General information

Unit introduction
Although traditionally associated with financial applications and mathematical calculations, spreadsheet software is very versatile. A spreadsheet can be used to store, manipulate and analyse data and to present it in easy to understand formats, such as charts and graphs. Many people also use spreadsheets in preference to word processing software when creating complex tables. Learners will investigate different ways of using spreadsheets, find examples of real uses and develop the practical skills needed to use spreadsheet software effectively.

Spreadsheets can be used in many different situations, such as finance and engineering and the unit content includes a wide range of spreadsheet features, formulae and functions. In addition, spreadsheet users need to be able to choose from a variety of different ways of presenting and analysing spreadsheet data, including producing graphs and filtering and sorting lists of data. Learners will be able to combine the skills developed to produce a spreadsheet model that is tailor made for the specific needs of the user.

To speed up the use of spreadsheets, shortcuts are often used to enter data or duplicate particular combinations of keystrokes. Learners will be able to create such shortcuts and recognise their potential in improving efficiency.

In the IT industry, documentation is necessary for every application and system so that they can be maintained and adapted over time. It is important that creators of spreadsheets are able to check and if necessary sort out problems with their solutions to ensure that everything works as it should and that it is fit for the intended purpose.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit a learner should:

1 Know what spreadsheets are and how they can be used

2 Be able to develop spreadsheet models

3 Be able to test and document spreadsheet models.