Incorporating Powerful Excel Tools into Finance Teaching

Journal of Financial Education, Vol. 40, No. 3 & 4, Fall/Winter 2014, pp. 87-113.

28 Pages Posted: 24 May 2015

Date Written: 2014

Abstract

Data Table, Charts, Scenario Manager, Goal Seek, and Solver are powerful Excel tools in solving financial problems. Incorporating these tools into finance teaching can help students understand finance concepts intuitively, and bridge the gap between financial theories and real-world applications. The learning goals defined for an Excel-integrated finance course have all been achieved. Students who took this course are more confident on their Excel skills and financial knowledge. This paper demonstrates how to effectively use Excel tools to teach key finance concepts, such as financial statement analysis, time value of money, stock and bond valuation, capital budgeting, portfolio theory, and financial derivatives. To prepare business students with Excel skills needed in the job market, business schools should promote to integrate Excel into other business core and major courses when appropriate.

Keywords: Excel Skills; Data Table; Goal Seek; Data Table; Business Courses

JEL Classification: A22; I22; I23

Suggested Citation

Zhang, Chengping, Incorporating Powerful Excel Tools into Finance Teaching (2014). Journal of Financial Education, Vol. 40, No. 3 & 4, Fall/Winter 2014, pp. 87-113., Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2609606

Chengping Zhang (Contact Author)

George Fox University ( email )

414 N. Meridian Street
Newberg, OR 97132
United States

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