An integrated introduction to spreadsheet and programming skills for operational research students

Abstract

Spreadsheets and computer programming make valuable contributions to OR courses. The latest version of Microsoft Excel, integrated with Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), supports a seamless transition from spreadsheets to programming for such courses. This paper describes a teaching approach for such a course. It is illustrated with examples that have been designed and developed to help students to make this transition, whilst supporting the operational research context of the course. It shows how VBA supports this transition as well as demonstrating its functional contribution to spreadsheet modelling. This paper goes on to discuss insights into spreadsheet design that are afforded by this software, in particular concerning differentiation of statics from dynamics, control, visibility of data, and user interaction. A further focus of discussion is the balance of functionality between worksheet structure and formulae, and VBA modules and functions. The course is well received by students, forms a significant contribution to the MSc programme that is its context, and offers a model to other similar programmes.