Model Presentation and Analysis

Model Presentation and Analysis (T104) is a 1-day course that teaches the application of effective visual presentations to financial models and techniques for conducting commercially-relevant analyses in the short timescales available to modelers. The course builds on the techniques and knowledge taught in the FAST Modeling Skills (T101) course which participants will find a useful pre-requisite. Participants will learn advanced skills and features related to model optimization, sensitivity and scenario analysis, including the principles of Monte Carlo simulations, as well as setting up fundamental model error checks and result tracking.

Model Presentation and Analysis is aimed at financial modelers who are interested in improving their skills in presenting financial model results to higher-level management. As typical ‘customers’ of model output, non-modelers will also benefit from attendance and will learn what is achievable in/from financial models. The focus of the course will be on actual implementation and as such, individuals who lack the requisite skills will find it difficult to follow the technical procedures and should expect to take a more passive involvement in the course.

Consistent with all Financial Mechanics T-series courses, Model Presentation and Analysis is a hands-on course with limited lecturing or speaking to PowerPoint slides. Attendees follow the instructor as they add required elements to a starting reference model on their own computers; in this way they immediately practice what they have been taught and can confirm their understanding of the required techniques.

The course is organized into four modules:

• Auxiliary Model Components. Starting from a basic semi-annual financing model that includes primary financial statements and key debt and equity metrics, participants will walk through the rationale and implementation of features used for model integrity checks and commercial alerts, scenario and sensitivity management, and ‘delta sheets’ that compare model outputs.
• Model Optimization. This session will include a review of the effective use of Goal Seek (and some review of Solver) and MS Excel Data Tables (including presenting output visually in ‘spider charts’). Features will be explored in the context of a classic two parameter model optimisation problem, i.e. searching for the lowest price/revenue that can support minimum debt ratio and equity return thresholds.
• Presentation of Results. This session focuses on the application of well-recognised visualization standards and principles to financial model key input and output using the features available from (and within the constraints imposed by ) MS Excel. Participants will be guided on the value and pitfalls of printing, constructing mini ‘stamp charts’, using the Excel camera feature to construct ‘information dashboards’, and features available for integration with other MS applications, e.g. PowerPoint slides.
• Monte Carlo Simulation. This session will be dedicated to a review of Monte Carlo simulation using software commonly available in the market (currently we use Crystal Ball). As the required software is not part of the standard Excel software installation this session will be based primarily on a walk-through of techniques and outputs.

Attendees must be familiar with the general purpose and inter-workings of financial models, including basic features of MS Excel. A useful, if not absolutely mandatory, pre-requisite for this course is the FAST Modeling Skills (T101) course, which teaches the principles of FAST modeling upon which the Model Presentation and Analysis reference model has been built.

Attendees will also need to bring a laptop with them, ideally one they are accustomed to using, with a Microsoft Windows operating system and MS Excel loaded. Laptops may be rented from Financial Mechanics for an additional charge.