Encouraging and supporting ongoing structured learning and development

This program of monthly lectures is designed to encourage ongoing learning for modellers and analysts, especially those who are alumni of our courses.  Attendance at this series of lectures is included in the Sapphire, Emerald and Ruby levels of the The Learning Habit subscription program.  Attendance is only available to subscribers..

The lectures are timed to occur in the early evening in Eastern Australia on Mondays through Thursdays, once a month (occasionally a bonus lecture is offered).

Subjects for each lecture are finalised and advertised at least three months in advance.  Later lectures are kept open, although the event dates are firm.  This is to allow us to respond to requests from subscribers or respond to changes in Excel.

Each lecture focuses on a specific aspect of modelling and analysis, including the impacts of changes in modern Excel on those subject areas.  The lectures however, are designed to be solid, practical and provide usable samples.  They are backed-up by detailed instructions and sample files that you can review and reuse in your own work.  They are not just a breezy retelling of recent updates!

Modes of Study

• There are a minimum of twelve 2-hour sessions offered each year.  From time-to-time, a bonus lecture may be added to the calendar, in addition to the standard schedule.
• Each lecture is run as a webinar with a prepared demonstration and lecture on a particular subject area.  The lecture is run at the pace that allows the subject to be covered in around 60-75 minutes.  It is not a tutorial run at the pace of the slowest participant.
• Each lecture is followed by a Q&A session, for up to 60 minutes, with priority given to questions on the subject matter, but time permitting, on any other matter of interest.
• In advance of the lecture, all files will be available to subscribers so that they can download them and if comfortable with the pace, follow-along with the lecture.
• Each lecture is accompanied by an online book (typically five to ten A4 pages similar to our standard courseware) with all the steps and instructions for the attendee to execute the demonstrated content at their own pace after the session concludes.
• Each webinar is recorded and the recordings are available to subscribers to review if they cannot attend, or when working through the provided materials.

Key Outcomes

• Each lecture is designed to provide practical, usable content that will benefit the attendees in building their own models and analyses.
• The series is designed to provide a framework for ongoing study together with other self-study materials available to alumni and to subscribers.
• It is designed to encourage exploration of new techniques and to show how new functionality in modern Excel can be harnessed in a practical way to enhance existing skills.
• Practical guidance on solving common problems.
• Up to 4 hours of CPD eligible training per session, providing a minimum of 48 hours over a year.

Who Benefits

• Alumni of our various cources, looking to keep active in ongoing learning.
• Financial modellers and those building valuation and forecasting models.
• Business Analysts responsible for forecasting and performance analysis.
• Consultants preparing valuations, cash flow forecasts and process and business improvement models for clients.
• Accountants, finance managers and financial controllers budgeting and analysing business performance.
• Fund accountants and managers in equity and property funds.
• Procurement, project planning and logistical staff responsible for financial and logistical planning.
• Managers responsible for their own analysis and forecasting.
• Anyone who uses Excel to perform their role, looking to improve their productivity and accuracy.

Benefits for the Employer

• Provides a framework to encourage broadening and deepening of existing skill sets.
• The very flexibility that is the principal attraction of modern spreadsheet products is the reason for shortcomings in model design. A user must adopt & develop a strongly defined technique that enhances their efficiency, increases transparency & improves reliability. This lecture series is not “just another Excel course”, it delivers on these requirements.