PREFACE

These notes are from my course on analysis and modeling using Excel and it built-in programming language, Visual Basic for Applications (or “VBA”). They are designed for practicing engineers, scientists and others with an interest in leveraging the full power of Excel. The course is targeted toward intermediate to advanced Excel users, although no prior experience with VBA is assumed.

Excel has a rich set of features for calculation, visual display and user interaction that makes it a very good general tool for many engineering and other technical computations. With its built-in VBA programming environment, and the associated techniques taught in this course, it becomes a highly versatile platform.

There are many considerations when choosing an analysis or modeling tool for a given application. Excel VBA is well suited for computations requiring flexibility, customization, and parametric analysis. Its built-in math and optimization tools, and tailorable user interface, also make it ideal for rapid investigation and multidisciplinary models. In addition, the ubiquitous installed Excel user base enables broad sharing and co-development of analytical tools.

These course notes have been taught live to hundreds of participants over the past ten years. Hundreds more have purchased the notes in paperback and/or kindle format for self-study. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and all the feedback received has been used to continually refine and tune the notes for optimal learning.

A three-step teaching methodology is used that addresses different learning styles and enhances retention. First, a realworld application is demonstrated that illustrates the topics to be covered in the upcoming section. Next, the fundamental concepts are introduced along with how to implement them in Excel, step-by-step. Finally, the newly learned material is immediately practiced with an integrated hands-on exercise.

My hope in publishing these notes is to help technical professionals make full use of the capabilities in the desktop version of Excel VBA. Best wishes in your learning journey!

Matt Moran

Kent, Ohio, USA

March 1, 2017