IT2111

Task Performance
Instructions:

• Use the Top 20 Cars.xls file for this activity.

• Perform the given task below and provide the correct output.
• Rename the file as Raw Data_[Surname, Name].xls. Submit the updated and final Excel file in the
provided dropbox.

1. Sorting and Filtering Data in Excel

Excel contains many useful features for sorting and filtering data so that one can more easily identify
patterns. Top 20 Cars.xls contains data on the 20 top-selling automobiles in the United States in March
2011. The table shows the model and manufacturer of each automobile as well as the sales for the
model in March 2011 and March 2010.

Figure 1 shows the data from Top 20 Cars.xls entered into an Excel spreadsheet, and the percent
change in sales for each model from March 2010 to March 2011 has been calculated. This is done by
entering the formula =(D2-E2)/E2 in cell F2 and then copying the contents of this cell to cells F3 to F20.
(We cannot calculate the percent change in sales for the Ford Fiesta because it was not being sold in
March 2010.)

Figure 1. Data for 20 Top-Selling Automobiles Entered into Excel with Percent Change in Sales from 2010

Suppose that we want to sort these automobiles by March 2010 sales instead of by March 2011 sales.
To do this, we use Excel’s Sort function, as shown in the following steps.

Step 1. Select cells A1:F21.

Step 2. Click the Data tab in the Ribbon.
Step 3. Click Sort in the Sort & Filter group.
Step 4. Select the check box for My data has headers.

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Step 5. In the first Sort by dropdown menu, select Sales (March 2010).
Step 6. In the Order dropdown menu, select Largest to Smallest (see Figure 2).
Step 7. Click OK.

The result of using Excel’s Sort function for the March 2010 data is shown in Figure 3. Now we can easily
see that, although the Honda Accord was the best-selling automobile in March 2011, both the Toyota
Camry and the Toyota Corolla/Matrix outsold the Honda Accord in March 2010. Note that while we sorted
on Sales (March 2010), which is in column E, the data in all other columns are adjusted accordingly. (10
pts)

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Now let’s suppose that we are interested only in seeing the sales of models made by Toyota. We can
do this using Excel’s Filter function:
Step 1. Select cells A1:F21.
Step 2. Click the Data tab in the Ribbon.
Step 3. Click Filter in the Sort & Filter group.
Step 4. Click on the Filter Arrow in column B, next to Manufacturer.
Step 5. If all choices are checked, you can easily deselect all choices by unchecking (Select All).
Then select only the check box for Toyota.
Step 6. Click OK.

The result is a display of only the data for models made by Toyota (see Figure 4). We now see that of
the 20 top-selling models in March 2011, Toyota made three of them. We can further filter the data by
choosing the down arrows in the other columns. We can make all data visible again by clicking on the
down arrow in column B and checking (Select All) and clicking OK, or by clicking Filter in the Sort &
Filter Group again from the Data tab. (10 pts)

2. Conditional Formatting of Data in Excel

Conditional formatting in Excel can make it easy to identify data that satisfy certain conditions
in a data set. For instance, suppose that we wanted to quickly identify the automobile models in Top 20
Cars.xls for which sales had decreased from March 2010 to March 2011. We

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can quickly highlight these models:

Step 1. Starting with the original data shown in Figure 2.3, select cells F1:F21.
Step 2. Click the Home tab in the Ribbon.
Step 3. Click Conditional Formatting in the Styles group.
Step 4. Select Highlight Cells Rules, and click Less Than from the dropdown menu.
Step 5. Enter 0% in the Format cells that are LESS THAN: box.
Step 6. Click OK.

The results are shown in Figure 5. Here we see that the models with decreasing sales (Toyota Camry, Ford
Focus, Chevrolet Malibu, and Nissan Versa) are now clearly visible. Note that Excel’s Conditional Formatting
function offers tremendous flexibility. (15 pts.)

Instead of highlighting only models with decreasing sales, we could instead choose Data Bars from the
Conditional Formatting dropdown menu in the Styles group of the Home tab in the Ribbon. The result of
using the Blue Data Bar Gradient Fill option is shown in Figure 6. (15 pts.)

Data bars shows the magnitude of the cell values. The widths of the bars in this display are comparable to
the values of the variable for which the bars have been drawn; a value of 20 creates a bar twice as wide as
that for a value of 10. Negative values are shown to the left side of the axis; positive values are shown to the
right. Cells with negative values are shaded in red, and those with positive values are shaded in blue. Again,
we can easily see which models had decreasing sales, but Data Bars also provide us with a visual
representation of the magnitude of the change in sales. Many other Conditional Formatting options are
available in Excel.

The Quick Analysis button in Excel appears just outside the bottom-right corner of a group of selected cells
whenever you select multiple cells. Clicking the Quick Analysis button gives you shortcuts for Conditional
Formatting, adding Data Bars, and other operations. Clicking on this button gives you the options shown in
Figure 7 for Formatting. Note that there are also tabs for Charts, Totals, Tables, and Sparklines.

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Note: Your Excel file should be the same as Figure 6 as your final output.

GRADING RUBRIC (50 points):

Criteria Performance Standards Points
Formula Cell formulas were used whenever needed. 30
Formatting The worksheet has all the headings, column labels, 10
requirements number labels and is formatted correctly.

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Directions All directions were followed accurately and completely. 10

TOTAL 50

SHORT ESSAY:

Instruction:
• Create a new sheet in the excel file. Name it as Short Essay.
• Copy and answer the following questions in the newly created sheet.
• Make sure to save your file before submitting it.

1. How can the data from Top 20 Cars.xls help the car manufacturer on their business decisions,
particularly in financial?
2. Think of a problem affecting an organization or government agency you are familiar with that can be
addressed by looking at available data. How can these data help them solve the identified problem?

GRADING RUBRIC (2 items x 10 points):

Criteria Performance Standards Points
Content The best applicable points are presented. 6
Logic of Arguments Points are logical and well supported by evidence. 4
TOTAL 10

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