Data management made easy with spreadsheet

The spreadsheet is one of the most utilised systems for organising data in the world and it has unlimited potential to ease data management, be it for business usage or personal interest. However, without basic knowledge and skills, users may not be able to use it up to its full potential.

To address the issue, a virtual workshop titled “Interactive Exposure to Spreadsheet Applications Through Microsoft Excel” was held on 17 December 2020 via Zoom in conjunction with e-KLESF 2020.

“One of the most important assets in the world is data. It can be more valuable than oil and gold,” said Faculty of Information and Communication Technology lecturer Lee Heng Yew, expressing the importance of data organising skills in the near future. He spoke at the earlier session of the workshop to briefly introduce spreadsheet and its functions.

“Using a spreadsheet allows you to refer back your data years after. With just some clicks, the data can be arranged and interpreted into charts for better analysis,” said Lee as he categorised the functions of the spreadsheet, namely to store, to organise and to analyse.

Lee providing example for participants to understand

The workshop proceeded with practical lessons on how to use Microsoft Excel by Faculty of Business and Finance lecturer Ng Yen Hong. Ng demonstrated the ways to use Microsoft Excel, including tips and shortcut keys to make the work faster and more efficient. “I let Microsoft Excel count for me,” said Ng as she demonstrated how spreadsheet is able to ease work and solve complex calculations for her. She also provided a worksheet for participants to try their new knowledge and skills to test.

The workshop ended with a Q&A session to clear problems brought up by participants.

Ng demonstrating how data visualisation can be customised with colours and designs of choice