Advanced Data Summaries and Analysis

This unit expands foundational Excel skills into advanced data summarization, statistical analysis, forecasting, and optimization. Students will import and transform external data, create and customize PivotTables/PivotCharts, apply statistical and financial functions, and use scenario and solver tools to support data-driven decisions.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze imported and transformed datasets by applying table tools, subtotals, sorting, filtering, and aggregation functions to prepare data for reporting
• Apply PivotTable and PivotChart features—including field layout changes, grouping, custom calculated fields, data model integration, and detail drilling—to create interactive summaries
• Demonstrate proficiency with statistical and financial functions by performing t-tests and z-tests, calculating standard deviations, ranks, moving averages, forecasting trends, present value, and loan payments
• Evaluate alternatives and optimize outcomes using Scenarios, Solver, and external database queries to support decision-making and model-based analysis