Gateway to Business Analytics with Microsoft Excel®

Reviewed by Binghan Kou, Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin-Superior on 11/9/25

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

The book covers a wide range of foundational business analytics topics, including optimization, simulation, macroeconomic indicators, VBA, and demographic analysis. It provides a full table of contents, chapter overviews, and a user guide. While the scope is broad and appropriate for an introductory analytics course, some advanced analytics areas (e.g., machine learning, regression modeling, or database tools) are not included. The index is functional but not very detailed. Overall, it is comprehensive for its intended level.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The explanations, formulas, and examples appear accurate and grounded in well-established analytics concepts. Excel screenshots and step-by-step instructions reflect correct use of the software. The economic and mathematical content is consistent with standard theory, and citations are provided where appropriate. There is no indication of bias or misleading statements.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The content is up-to-date and closely aligned with contemporary expectations for spreadsheet-based analytics skills. The Excel-centric approach ensures that updates, if needed, are easy to apply as software evolves. The examples (e.g., FRED add-ins, Monte Carlo simulations, Solver) remain relevant for both teaching and practical analytics training.

Clarity rating: 5

The writing style is clear, conversational, and highly accessible for beginners. Concepts are introduced gradually, reinforced by examples and step-by-step tasks. Technical terminology is well explained, and the book frequently offers intuitive analogies (e.g., the lifeguard problem) to support understanding.

Consistency rating: 5

The structure, tone, and use of Excel-based pedagogy are consistent throughout the book. Each chapter follows a predictable pattern: introduction, explanation, hands-on practice, and takeaways. Terminology is used uniformly across chapters.

Modularity rating: 5

Chapters and subsections are highly modular. Most sections are stand-alone and can be assigned independently, which the User Guide explicitly highlights. The content is subdivided with clear headings, making it easy for instructors to rearrange topics to fit different course designs.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The book is logically structured: it begins with foundational definitions, then moves to optimization, simulation, macroeconomics, and VBA. Within each chapter, the order of presentation flows naturally from explanation to application. The layout is intuitive and classroom-friendly.

Interface rating: 4

The PDF displays cleanly, with consistent formatting, tables, and images. Screenshots are readable and integrated well. A minor issue is that some visual elements may depend on screen resolution or PDF reader; however, overall navigation is smooth and free of distractions.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The text is well copy-edited and free from noticeable grammatical or typographical errors. Sentences are polished and clear, reflecting professional editing.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The book is culturally neutral and does not contain insensitive or exclusive content. Examples are general and accessible to students of diverse backgrounds. It avoids stereotypes and focuses on universal business and analytics concepts.

This is an excellent introductory resource for teaching business analytics with Excel. The hands-on approach, combined with practical examples and accessible writing, makes it especially effective for first- or second-year students. The book’s integration of add-ins (Solver, FRED, MCSim) and its emphasis on experimentation encourage active learning. Instructors will also appreciate the modular structure and open-access nature. Overall, it is a strong textbook for courses emphasizing applied analytics skills.