Lesson ProgressPhase 3 of 6
Phase 3Guided Practice
Guided Practice: Project Rehearsal: Guided Practice with Shared Data
Model how to inspect the shared artifact and trace the final recommendation back to supporting evidence
Phase 3: Guided Audit
How to Audit a Workbook
Auditing a workbook means tracing every claim back to its source. A recommendation is only as strong as the evidence that supports it. Follow this routine:
- Read the recommendation first. What is the workbook claiming?
- Find the cited numbers. Which sheet do they come from? Do they match?
- Check the logic chain. Does the evidence actually support the claim, or is there a gap?
- Look for red flags. Missing links, stale dates, hard-coded outputs, or unexplained assumptions.
- Ask: would I trust this? If a manager or investor read this workbook, would they feel confident in the recommendation?
Audit the Shared Workbook
Open the shared rehearsal workbook you downloaded in Phase 2. Work through each sheet using the audit routine above. Then answer the questions below to confirm your understanding.
Guided Audit Check
Test your ability to trace recommendations back to evidence and spot broken logic chains
1. The Recommendation sheet says "TechStart should freeze hiring this quarter." Which sheet provides the strongest evidence for this claim?
2. You notice the Recommendation sheet cites a net income figure, but the Financial Statements sheet shows a different number. What does this tell you?
3. What would make this shared workbook feel weak or untrustworthy to a reader?
4. The Adjustments sheet shows $5,500 of supplies used, but the Financial Statements sheet does not include Supplies Expense. What type of error is this?
0 of 4 questions answered
What Makes an Artifact Weak?
Discuss with your group. Which of these would make a workbook feel weak, confusing, or untrustworthy?
Recommendation cites numbers that do not appear on any sheet
All formulas use structured references that auto-expand
The Assumptions sheet has no date or version number
Trial balance debits and credits match exactly
A chart is based on a static A1:C10 range that will not update
Each adjusting entry has a clear reason written next to it