While I was away, Hui did a splendid job of starting a new series called Formula Forensics. The idea is to break down formulas for difficult real-world problems so that we can understand them better.
In that spirit, I am giving you an interesting and tough formula homework.
Situation:
Imagine you work for Large Fries Inc. as a sales person. You sell fries, chips, curls and other coronary clog causing consumables. It is not a pleasant job, but you do it nevertheless. The economy is not good and you don’t want the paycheck to vanish!
The Large Fries Inc., much like any company large, has some crazy policies. One such thing is their payment policy for sales persons. It has 2 important rules.
- You must earn at least $200 before they pay you.
- There should be a gap of at least 7 days between successive payments.
Shown below is your sales data since October 1st. First column is date, second is your commission earned.
Your Homework:
Your mission, if you choose to accept, is not really dangerous or explosive. Nevertheless, it is fun and challenging.
Write a formula in third column such that it show the amount of commission to be paid subject to the 2 conditions above. You can use a helper column if you want.
The downloadable file contains correct answers for you to verify your solution.
Download Workbook with Data
Click here to download the homework problem workbook. You can see the correct answers too (no formulas, just answer).
Go ahead and Solve
Go ahead and solve this and post your answers. I am really curious to know how you would solve this. Please share your explanations in the comments.
Some help & more
- Understanding Relative & Absolute References in Excel
- Using Circular References in Formulas
- Introduction to IF then Else Formula in Excel
9 Responses to “CP044: My first dashboard was a failure!!!”
CONGRATS on the book!
Thanks for this podcast. It's great to hear about your disaster and recovery. It's a reminder that we're all human. None of this skill came easily.
Thank you Oz. I believe that we learn most by analyzing our mistakes.
Hey chandoo
this really a good lesson learned
but as I have already stated in one of my previous email that it would be more helpful for us if you could release videos of your classes for us
thanks
The article gave me motivation, especially you describing the terrible disaster that you faced but how to get back from the setbacks. Thanks for that, but with video this will be more fun.
Hi Nafi,
Thanks for your comments. Please note that this is (and will be) audio podcast. For videos, I suggest subscribing to our YouTube channel. No point listening to audio and saying its not video.
You always motivate me with respect of the tools in excel. How we can really exploit it to the fullest. Thanks very much
Thank you Amankwah... 🙂
Thank you very much, Chandoo, for your excellent lessons, I am anxious to learn so valuable tips and tricks from you, keep up the great job!
I truly appreciate the transcripts of the podcasts, because as a speaker of English as a second language, it allows me to fully understand the material. It'd be great if you can add transcripts to your online courses too, I am sure people will welcome this feature.
Dashboards for Excel has arrived in Laguna Beach, CA! Thanks!
Now I need to make time to "learn and inwardly digest" its contents as one of my high school teachers would admonish us!