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Description

Excel — Intermediate Spreadsheets: Lookups, Cross-Analysis and Reliable Data

Two days to stop matching two files by eye and let the functions do the work

  • 2 days — 14 h
  • In-person or virtual
  • Intermediate
  • Up to 6 participants

Matching the orders file against the customer file is done visually. Both lists are sorted then pasted side by side, and a single misaligned row is enough to distort everything. The monthly summary is rebuilt from scratch every time a new request comes in.

These 14 hours are designed for users who are already comfortable with basic calculations. Participants work on lookup functions and conditional calculations, convert their lists into structured tables, then build PivotTables. Data validation and error handling make the whole file dependable.

Learning objectives

  • Match two lists using a lookup function
  • Combine conditions to calculate against several criteria
  • Convert a list into a structured table to make it easier to work with
  • Build a PivotTable and refresh it
  • Make data entry reliable through data validation and error handling

What makes this programme different

A full match of two real files carried out from start to finish
Spreadsheet error messages decoded one by one on concrete cases
A monthly summary rebuilt so that it can be updated in a single operation

Programme

1Lists and Structured Tables

Giving your data a shape

  • Rules for building a workable list
  • Converting to a structured table and using total rows
  • Multi-criteria sorting and advanced filters
  • Removing duplicates and cleaning up entries

2Lookup Functions and Conditions

Matching and deciding

  • Lookup and exact match functions
  • Handling a missing result
  • Conditional functions and nested tests
  • Conditional calculations based on several criteria

3PivotTables

Summarising without formulas

  • Building a PivotTable from a list
  • Row, column and value fields
  • Grouping by period and by category
  • Refreshing and formatting a PivotTable

4Reliability and Presentation

Avoiding silent errors

  • Data validation and drop-down lists
  • Identifying and handling error values
  • Conditional formatting as an alert tool
  • Protecting calculation cells in a shared file

Who is it for

Users who are comfortable with basic calculations and regularly work with lists of data in a spreadsheet.

Prerequisites

Ability to build a simple formula and use relative and absolute references.

Dates & locations

36 scheduled dates between November 2026 and December 2027. Seats are confirmed in the order enquiries are received.

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

September 2027

October 2027

November 2027

December 2027

None of these dates suit you? We open additional sessions on request, and any programme can be run privately for your team.

Practical details

Before the programme
Online positioning questionnaire. Your development objectives are shared with the trainer, who tailors the practical case studies to your context.
Teaching methods
Theoretical input, workshops and practical case studies. Digital course materials and method sheets provided.
Assessment
Multiple-choice tests and role-play exercises. Assessment of learning at the start and end of the programme, with immediate and 60-day follow-up evaluations.
After the programme
One year of access to the e-learning platform. Self-assessment of the skills acquired and a 30-day follow-up session with your trainer.
How to register
Registration online or on the basis of a quotation.
Lead time
11 working days after confirmation of registration.
Accessibility
Accessible to people of determination. Contact our accessibility coordinator to design a suitable solution: contact@mpf-academy.ae
Start dates
Rolling intake: in addition to the scheduled sessions, this programme can start on request.