In a modern corporation, data reside in numerous places in various formats. To build analytical models for decision support, it is necessary to integrate data from various sources, manipulate, slice, dice, analyze and present those data in a compelling graphical display. This course will focus on how to do this using Excel and Matlab. The course will also cover building solver models for optimization problems, constructing simulation models in Matlab, and coding in VBA (Visual Basic for Applications), which is used extensively in building financial models. Students will learn how to use Excel and Matlab as an aid in analyzing cases and completing homework and projects in other GSB courses. This course has the following objectives.

• Learn to use Matlab. This is an important program used in a number of other GSB courses. In the business world it is used extensively on Wall Street.
• Learn to use Excel. Excel is a key tool used in virtually every business.
• Develop skill in building analytical models to support decision making. This includes optimization models, statistical models, and simulation models.
• Learn how to manipulate, slice, dice, and analyze data that often resides in different locations in a modern corporation.
• Learn VBA (Visual Basic for Applications), a key tool that adds tremendous functionality to Microsoft Excel. This tool is also widely used in business.
• Understand which software tools are most useful in developing a decision support system.

HELP SESSION: Monday night 5:00 - 6:30 PM in Gleacher 300 (Except February 26 when it is in Room 400).

FINAL PROJECT: Please turn in the write-up for your final project either:

• Wednesday, March 14, 3:00 - 4:00 PM HPC Classroom
• Wednesday, March 14, 6:30 - 7:30 PM Gleacher Classroom
• My Mailbox -- HPC 220B