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Article
Case Article - You Can't Take It with You
INFORMS Transactions on Education (2019)
  • Coleen Wilder
  • Sailu Li, Pacific Lutheran University
Abstract
The primary goal of the accompanying case study, “You Can’t Take It with You,” is to help business students develop better problem solving skills.  Teaching quantitative courses to students not in a STEM discipline can be a challenging task.  Using concrete examples with spreadsheets is an effective teaching strategy that appeals to many business students.  This case study offers a concrete and relevant exercise using the base package of Excel.  It is multi-disciplinary and flexible in its delivery allowing instructors to effectively integrate it into their course(s).  Topics that may be covered include simulation, data analysis, and the time value of money.  Advanced Excel functions that may be used include PMT, NORMINV, VLOOKUP, Scenario Manager, Data Table, and Goal Seek. Overall, students believed the case was challenging and that it was a valuable learning experience. 
Keywords
  • retirement planning; time value of money; simulation; advanced Excel
Publication Date
September, 2019
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1287/ited.2019.0209cs
Citation Information
Coleen Wilder and Sailu Li. "Case Article - You Can't Take It with You" INFORMS Transactions on Education Vol. 20 Iss. 1 (2019) p. 33 - 36 ISSN: 1532-0545
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/coleen-wilder/8/