Intermediate level · Module 3 of 6 · 15 guided hours
What-If Analysis and Financial Modelling
Explore decisions with Goal Seek, data tables, scenarios and Solver, and build clear, testable financial models.
Learning objectives
- Use Goal Seek, data tables and scenarios
- Optimise decisions with Solver
- Build structured financial models with sensitivity analysis
Topics
- Goal Seek
- one- and two-variable data tables
- Scenario Manager
- Solver
- model structure: inputs, calculations, outputs
- sensitivity analysis
Lessons
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Lesson 1 Goal Seek, Data Tables and Scenarios
Answer 'what if' questions by changing inputs and seeing results.
Goal Seekone-variable data tabletwo-variable data tableScenario Manager
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Lesson 2 Optimisation with Solver
Find the best decision under constraints with the Solver add-in.
objective celldecision variablesconstraintsfeasibility
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Lesson 3 Building Financial Models
Structure a cash-flow or budget model so it is clear, flexible and checkable, and test its sensitivity.
assumptions sheetcalculation flowcheckssensitivity
Practical activity
Model a shop's pricing decision and a six-month cash flow, test scenarios and find the price that maximises profit within constraints.
Expected outcomes
- Better-informed decisions
- Clear, auditable models
Assessment
Model review against a structure checklist plus correct scenario results.
Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.