IT Applications

Base Knowledge

There is no recommended knowledge base.

Teaching Methodologies

The Teaching Method is based on Problem-Based Learning (PBL). Firts, the syllabus are exposed, followed by the resolution of practical exercises to simulate real situations. The practical exercices are also analysed and discussied of practical exercises. The software used is Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet.

In each chapter os contents, several challenging exercises are made available to students, for resolution outside the classroom context.

Students’ knowledge will be assessed by taking an practical exam,  involving the practical application of the syllabus, on a computer and using the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.

Learning Results

Spreadsheet, in particular Microsoft Excel, is one of the most used tools in the business environment. Its correct and advanced use makes it possible to simplify and speed up most repetitive tasks, optimizing the performance of employees and associated costs.

 The Computer Applications Course was developed with the aim of providing students with the acquisition of advanced skills in the use of Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, providing them with the needs required in the labor market in ​​management and similar.

 More specifically, the acquisition of knowledge and understanding of formulas with simple functions; automatic and advanced filter management; creation of dynamic tables and tables and operations with databases; understand and use more specific functions – statistical functions, database functions, data and time functions and financial functions – and master the aspects related to modeling operational research problems, using the Achieve Goal and Solver Tools for their resolution.

Program

  1. Introduction to Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet
    1. 1 The work environment

                  1.2 Cell, sheet and book concept

                  1.3 Select, copy, paste, cut, save, save as operations

                 1.4 Sheet operations – insert, rename, delete and select

                1.5 Select, Insert, Delete and Resize Rows and Columns

                1.6 Manual and Conditional Formatting

                1.5 Preparing and printing selected books, sheets or areas

2. Simple formulas with functions

2.1. Reference and value concept

2.2. Relative, absolute and mixed references

2.3. Name Manager

2.4. Mathematical Functions: SUM, SUMPRODUCT, ROUND, ROUND.UP, ROUND.DOWN, SUM.IF, LOG

2.5. Statistical functions: MAX, MIN, LARGEST, AVERAGE, COUNT, COUNTVA, COUNTIF

2.6. Search and reference functions: VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP

2.7. Logical functions: IF, AND, OR

2.8. Interpret error messages and information

2.9. Conditional formatting

3. Representation and interpretation of data through graphic elements

3.1. Create and format different types of graphics

3.2. Select the most suitable graphic for each situation

3.3. Graphically identify the solutions for each situation

4. Specific Formulas

4.1. Statistical Functions: MODE.SNG, MED, QUARTILE.INC, QUARTILE.EXC, PERCENTILE.INC, PERCENTILE.EXC, VAR.S, VAR.P, STDEV.S, STDEV.P COVARIANCE. P,COVARIANCE.S, CORREL , COUNTBLACK, FREQUENCY, AVERAGEIF, AVERAGEIFS

4.2. Financial functions: AMORLINC, AMORTDGRC, PV, FV, PPMT,IPMT,PMT, RATE, NPER, IRR,XIRR, EFFECTIVE

5. Databases

5.1. Database, domain, attribute and database element concept

5.2. Database ordering

5.3. Automatic and Advanced Filters

5.4. Data base functions:  DCOUNT, DCOUNTA, DSUM, DAVERAGE, DMAX, DMIN, DBGET

6. Pivot Tables and Graphs

6.1. Creating and formatting pivot tables

6.2. Fields, filters, and data customization

6.3. Creating dynamic graphics

6.4. Dynamic graphics elements and options

7. Dates and times in Microsoft Excel

7.1. Date and time concept in Microsoft Excel

7.2. Elementary operations with dates and times

7.3. Date and time functions: TODAY, NOW, YEAR, MONTH, DAY, DATE, NETWORKDAYS, NETWORKDAYS.INTL, WEEKDAY,  WEEKNUM

8. Linear Programming

8.1. Interpreting and creating a model for a presented problem

8.2. Test and correct the obtained model

8.3. Use the  Goal Seek and Solver tools to get the solution

Curricular Unit Teachers

Internship(s)

NAO

Bibliography

Essential Bibliografy 

Martins, A., Alturas, B., “Aprenda Excel com Casos Práticos”, 2.ª Edição, 2022, Edições Silabo,  ISBN: 978-989-561-236-9
Reis, E., Rodrigues, A.,, Materiais de Apoio às aulas de Aplicações Informáticas, 2024-2025
Rodrigues, A., “Utilização do Excel para Economia & Gestão”, 2016, FCA -Editora Informática, ISBN: 978-972-722-775-4
Carvalho, A., “Excel para Gestão: 65 exercícios”, 2017, FCA –Editora de Informática, ISBN: 978-972-722-875-1

 

Supplementary Bibliografphy:

Sequeira, J., “Funções de Excel para Financeiros”, 2012, Escolar Editora, Lisboa, ISBN: 9781476349756
Martins, M., “Excel Aplicado à Gestão”, 3ª Ed., 2013, Edições Sílabo, ISBN: 9789726187394
Stinson, C., Dodge, M., “Inside Out Microsoft Excel 2013”, 1ª Ed., 2013, Microsoft Press, ISBN: 978-0735669055
Walkenbach, J., “Excel 2013 Bible”, Wiley, 1ª Ed., 2013, ISBN: 978-111849036