illustrate Statistics For Decision Making Come From Business Problems McIntire Corporate Sponsors and Partners, such as Rolls-Royce, Procter & Gamble, and Dell, and the industries that they do business in, provide many realistic examples. The book also features a number of examples of global business problems, including those from important emerging markets in China and India. It is exciting to see how statistics are used to improve decision making in real and important business decisions. This makes it easy to see how statistics can be used to create competitive advantages in similar applications in internships and careers. Learning Is Hands On With Excel and Shortcuts