Prerequisites: 90-804, Financial Analysis for Managers. Ability to use standard spreadsheet software, and basic knowledge of accounting and finance. While some business owners who appear on the cover of business magazines claim they make decisions purely on instinct, most managers go through a methodical process of assessing their options. This course offers the participants a series of modeling techniques and frameworks to assist in making and supporting business decisions. The format of the course is to introduce or review financial issues such as valuation, pricing, product and service attribute planning, capital budgeting and forecasting. The next step is to use spreadsheet techniques to build flexible models. The flexibility of the models allows managers to perform sensitivity analysis and quickly evaluate their options. The class sessions will include exercises and implementation of the techniques. Out of class assignments will ask students to evaluate a business situation and make and support their decision based on their analysis. Because of the hands-on nature of the course, many sessions will be held in the computer lab. It is assumed that participants have a general knowledge of finance and accounting as well as a basic knowledge of Excel. The course will cover implementing some of the advanced tools available in Excel.
