Excel Forecasting and Data Analysis

Who is this course for?

This Microsoft Excel Forecasting & Data Analysis course is aimed at people who want to expand their knowledge into forecasting and more specialised analytical functionality offered by Microsoft Excel.

Learn more about the Excel training spreadsheet.

Prerequisites

Completion of our Excel advanced course or equivalent knowledge.

Benefits

At the end of this course you will understand how you can forecast in Excel using different methods based on seasonal, linear or exponential data. You will be able to calculate forecast errors to update your forecast model to assure more accurate forecasts. You will able to do trend analysis, break-even analysis, calculate correlation coefficient and creating statistical analysis using Excel's analysis toolpak.
You will also be able to clearly visualise trends and forecasts in Excel charts.

This course is a part of a wider portfolio of our Excel software training courses.

Plan a forecast Model

Which data can be forecasted?
Set up the source data the right way to get an efficient model
Decide which method is the right for your data or should I use more methods?
How can I measure the accuracy of the forecast?
Which measurement method is the best for my data?
How can I track that I am using the right forecasting model over time
Maintenance of the forecast models

Forecasting Methods

Linear Regression
Forecast Function
Trend Function
Slope & Intercept Function
Exponential Regression
Growth Function
Exponential Smoothing
Data Analysis Tool Exponential Smoothing
Naïve Forecast
Moving Average
Data Analysis Tool Moving Average
Seasonal Forecasting

Measuring Forecast Accuracy

Forecast Error/Deviation
Forecast Absolute Error/Deviation
Forecast Percentage Error/Deviation
Forecast absolute percentage error/deviation
Square Error
Standard Error
MAD (Mean Absolute Deviation)
MSQ (Mean Square Error)
MPE (Mean Percentage Error)
MAPE (Mean Absolute Percentage Error)
TSE (Tracking Signal Error)

Using the solver to optimise forecasts

Optimise Exponential Smoothing Forecasts
Optimise Weighted Moving Average Forecasts
Optimise Seasonal Forecasts

Trends and forecasting using charts

Chart Types
Trendlines
Equations
R2
Visualise Forecasts & Forecast accuracy

Comparing Forecasting Methods and Models

Accuracy and visualisation

Manipulate Forecasts using What-If Analysis

Scenarios Manager
Goal Seek
Data Tables

Correlation Coefficient

Correl Function
The Data Analysis Tool Correlation
Display Correlation Coefficient in Scatter Chart

Break-Even Analysis

Break-Even Modelling
Calculate Break-Even
Visualise Break-Even
Use Goal Seek to analyse Break-Even

Data Analysis Tools

Descriptive Statistics
Histogram
Regression
Sampling
Rank & Percentile

Face-to-face training

Training is held in our modern, comfortable, air-conditioned suites.

Modern-spec IT, fully networked with internet access

Lunch, breaks and timing

A hot lunch is provided at local restaurants near our venues:

• Bloomsbury
• Limehouse

Courses start at 9:30am.

Please aim to be with us for 9:15am.

Browse the sample menus and view joining information (how to get to our venues).

Refreshments

Available throughout the day:

• Hot beverages
• Clean, filtered water
• Biscuits

Virtual training

Regular breaks throughout the day.

Learning tools

In-course handbook

Contains unit objectives, exercises and space to write notes

Reference material

Available online. 100+ pages with step-by-step instructions

24 months access to Microsoft trainers

Your questions answered on our support forum.