THE ROLE OF SPREADSHEET MODEL DESIGN IN CORPORATE FINANCE COURSES

Spreadsheet Models are pervasive in practice and are increasingly used in the teaching of corporate finance. The use of spreadsheets enable students to obtain the skills required to apply corporate finance theory in the real world. Yet, there is limited focus in academic courses on the design and layout of financial models to ensure the integrity of spreadsheets, even when the consequences of errors have been shown to be highly significant in practice. Studies have indicated errors in 20% to 80% of operational spreadsheet models and KPMG have reported error rates of over 90%. The objectives of this paper are to analyse the main issues relating to spreadsheet design, the methods used to minimise modelling errors and to evaluate the role of documentation in building financial models. These issues are often not addressed in an educational setting.

The consequences of incorrect model design, model structures that increase the potential for errors and a lack of documentation may not be acute due to the limited ambit of spreadsheet models in an academic course setting. Yet, non-adherence to the fundamental principles of spreadsheet design can have lasting effects on what students do in the work environment later on. The paper further analyses how the issues of complexity, interdependencies, model maintenance and “what-if” analysis influence model design. This paper will consider how the interrelated issues of model design and layout, avoidance of errors and documentation are crucial in setting up financial models. The paper expands how effective spreadsheet design can be integrated within a corporate finance course and how these principles can be imparted in small and large class settings.