Mastering Data Analytics with Excel

Excel is a powerhouse for modern analytics, bridging the gap between raw data and strategic action. Beyond simple spreadsheets, its true potential lies in complex business modeling, data preparation, and advanced computation. By mastering the Analysis ToolPak, Solver, and dynamic visualizations, users can transform static rows into a responsive platform that uncovers the why behind the numbers.

This book provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap for students and professionals alike. The journey begins with data cleaning and essential functions before diving into sophisticated modeling. You will explore high-level capabilities, including PivotTables, What-If Analysis, and correlation methods. It also bridges the gap into predictive analytics, teaching you how to use regression, time series analysis, and Excel’s Forecast Sheet to anticipate trends and model future scenarios.

By the end of this book, readers will move beyond basic data entry to become proficient analysts capable of solving complex problems. You will be equipped to optimize performance and lead with confidence. This book ensures you do not just use Excel, you harness it to drive the smarter, data-backed decisions that provide a clear competitive advantage in any industry.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
● Essential Excel functions for analysis, including lookups and conditional formulas.
● Techniques for handling dates, times, and large datasets efficiently.
● Creating intuitive dashboards with PivotTables, slicers, and visualizations.
● Using advanced tools such as What-If Analysis, Solver, and the Analysis ToolPak.
● Applying correlation and optimization techniques to real-world problems.
● Turning complex data into actionable insights for strategic planning.
● Forecasting with time series, regression, moving averages, and Excel’s Forecast Sheet.

WHO THIS BOOK IS FOR
This book is for students, professionals, and decision-makers who want to use Excel to turn data into insights. Whether you are new to analytics or looking to sharpen your skills, it offers practical, step-by-step guidance to help you make smarter, data-driven decisions.

1. Data Analytics Overview
2. Data Analysis with Excel
3. Cell and Range Names
4. Importing Data into Excel
5. Data Validation
6. AI in Pattern Recognition
7. Cleaning and Reshaping Data with Text Functions
8. Cleaning Data Containing Date and Time Values
9. LOOKUP, INDEX, and MATCH Functions
10. Counting Functions in Excel
11. SUMIF, AVERAGEIF, SUMIFS, and AVRERAGEIFS
12. Sorting and Filtering Data
13. Time and Date Functions
14. Excel Subtotals
15. Spinner Buttons, Scroll Bars, Option Buttons, and Checkboxes
16. Data Visualization
17. Estimating Demand and Supply Curves
18. Exploring Data with PivotTables and PivotCharts
19. Analysis with PivotTables, Slicers, and Timelines
20. Power Pivot and Data Model
21. Explaining What-If Analysis
22. Optimization with Excel Solver
23. Excel Data Analysis ToolPak
24. Using Correlations to Summarize Relationships
25. Understanding Time Series
26. Using Moving Averages
27. Exploring Regression Data
28. Excel’s Forecast Sheet

For more than 25 years, Dr. Isaac Gottlieb has been teaching Excel workshops to undergraduate, MBA, and Ph.D. students at universities including Columbia, New York University, Rutgers, and many others in the U.S. and abroad. He has also taught courses in data analytics, management science, and statistics for managers always with Excel as the central tool. Over 100,000 students have participated in his workshops and classes.

From 2014 to 2016, Dr. Gottlieb earned Microsoft’s Most Valuable Professional (MVP) award, a distinction given to experts who not only Excel technically but also share their knowledge to inspire and empower others.

Beyond academia, he has trained thousands of professionals from multinational corporations and small private companies on how to harness Excel effectively in business. His corporate clients include Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Pfizer, Procter & Gamble, Caterpillar, Vornado, ElAl Airlines, Microsoft, Intel, Boeing, NCR, Chrysler, Sealed Air, JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, 3M, Hewlett-Packard, and the New York City Economic Development Corporation.

Dr. Gottlieb also publishes an Excel Tip of the Month newsletter, reaching more than 35,000 subscribers worldwide.
He is the author of several Excel application books, including management science using Excel, Excel 2022 Pro 100 + PivotTables, Charts & Reports. Dr. Gottlieb earned his Ph.D. and two master’s degrees from Columbia University’s Department of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research.

He also has more than 20 years of leadership experience as a CEO of manufacturing companies and as a senior consultant.