EXCEL Graphic Display: THIS ASSIGNMENT CAN MAKE A NICE SUPPLEMENT TO YOUR RESUME IF YOU DO A GOOD JOB!!!
Due TBD
Step #1 - Extract One Graphic Display From The Business Publications Provided In Class. As an alternative, students may choose raw data from one of the resources provided in class. If a student wishes to choose data from a different source, they must get Mr. Nelson's approval in advance.
Here's the PDF for the JP Morgan report examined in class.
Step #2 - Extract all data and labels shown in the original display. If choosing "raw data", then you already have the numbers ready for input into Excel.
Step #3 - Create a frequency table(s) in Excel using the data and labels extracted in Step #2. Be careful to copy the data exactly as it's reported in the original display. Deductions will be made for transcription errors. If you are having trouble organizing the data into a table, review the examples in the Excel Workbook file shown under Step#4.
Step #4 - Use Excel to create a graphic display that communicates a statistical message in an engaging and effective manner. The best displays will:
Choose a color scheme that blends aesthetically;
Incorporate pictures in place of the generic default colors;
Use 3-D in bars, plot area, chart area, and data labels to draw attention to the stars of the show "the data";
Include horizontal and vertical axes titles, a chart title, legends, and data labels necessary to interprete the display on its own merits;
Exclude title, and legends that are redundant;
Use different backgrounds for the plot area and chart area; and
Change font size, font style, font color, text box fill, text box 3-D.
Examples of original and revised displays created in Excel are shown in the links below. These changes will be discussed in class. An Excel workbook has been included so students may view the Excel settings used to create these visual effects.
EXAMPLES PDF EXAMPLES EXCEL WORKBOOK
Step #5 - Present your graphic display on a single page (use Word). Show the "Original Display From Annual Report" (extracted using the Snipping Tool) and the "Revised Display" (extracted using the Snipping Tool or Excel's "Copy as Picture"). If you used raw data, use the snipping tool to copy the text labels describing the data and all or a portion of the actual data.
Step #6 - Write a caption paragraph in your one-page presentation that describes what you changed and how these modifications make your revised display more engaging and a better communication device. This caption should be a paragraph long . Discuss at least least three elements of your revised display that improved the communicattion of the data. Like all good writing, this paragraph should describe specifics and avoid vague references (e.g. "I changed the color.")
If you used raw data, your caption will describe at least three elements in your display, and explain how these elements contribute to the effectiveness of the display as a form of communication.
Step #7 - Complete the self-assessment page and score as directed. Attach this self assessment page and the student/teacher assessment page to the front of your work.
USE YOUR STUDENT ID#, DO NOT WRITE YOUR NAME.
TOP TEN MISTAKES IDENTIFIED IN LAST YEAR'S SUBMISSIONS
NOTE FROM MR. NELSON: I ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO VISIT ME AFTER SCHOOL OR AT NUTRITION TO REVIEW THEIR PROGRESS AND ASK QUESTIONS. LET ME HELP YOU WITH:
HASHING OUT YOUR IDEAS FOR PROPOSED CHANGES,
INTERPRETATION OF FINANCIAL TERMS YOU DO NOT KNOW,
PROBLEMS WITH GETTING EXCEL TO DO SOMETHING
ETC ETC ETC.
I AM AVAILABLE MOST DAYS AFTER SCHOOL. DO YOUR BEST, YOU'LL BE GLAD YOU DID.