Eastern Oregon University

College of Business
Course Syllabus
BA 114 Spreadsheet Analysis
1 Credit


Instructor: Dr. Bob Larison

FOR ON-LINE STUDENTS--WHAT DO I DO FIRST????? IF YOU HAVE NOT CONTACTED YOUR FRIENDLY INSTRUCTOR BEFORE FOR BA 131 OR ANOTHER BA 114 CLASS---CHECK IN WITH YFI VIA EMAIL!

Class information
This class is normally done in conjunction with BA 131 Business Data Processing and it is assumed that that class or an equivalent has been completed prior to enrolling in BA 114. The BA 131 class and the BA 114 class use the same software instruction text--listed below.

About the course: This course is designed to introduce the student to the use of spreadsheet software for business analysis. We will be using Microsoft Excel as the software in the course. Students should expect to be very skilled in spreadsheet use and design by the end of the course. Students should expect to spend the majority of their time in the computer labs working on software tutorials. The only way to really learn software is to use it.

The course will be structured in a self-paced format. Students will work on their own, completing the course requirements as soon or as late as they choose within the timeframe of the class. (Experience has shown the value of starting early however!!)

E-mail and Internet use. All materials for the course will be posted on the campus servers--both blackboard and webster--and on the internet server. Students entering the class should have basic Internet and computing skills. E-mail will serve as a primary form of communication between class members.

The USB 'Portfolio': All materials generated by completion of class software exercises will be saved on a USB Flashdrive/memory stick.

  1. Use a USB Flashdrive/memory stick to save your files--use a 1 GB or less stick--don't spend a lot of money unless you include a self-addressed, stamped, envelope that I can use to mail it back to you. I am happy to do this. Without the envelope, your Flashdrive will NOT be returned. So, go cheap.

  2. Organize your USB drive with a folder for your C work, another folder for your B work, and a third folder for your A work. Include a Word cover sheet in your C folder that has your name, your email address, the class, the quarter, and the grade level you feel you attained in the class.

  3. Filenames--use the filenames on the syllabus when you name the files in your folders if you are working in Office 2003.. For example: Excel 6, CP1 (earn and learn). Always put the name of the object of the exercise in your file name. If you are using Office 2007 or Office XP, name the files using the exercise number (CP1, for example) followed by the the exercise title (Juanita's Mortgage--for example--the whole file name would be CP1 Juanita's Mortgage) This will help me find the files on your USB stick. Do NOT create your own names for the files.....

  4. The only printed material you will hand in will be a printed copy of your cover page. It will fit in a half page envelope--feel free to fold it. This will be a means of identifying your work beyond your USB stick.

  5. Mail or hand in in a padded envelope--best for protecting the flashdrive. Your printed cover page along with your self addressed, stmped envelope (if you choose to use one) will fit in the envelope with the USB device.

  6. The work in the class is due by 5 PM on friday of dead week--the week before final week. Distance students should have their envelopes in the mail by this date and campus students should turn them in to my mailbox in the College of Education/Business office on the second floor of Zabel Hall.

  7. Mail to: Dr. Bob Larison, College of Business, Eastern Oregon University, 1 University Boulevard, La Grande, OR 97850. Attn: BA 114.

Some of the exercises will require a base file that you may obtain by downloading a set of files by following the instructions inside the back cover of your tutorial text or by obtaining a data CD from your friendly instructor.

Grading/Assignments: Grades will be based on completion of a set of assignments in the Excel section of theShelley & Cashman text. The course is outcome based and the student will choose the level of performance they wish to attain--and which grade they choose to work toward.

Performance Choices:

Based on past experience, expect to spend approximately 30 hours in the computer labs completing the exercises in the class.

If you have any questions about the exercises contact your friendly instructor by e-mail. Good luck--and don't take any shortcuts.

Return to Bob Larison's home page. Last updated by RDL on 12/20/09.