1. Students have LOTS of latitude in this assignment. Students may build an analysis too similar in
content and/or format to the ‘Buggy Supplies ‘R Us’ example below, or build an analysis tool for
any business opportunity using their own content and format..
2. The analysis tool must accommodate AT LEAST 6 revenue streams and AT LEAST 6 types of
expenses. Some of the revenue streams and some of the expenses must allow for the input of
two variables. (e.g., quantity sold * selling price –or- number of employees * annual rate)
3. Provide subtotals for each logical block of information
4. Format the analysis so there is a nice flow to it and it is easy to comprehend. Use grid lines and
color to clarify and emphasize.
5. Provide a ‘BOTTOM LINE’ block that summarizes the projections of all anticipated revenues and
expenses
6. Be sure to validate the accuracy of ALL calculated values!
7. In a cell adjacent to ‘the bottom line’ section, develop an ‘IF’ statement that displays an
appropriate message if the analysis calculates to a net loss
8. Finishing touches –and suggestions
a. Ensure consistency in the presence (or absence) of ‘cents’
b. Ensure consistency in the use (or non-use) of the ‘ sign in cells depicting currency
c. Suggestion: Avoid the use of dark background colors as they will obscure the text in
those cells when printed
d. Since this is a financial analysis tool, it is best to avoid the use of red as an accent color
as red has meaning in the accounting world
9. Optional: Add a graph to visually depict any important aspect of the analysis
10. Ensure the spreadsheet is formatted to print nicely… (There is no need to actually print the
spreadsheet. Use ‘print preview’ to confirm the print formatting is acceptable.)
11. Once done… …take time to enjoy the POWERFUL tool you just created. Go ahead, change
ANY variable in the tool –and watch as the change is automatically reflected throughout the
tool. Way cool. Way, WAY cool!
