Lesson ProgressPhase 3 of 6
Phase 3Guided Practice
Guided Practice: Build the Scenario-Switch Dashboard
Rehearse the workbook sheet flow with guided formula decoding and talk-through practice
Phase 3: Safe Rehearsal
Rehearse the Selector Workflow Before Workbook Build
This is a guided walkthrough, not a multiple-choice test. Practice the selector chain, decode references, and explain each sheet's formulas in plain language before opening Excel.
How to Use This Rehearsal
- Change scenario and method controls and observe output changes.
- Move sheet-by-sheet: Inputs, Outputs, KPI, Checks.
- Decode each table reference before writing your explanation.
- Use the trap and audit notes as your Phase 4 debugging checklist.
When you can explain each sheet's formula chain, you are ready for the workbook sprint.
Live Control Rehearsal
Use these controls first. Everything below should update from these two inputs only.
Scenario
Method
SelectedKey:
Base|FIFO | Units Sold: 35COGS
$690.00
Ending Inventory
$460.00
Turnover
2.16x
Days on Hand
169.3
Revenue: $1400.00 | Gross Margin: 50.7% | GAFS Check: Balanced
Guided Rehearsal Navigator
Rehearse the workbook in build order: Inputs → Outputs → KPI → Checks.
Controls Rehearsal
Sheet: InputsTarget output: SelectedScenario, SelectedMethod, and SelectedKey
| Build Step | Formula / Pattern | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Scenario selector | Data validation list: Base, Stretch, Downside | User chooses which market situation to evaluate. |
| Method selector | Data validation list: FIFO, LIFO, Weighted Average | User chooses which costing method to evaluate. |
| Composite key | =SelectedScenario&"|"&SelectedMethod | Builds one exact key so downstream lookups return one row. |
Reference Decoder
SelectedScenario: Current scenario dropdown value.SelectedMethod: Current method dropdown value.SelectedKey: Exact row key for MethodSummary lookups.
Common trap: Scenario or method labels must match table text exactly.
Audit check: Changing either selector updates SelectedKey instantly.
Talk-Through Practice (Not Graded)
Why is a composite key safer than long nested IF logic here?