IT in Business: Spreadsheets

Course description

Along with word processing packages, the most widely used software application is the spreadsheet. This is a mandatory Unit within the HNC/HND Administration & Information Technology course, but is also included within other HN Group Awards and can be taken as a stand-alone Unit. It is designed to allow candidates to develop an understanding of spreadsheet design and how to use spreadsheet features and functions for practical and effective use. It is also relevant to those hoping to develop their knowledge of spreadsheets as a tool to help provide solutions to common business problems. On successful completion, candidates should be able to: Create a spreadsheet design to provide solutions for a business scenario Present spreadsheet data in graphical form and interpret the results Provide solutions to a business scenario using spreadsheet statistical functions This Unit will introduce different uses of spreadsheets, ranging from creating financial reports to handling lists of data and preparing charts to provide solutions to common business problems. It will develop your critical thinking skills, meaning you will be able to judge the appropriate spreadsheet formulas and functions for the presentation and summary of data. There are three outcomes. Outcome 1 concentrates on spreadsheet design and creation. You will create relevant single or multiple spreadsheet files and consolidate the data within related worksheets to provide summary information for a business problem. Outcome 2 develops skills for the graphical representation of data. You will use charting and enhancement features to identify and describe patterns, direction of tendency and exceptions as you draw conclusions based on a common business problem. Outcome 3 develops the use of spreadsheet statistical functions for the numerical summary of data to aid decision-making. You should use frequency distribution tables and statistical functions to summarise information and then draw conclusions based on a common business problem. Evidence for this Unit is generated through 3 assessments undertaken using open book controlled conditions. Your Tutor will mark your all your certified assessments. Any re-submissions, known as remediation, will also be directed and remarked by your tutor. Your work will then be cross-marked by an in college subject expert, a process called moderation. It is only then that a result can be sent to the Awarding Body for certification. A pass is not final until all cross-checking procedures have been successfully completed. Your pass will be notified to the SQA for certification. Assessments are booked through the BCD team.