Building a Spreadsheet Forecasting Model

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This course explains how to build and operate spreadsheets for forecasting, planning and business models. It’s a practical guide, which takes a step-by-step approach to building, utilising and maintaining models.

£100 +VAT

4 CPD hours

120 days’ access

Use ACPD101 for 10% off any purchase.

Building a Spreadsheet Forecasting Model

£100 +VAT

4 CPD hours 120 days’ access
Use ACPD101 for 10% off any purchase.

Building a Spreadsheet Forecasting Model

This course is not currently available. To find out more, please get in touch.

This course will enable you to

  • Establish the ground rules for building a spreadsheet model, including guiding principles and the core elements
  • Build a model including input data, intermediate calculation and output data
  • Put together an executive summary of your model along with any appendices necessary
  • Use scenario planning and sensitivity analysis to improve your spreadsheet models
  • Apply a range of different techniques to assess the impact of potential changes in inputs or variables
  • Maintain a business model and use it to make decisions

About the course

Modern spreadsheets are very powerful tools, and it is easy to build a forecasting or business model. The problem is that the formulae can quickly become complex, and the structure of the model can get very unwieldy. When building a spreadsheet model, you may be able to navigate it well enough, but if other people have to use it they may find it impenetrable.

This course explains how to build and operate spreadsheets for forecasting, planning and business models. It’s a practical guide, which takes a step-by-step approach to building, utilising and maintaining models.

Contents

The foundations of spreadsheet models

The guiding principles of spreadsheet model building
The importance of spreadsheet forecasting models
The key elements in a spreadsheet model
Structuring your spreadsheet
Structuring your spreadsheet forecasting models
The purpose and scope of the model
Definitions, assumptions, and sources of data
Achieving version control

Building the model

Inputting data into a model
Understanding intermediate calculations
Core models
Executive summaries and model overview
Appendices and user guides explained
Using appendices

Scenario planning and sensitivity analysis

Model uses and what-if analysis
Understanding sensitivity analysis
Explaining scenario planning
Presenting the outputs of the model
The benefits of using sensitivity analysis

Building a spreadsheet model of your business

The key principles of building a business model
Using a business model to inform decision-making
Planning and decision-making
Keeping your spreadsheet models up to date
Maintaining the business model
Four key purposes

How it works

Author

Ross Maynard

Ross Maynard

Ross has worked as a consultant and trainer for over 20 years, specialising in finance processes, management information and performance measurement. He supports organisations to understand their processes; facilitates improvement teams; and supports staff to work together as a team to deliver tangible and sustainable improvements.