AMA's Advanced Financial Forecasting and Modeling Workshop

In this course, you will build robust financial forecasts and models, learn tips and tools, analyze the results, and learn how to communicate key data to decision makers in your organization. Build the model. . .generate the forecast. . .drive the business. Create more powerful and accurate forecasting models that steer you to fast-track, business-improving decision making.

• Create effective financial models that meet your business needs
• Quantify the uncertainty inherent in forecasting models with various risk analysis techniques
• Make better, more profitable business decisions using advanced financial modeling methods
• Evaluate patterns in your historical data
• Identify and utilize key business drivers and integrate them into your forecast
• Effectively communicate the results of your models to team members and senior management

• Working with advanced Excel modeling techniques such as simulation add-ins
• Creating your own model from real-world examples
• Analyzing and applying diagnostics to validate your forecast
• Understanding how Monte Carlo simulations handle uncertainty

Learning Objectives

• Use Mainstream Financial Concepts and Terminology
• Describe Fundamental Statistical Methods
• Develop Existing Financial Models in Excel
• View More Advanced Excel Modeling Techniques, Such as Monte Carlo Add-Ins
• Create Your Own Model from a Real-Life Example
• Analyze Your Model and Provide Diagnostics
• Identify Uncertainty in the Model and Design Methods to Address It
• Present Your Models to a Broad Management Audience

Finance Theory as Used in Modeling

• Apply the Concepts of Modern Finance
• Use Various Interest Rates and Risk Measures in Your Models
• Develop Models That Are Consistent with the Principles of Finance

Creating Financial Models in Microsoft® Excel

• Develop a Set of Guidelines for Preparing Financial Models in Microsoft Excel
• Identify Key Tips for Preparing These Models
• Apply the Pyramid Structure to Your Models
• Use Various Microsoft Excel Functions That Will Aid in Developing Models
• Prepare a Basic Model Using These Techniques
• Apply Sensitivity Analysis Tools When Evaluating Model Results

The Art of Building Models

• Identify the Key Points Necessary to Build a Model
• Describe the Art in Creating an Effective Model
• Create a New Model Solving a Complex Business Problem

Model Statistics and Forecasting

• Calculate Mean and Standard Deviation of a Dataset
• Present Data for Manipulation
• Analyze the Data Using Simple Techniques
• Forecast Financial Data Using Regression Analysis

Modeling Risk and Uncertainty

• Identify Uncertainty as It Exists in the Business World
• Develop Simple Techniques to Handle Uncertainty
• Use Monte Carlo Simulations to Handle Uncertainty
• Use Option Pricing Models to Handle Uncertainty

Learning Objectives 

• Improve Model Design Efficiency
• Expand Your Tool Kit for Building Effective Models
• Learn, Practice, and Apply Sensitivity Tools to Your Models 

LESSON ONE

Finance Theory as used in Modeling 

• Articulate the Concepts of Modern Finance
• Identify Key Tips for Preparing Financial Models 
• Determine the Appropriate Rates of Return for Financial Models 

Creating Financial Models and Using Advanced Tools in Microsoft Excel® 

• Describe Best Practices for Preparing Financial Models in Microsoft Excel®
• Use Microsoft Excel® Functions That Will Aid in Preparing Models 

LESSON TWO

Creating Financial Models and Using Advanced Tools in Microsoft Excel®(cont’d) 

• Describe Best Practices for preparing Financial Models in Microsoft Excel®
• Use Microsoft Excel® Functions That Will Aid in Preparing Models 

LESSON THREE 

Design Effective Models Using Proven Tips and Techniques 

• Identify the Key Points Necessary to Problem-Solve Using Models
• Explain the Powerful Sensitivity Analysis Tools Available in Microsoft Excel®
• Create a New Model Solving a Complex Business Problem 

LESSON FOUR 

Presenting Your Findings and Modeling Risk and Uncertainty 

• Prepare an Effective Presentation of a Financial Analysis for Nonfinancial Decision Makers
• Explain Several Monte Carlo Simulation Add-Ins
• Identify Uncertainty as It Exists in the Business World 
• Develop Simple Techniques to Handle Uncertainty
• Use Monte Carol Simulations to Handle Uncertainty
• Use Option Pricing Models to Handle Uncertainty