ABSTRACT
While specialized tools exist to conduct most operations research analysis, a common tool across the entire DoD Enterprise, available on virtually every computer system no matter where an analyst finds themselves, is a spreadsheet. This chapter will demonstrate how this common analytical tool can be used to conduct analysis on the following classes of problems:
Data analysis (to include data exploration using pivot tables, summary statistics, regression, and visualization.)
A subset of linear and non-linear optimization problems (to include sensitivity analysis and a brief discussion on solving methods.)
Monte Carlo Simulation (to include random variate generation and follow-on interpretation of results.)
An introduction to other uses (to include macros and VBA, linking data to MS PowerPoint, and use of crowd-sourced and for-fee “add-ins” to aid in other analytical tasks.)
Each problem is presented with a motivating example, a description of how to conduct the analysis, and screen-shots as necessary.
