Lesson 1Linking and exporting visuals: copying charts as images vs linking to source, exporting tables for Word and PowerPointShare visuals and tables effectively across documents. You'll compare copying charts as static images versus linked objects, export tables for Word and PowerPoint, and select methods that balance quality, file size, and update requirements for Namibian office needs.
Copying charts as static imagesPasting charts linked to the sourceExporting tables to Word documentsUsing Excel content in PowerPointManaging update behavior for linksLesson 2Populating realistic activity data: researching typical office volumes, creating 10+ varied activities, and assigning consistent units and departmentsBuild a realistic sample dataset that mirrors office operations. You'll research typical activity volumes, define at least ten varied activities, assign departments and units consistently, and steer clear of contradictions that could skew later analysis.
Researching realistic office workloadsDefining a catalog of activitiesAssigning departments and ownershipChoosing consistent units and scalesSpot-checking data for realismLesson 3Data validation and formatting: using dropdown lists, number formats, currency, time formats, and conditional formatting for outliersSet up validation and formatting so entries are accurate, uniform, and easy to review. You'll apply dropdown lists, block invalid values, standardise numbers, currency, and time, and flag outliers with conditional formatting rules.
Creating dropdown lists with lists or tablesValidating numbers, dates, and textStandardizing number and currency formatsApplying time and duration formatsConditional formatting for outliersLesson 4Calculating derived metrics: total quantity per activity, total cost per activity, average time per activity, cost per hour, and per-department totalsCreate formulas that turn raw entries into useful metrics. You'll calculate totals and averages per activity, work out cost per hour, and group results by department to aid workload, efficiency, and cost analysis across the workbook.
Total quantity and cost per activityAverage time per activity formulasCalculating cost per hour metricsPer-department totals and subtotalsChecking results for calculation errorsLesson 5Formatting charts for clarity: titles, axis labels, data labels, legends, colour choices, and accessibility considerationsPolish chart formatting so insights stand out clearly and accessibly. You'll tweak titles, axes, labels, legends, and colours, add data labels where useful, and factor in accessibility like contrast and non-colour indicators.
Writing clear, focused chart titlesConfiguring axes and number scalesUsing legends and data labels wiselyChoosing color palettes and contrastDesigning charts for accessibilityLesson 6Using Excel Tables and named ranges: converting ranges to Tables, benefits for formulas and charting, creating and using named rangesMake use of Excel Tables and named ranges to strengthen formulas and visuals. You'll convert ranges to Tables, use structured references, and set named ranges that simplify formulas, charts, and links throughout the workbook.
Converting ranges into Excel TablesUsing structured references in formulasAuto-expanding Tables for new dataCreating and managing named rangesUsing names in charts and summariesLesson 7Formulas for aggregates: SUM, SUMIF, COUNT, COUNTIF, AVERAGE, AVERAGEIF and using structured references with Excel tablesApply key aggregate formulas to examine your dataset. You'll use SUM, SUMIF, COUNT, COUNTIF, AVERAGE, and AVERAGEIF, paired with structured references in Tables to keep calculations clear and adaptable to data shifts.
Using SUM and COUNT on raw dataApplying SUMIF and COUNTIF criteriaAVERAGE and AVERAGEIF for durationsCombining criteria with table fieldsAuditing aggregate formulas for errorsLesson 8Creating charts: constructing column, bar, pie, and combo charts to compare Quantity and Cost; choosing appropriate chart type for the messageDesign charts that convey key findings plainly. You'll construct column, bar, pie, and combo charts to compare quantity and cost, pick chart types to fit the message, and craft visuals that inform decisions without confusion.
Choosing the right chart typeBuilding column and bar chartsCreating pie and donut chartsDesigning combo charts with two axesAvoiding misleading visual choicesLesson 9Designing the Data sheet: required columns (Activity, Department, Quantity, Average Time (hours), Cost (USD)) and optional columns (Date, Activity Type, Priority, Notes)Plan a neat Data sheet layout with essential and optional fields for reliable analysis. You'll arrange column order, data types, and notes so formulas, PivotTables, and charts stay dependable and simple to update.
Choosing required business fieldsAdding optional context columnsPlanning column order and groupingDocumenting field purpose and unitsDesigning for future data growthLesson 10PivotTables for summaries: creating a PivotTable to summarise Quantity and Cost by Activity and Department, grouping and refreshing dataEmploy PivotTables to condense large datasets swiftly. You'll create PivotTables showing quantity and cost by activity and department, use grouping and filters, refresh with new data, and format for clear, repeatable reports.
Creating a PivotTable from the dataArranging rows, columns, and valuesSummarizing quantity and cost fieldsGrouping, filtering, and slicing dataRefreshing and preserving Pivot layouts
