BSB107 Chap.9 Excel Skills for Financial Problems
Excel Skills for Financial Problems
The skill the unit assesses twice
Excel is assessed in both the portfolio and the final exam.
This chapter gathers the unit's chart presentation rules, the basics of references, ranges and formatting, and the portfolio's rules on workbook errors.
Choosing the right tool
Most calculation questions can be solved by naming the unknown first: a future value, an amount now, a payment, a number of periods, a rate, or an input that must hit a target.
That choice leads straight to FV, PV, PMT, NPER, RATE or Goal Seek.
Where to get help
The unit's support page suggests rewatching the lecture and tutorial demonstrations, sometimes several times, while trying each step yourself.
It also points to the Excel-erate how-to videos for QUT business students and to Excel for Business workshops run by the Student Success team, which help with skills, tips and troubleshooting.
Every function and chart convention collected here is used again in Module 2, where workbooks analyse business statements, break-even and investment projects.
What this chapter covers
- 01
Nine rules for chart presentation
- 02
Cell references, ranges and the fill handle
- 03
Absolute references with $ signs
- 04
Number formats, borders and headings
- 05
Error messages, circular references and links
- 06
Choosing the function by the unknown
Worked example · free
Pricing the cost of a careless workbook
- +1Three error messages × 2 marks = 6 marks, below the 10-mark ceiling.
- +1Removed protection costs 5 marks, so 11 marks in total.
- +1Trace and repair each error before submitting, and start again from the original download rather than unprotecting sheets.
Key terms
- Cell reference
- The column letter and row number that identify a cell, such as A1.
- Absolute reference
- A cell reference fixed with $ signs, such as $B$2, so it does not shift when a formula is copied.
- Circular reference
- A formula that refers back to its own cell, directly or indirectly, signalling a fundamental formula problem.
- Goal Seek
- An Excel what-if tool that finds the input needed for a formula to reach a specified output.
- Fill handle
- The small square at a selected cell's corner that copies its formula down or across, adjusting references as it goes.
Excel Skills for Financial Problems FAQ
What must every Excel chart in the portfolio include?
A chart title, titles for both axes and a legend that names each line rather than leaving Series 1. The guidance also asks for real dates on the horizontal axis, sensible axis bounds and a secondary axis when two lines are measured on different scales.
Can I complete the workbook in Google Sheets or Numbers?
No. The task must be completed in Microsoft Excel, because other spreadsheet packages can compromise the integrity of the workbook even when exported as an xlsx file. QUT computers on campus are available if your own device cannot run Excel.
Why do I lose marks for a correct answer?
The marker needs to see clear workings supporting the answer and a presentation that shows you understand it. A correct figure with no workings, or one typed where a formula was required, does not earn the mark.
How do I name and submit the portfolio workbook?
Add your family name before your student number and the unit code, as in Family name, student number, BSB107 A1, and upload the workbook and the video to their separate Canvas submission points. Work through the A1 checklist in the submission point first.
What does a green tick in the workbook mean?
For some questions the workbook shows an indicative mark when your answer looks correct. It is not your final mark: the marker still checks that clear workings support the answer and that your video explanation shows understanding before awarding it.
What happens if I remove sheet protection to make the workbook easier?
The portfolio rules deduct 5 marks when protection has been removed, on the reasoning that in a workplace a protected sheet exists for a reason. The protected areas only stop accidental deletions; you can still type formulas in your workings area.
Exam move
Rebuild one problem from each chapter in a fresh file, applying number formats, borders and chart rules. Anchor rates with dollar signs, never type a value where a formula belongs, and finish by searching for hash-sign errors, circular references and external links, exactly as markers will.
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