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7 tools every Excel user must know

business analytics using Excel

7 tools every Excel user must know

7 tools every Excel user must know were selected and presented by experts to help you get more out of excel.  7 tools which are set to improve your productivity and make you love excel more and more.

1. Slicers

Being able to quickly drill down into data is critical when analyzing. Instead of applying filters manually, add slicers to the data by navigating to the Insert tab > Slicers > select what you want to filter the data by and hit OK. Now just click any button to filter!

2. Power Query

Importing data into Excel never is as easy as it seems. Luckily, Power Query is here to fix that. Power Query imports data from various sources into Excel. So instead of copying data from the web, go to Data > From Web > enter URL > select the table and hit load.

3. Data types

Say goodbye to google searching and hello to data types. Data types pull in real-time data directly into your workbook. To create data types, select the data > Data tab > Select the data category. Now, you can select the data attributes you want to pull into Excel.

4. Named Ranges

Naming data will not only make your life easier when writing formulas but also make your formulas easier to understand. To name data, select the data > press CTRL SHIFT F3 > check where the headers are and press OK. Now you can reference the data by its name!

5. Custom Lists

If you enter recurring lists repeatedly, this one’s for you. You can create a custom list that Excel will recognize and autofill for you. Go to File > Options > Advanced > Edit Custom Lists > Import List > OK. Now, enter any value and fill with the fill handle.

7. Sparklines

Stay on top of (Excel) trends with sparklines. A sparkline is a mini line chart that visually represents data trends. To insert them, press ALT N SL > select the data range you want to visualize and hit okay. Lastly, fill the sparklines down using the fill handle.

10 must know Excel shortcuts

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Jobs where Excel skills will pay you handsomely

business analytics using Excel

Jobs where Excel skills will pay you handsomely

Jobs where Excel skills will pay you handsomely are probably the main reason why you should master Excel. The basic spreadsheet may hold the secret to the profession you want, whether you are currently an Excel pro or still have a ways to go. The demand for basic computer abilities in middle-skill professions has significantly increased over the past two years, according to 27 million job advertisements on various recruitment portals. This includes desirable skills for employers like word processing and of course, mastery of spreadsheets.

According to a survey by Capital One and Burning Glass Technologies, having these abilities is not only necessary for the vast majority (82%) of middle-skill professions, but it also opens the door for people without university degrees to high-paying careers.

Excel’s interface may appear straightforward and familiar to everyone, but behind are strength and sophistication that, 30 years after its introduction, are still unsurpassed. Because of this, anyone who wishes to advance in their career should have solid Excel skills. In fact, a sizable percentage of occupations require Excel, according to thousands of job advertisements. This extensive selection may contain the ideal option for you:

Accountants and auditors

These people may have been in mind when Excel was created, with the traditional accounting ledger serving as the basis for spreadsheets. To keep businesses profitable, these experts produce and carefully examine cash flows, income statements, balance sheets, and tax reports. Without a college degree, getting this job would be next to impossible, but having solid Excel accounting abilities and certifications can put you in a better position for leadership positions and promotions.

Administrative assistants, office clerks, information staff

Business operations are facilitated by administrative assistants, who include secretaries and other general office clerks. They set up appointments, handle records, arrange paperwork, create reports, and assist workers, clients, and guests. They frequently use spreadsheet programs like Excel and word processing applications.

Business, management, and market analysts

Business analysts can use a potent Excel function called PowerPivot to extract more insightful information from vast amounts of data and this tool was made specifically for them. These experts support their firms’ strategic business decisions, particularly when it comes to market trends, competitive environments, and long-term profitability. To develop projections, identify strengths, weaknesses, and other patterns, they examine both historical and current data.

Cost estimators

Cost estimators are the best resource for getting the most value for your money. To provide precise estimates of the sum of money, time, and labor needed for a particular project, cost estimators frequently collaborate with project managers and engineers. Excel is used to input all necessary information and perform automatic computations for benchmark amounts.

Educators, teaching assistants, and teachers

In addition to their subject-specific expertise, educators must be adept in planning their classes, monitoring student attendance, and creating lesson plans. The majority of teachers can complete these activities using Excel’s features and support system, making them proficient users of general spreadsheets. Excel is a very important tool for many teachers in their assignments as well as graduate and postgraduate research, in addition to helping them keep track of their students’ contact information.

Financial analysts, investment bankers, and loan officers

Excel is a favored app among financial analysts, bankers, and other money-focused professionals because of its grasp of money.

Financial analysts assist people and businesses in making wise loan or investment decisions. Although they employ a plethora of financial software, spreadsheets are among the most effective tools for analyzing various financial data sets. Excel has therefore become a requirement for this position.

Market research analysts and digital marketers

Data science is at the centre of hard core marketing. Professional market researchers rely on their abilities at acquiring, processing, and analyzing field data, drawing on both creative and analytical thinking. These employees rely on Excel spreadsheets to compile and analyze their research. To reach and convert audiences, marketers look for new market opportunities and employ a variety of tactics, including search engine optimization (SEO). To persuade executives of the effectiveness and return on investment of suggested initiatives, they also employ charts, graphs, and other data visualizations.

Project managers, project coordinators, and construction managers

Project managers can be found in a variety of industries, with the construction and IT sectors dominating. They organize, coordinate, and oversee the creation of software or the construction of various structures. They establish standards, allocate responsibilities to workers, control expenses, and zealously maintain timeliness and budget compliance. Microsoft Excel is one of the main tools they regularly utilize, even if they frequently employ specialist software, to handle a variety of jobs quickly.

Sales, marketing, training and administrative managers

Given that both sales and marketing are referred to as “numbers games,” it is evident that they incorporate numbers. Spreadsheet software follows numbers wherever they go. While planning, scheduling, and organizing various tasks and resources, frequently with associated budgets and timestamps, are necessary for administration and training. Excel naturally helps make sense of everything when time and money are important. Managers rely on Excel to carry out their primary duties, which range from market research and inventory management to financial modeling and data analysis.

The list is not exhaustive but a good illustration of why everyone needs to learn Excel.

10 must know Excel shortcuts

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Microsoft Excel Data Analysis Training Course

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10 Excel shortcuts you must know

Microsoft Excel Training Courses

10 Excel shortcuts you must know

1. CTRL E

CTRL E makes complicated tasks easier than ever, thanks to Flash Fill. Flash Fill automatically fills data down a column based on detected patterns. Just enter how you want the data to appear, hit CTRL E, and Excel will fill the pattern down the column in a flash.

2. ALT =

Let Excel do the math for you with this shortcut! ALT = detects data in adjacent cells and automatically sums it using the SUM function. Just select an empty cell adjacent to the data that needs to be added and press ALT =.

3. ALT H O I

If you are unable to see your data, ALT H O I is here to help! Press ALT H O I to automatically adjust the column widths to fit the size of your data.

4. ALT ↓

If you are entering repetitive data in Excel, ALT ↓ is a must-know shortcut. The Alt ↓ shortcut displays a dropdown list of all values previously entered in the column. Now, you can simply select any value, which will automatically be entered into the active cell!

5. CTRL `

When cranking out formulas in Excel, checking each one individually in the formula bar can be tedious. Instead, try the CTRL ` shortcut! CTRL ` toggles between displaying the cells’ formulas and values in the active worksheet.

6. CTRL ENTER

Dragging formulas down columns and then again across rows can be a drag. Say goodbye to the fill handle and hello to CTRL ENTER! CTRL ENTER fills the active cell’s contents into selected cells. Note: The active cell has to be in editing mode for this to work.

7. CTRL T

Start getting into the routine of using Tables with CTRL T. CTRL T converts data to an Excel Table. Tables are a powerful tool that clean up formatting, auto-fill formulas down columns, automatically expand and update linked charts when new rows are added, and more!

8. ALT F1

If you are spending too much time creating charts to visualize data, meet ALT F1. These two magical keys automatically create a bar chart using the selected data and insert it right into the active worksheet!

9. ALT W VG

Are you team gridlines or no gridlines? If you’re team no gridlines, this ones for you. The ALT W VG shortcut removes all gridlines from the active worksheet.

10. CTRL SHIFT L

Last but not least, CTRL SHIFT L. CTRL SHIFT L makes analyzing large data sets a little easier by adding the Sort & Filter toggles to the top row of the data set, so you can quickly sort and filter data.

Like these shortcuts and want more? You can learn much more about Excel shortcuts and tricks by attending our training courses.

Microsoft Excel Data Analysis Training Course

Advanced Microsoft Excel Training Course

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15 George Silundika Avenue,
Harare, Harare 263
Zimbabwe
Phone: 0719397464

Why you should learn VBA

VBA

Why you should learn VBA

Why you should learn VBA explained in simple terms

VBA stands for Visual Basic for Applications (Microsoft). I’m aware that this seems dull and technical.
But the main focus of VBA is automating Excel’s operations. I’ll clarify what it implies. For instance, you may use VBA to configure Excel to automatically copy and paste any desired content when you cut and paste. That’s fantastic. But the length of time it takes is truly fantastic.
VBA does not require “human” time to do tasks. Computer time—which is only a few seconds—is required. So if you typically spend an hour each month copying and pasting updates to a report…
You can do it quickly if you know how to use VBA. And it goes beyond just copying and pasting. You may ask Excel to perform intricate research, generate a Profit and Loss Statement, or even construct a whole PowerPoint slide show!
Automation is the process of using VBA to automate Excel
The industrial revolution was caused by automation… because technological advancements allowed for far higher production from firms.
Anyway, after you’ve saved time, you’re free to use it for worthwhile endeavours. Do a two-hour work lunch, browse your Instagram feed, or perhaps do what I did and take additional actions that can advance your career.
One of VBA’s main advantages is that. Making time for yourself, not just preserving it.
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10 principles of data-driven companies

Data-driven company

10 principles of data-driven companies

10 principles of data-driven companies presented to you by Data Analysis Training Course and Advisory Services Zimbabwe. Data and analytics are essential to objective, informed decision making. With the right practices in place, companies are able to harness the power of data to provide better service to their customers, optimize their supply chains and understand the effectiveness of their marketing efforts.

Though the benefits of using the right data in just the right ways are obvious, many companies don’t have the right principles in place. The result? Up to 70% of projects don’t come to fruition.

Use these 10 guiding principles to optimize your org to be truly data driven.

1. Answer what, why and where.

Often, organizations will collect a ton of data without considering why—resulting in too much information to make sense of. Spend time at the outset figuring out what answers you’re looking for, why, and what you’ll do with those answers when you get them.

Next, figure out where the answers will come from. The monthly dashboard or spreadsheet you use to find answers is likely riddled with underlying manipulation and transformation, as data analysts manually create spreadsheets every month using data queried from a database where they’ve applied several layers of business logic, and that has been enriched with third-party information.

2. Understand data gaps and quality issues.

When gaps or quality issues are uncovered, data-driven organizations take the time to rationalize the problem. This can mean going back to your systems and enforcing more rigid requirements on data entry, or building a new system to capture the desired data. It can also mean more clearly defining the transformation and rationalization steps that need to happen with data before it becomes intelligence.

3. Define roles and ownership.

Once the components are in place to understand what to measure and why, where the information comes from, how its captured and what you need to do to it, it’s time for the who. Modern analytics strategies in particular tend to originate from the business side, meaning that IT is often forced to manage a solution they had no say in. A lack of roles and ownership results in scenarios where projects never get sign off and the infrastructure doesn’t get managed.

Once you’ve figured out the who, you’re primed to execute on your data initiatives.

4. Visualisation best-practices matter.

This is the fun part! Choosing the right display to present and explain data is critical to ensuring that the data gathered is met with understanding and utility. Start with an understanding of which chart best represents how the data should be interpreted. If you’re trying to measure a single measure comparatively, for example, consider a bar chart. A scatterplot is perfect for multiple measures and a line chart works great for time-based analysis.

A single dashboard can have more impact by tending to core design elements like layout, color, typography and size, and is how data visualization goes from “good” to “great”. Some tips:

• Don’t overuse color. It should be used purposefully with mindfulness about the absence of color to ensure the data gets seen.

• Font selection and what words get chosen as companions to the dashboard should have equal importance.

• Keeping size in mind ensures that content gets used.

• Avoid design that is over-the-top and chaotic.

5. Share stories

Stories are memorable. They inspire. They communicate the journey and reason behind analysis, and help create empathy and attachment to the outcome. Sharing data stories can become a natural template to inspire new analytics projects, and enhance overall communication and collaboration between different workgroups and silos.

One great way to get started sharing stories is to start a monthly analytics meeting. You could also send out newsletters or hijack a town hall to give a quick update on your analytics projects.

6. Leave them wanting more

Analytics done right leaves the audience wanting more. “More” can mean a lot of things—and it’s all about future initiatives or enhancements to analytics projects. Focus on these three keys:

1. Delivering more insights

Good analytics starts by answering questions and begs for more insights to be found: more     precise questions, more granular details of a subject area and gathering insights for new     subject areas.

2. Deeper questions

Instead of monitoring and measuring segregated subject areas, you should start to find     relationships among them. Deeper questions are also those that veer into the world of data     science, where the conversation shifts from “What happened?” to “What IF this happens?”

3. Enriched data

This means trying to fill in those data gaps identified earlier.

7. Focus on iteration

It can be easy to get overwhelmed by the notion that everything needs to be built and perfected on the first go. Data-driven organizations know that data analytics is iterative. That means it’s a process that can and should be repeated. Focus on starting with and connecting the business understanding, layering in the data understanding, taking time to prepare the data and associated analysis, then evaluating the results and deploying. Along this path, it’s not uncommon to go back, start over or repeat the cycle a few times before something is finalized.

8. Measure utilisation and adoption

Measurement is the key to understanding user behaviors, from consumption to creation. It’s also key to being able to plan for the delivery of the “more”, and is your first line of defense for knowing how you’ll need to scale. The three recommended subject areas to focus on are: user engagement, utilization and performance.

9. Build champions

Champions are known for their leadership and evangelism, which means they’re able to amplify the voice of analytics. They understand the mission and the goal—using data to drive decisions. They know that weaving data and facts into strategy is the competitive edge your organization needs to thrive. They’re key to promoting utilisation, adoption and awareness around analytics initiatives.

Once you’ve identified potential champions, continuously work to get them more connected to analytics projects and more involved in the strategy.

10. Celebrate victories

Data and analytics are a journey! You can learn more about how to make it a smooth one in our expert-led data analysis training sessions available on demand.

Microsoft Excel Data Analysis Training Course

Advanced Statistical Analysis Using SPSS Training Course

SPSS Data Analysis Training Course

8th Floor ZB Chambers
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Harare, Harare 263
Zimbabwe
Phone: 0719397464