In this course, you will build spreadsheet-based models that evaluate solutions and decision problems, investigating a number of different methods and built-in tools to optimize decisions and assess tradeoffs. One of the most powerful ways to take an evaluation model to the next level is to build an optimization layer that automates the process of finding the best solution for a given set of input factors. Depending on the scale, scope, and mathematical complexity of the model, you will discover that different kinds of optimization approaches may work better than others.

You will explore some of the most practical ways to layer optimization on top of Excel-based evaluation models. For simpler problems, this involves efficiently listing and examining all thepotential solutions; for more complex problems, it entails automating simple heuristics using VBA or by employing Excel's Solver tool. By the end of this course, you will have the skills to confidently use optimization to help improve the decisions you need to make based on your data.

You are required to have completed the following courses or have equivalent experience before taking this course:

• Making Data Usable
• Creating Effective Data-Driven Dashboards
• Developing Robust Models to Evaluate Decisions