Prerequisites: QSTAC414 or QSTAC420 or QSTFE445 or QSTFE449 or QSTIS465 or QSTSI445 This course enhances students' quantitative modeling and analysis skills in addressing complex financial decisions, focusing on effective problem formulation and analysis. Students will learn to identify the critical components of the decision-making tasks, structure them methodically, translate them into visual and analytical models, and develop appropriate mathematical models and their spreadsheet solutions. With a focus on finance modeling, the course introduces advanced Excel tools, such as Pivot Tables for interactive data analysis and Power BI for building executive KPI dashboards. Students will explore essential data management and decision tools such as Formula Diagrams, Linear Optimization, Error Detection methodologies, and Parametric Sensitivity Analysis. The course also provides extensive hands-on experience with Solver to optimize financial strategies, such as designing an investment portfolio that optimally balances risk and return. Real-world applications drawn from finance and accounting will guide students through the financial modeling cycle: planning, control, and feedback. By the end of the course, students will have developed the technical and analytical skills needed to approach complex financial problems and deliver data-driven solutions that support thoughtful strategic decision-making.

Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the MyBU Student Portal for the most up-to-date course information.