Math for Business Operations

Applied Accounting with Excel

UNIT01 - Lesson 8

PBL Milestone 1: Project Definition

45–60 minutes
Lesson Overview

Lesson Focus

Definition → data plan → workbook skeleton

Key Unit Objectives

Enduring Understandings:

  • Accurate financial records are the foundation of business credibility and investor confidence
  • The accounting equation (Assets = Liabilities + Equity) governs all business transactions
  • Self-auditing systems prevent errors and build stakeholder trust through automation
  • Professional presentation of financial data communicates business competence

Lesson Activities

Activity 1: Project Brief & Scope
15 minutes

Draft problem statement, scope, stakeholders, and success metrics

Details:

  • Stakeholders (Sarah, clients, investor) and what each needs
  • Success metrics tied to accuracy, speed, and investor readiness
  • Short, client-friendly language with concrete outcomes
Activity 2: Data Inventory & File Conventions
10 minutes

List sources and agree on file naming rules

Details:

  • Pick dataset for your group (g1–g6) and log its path
  • Set naming pattern for workbook versions and tabs
  • Note assumptions and constraints (access, timing)
Activity 3: Workbook Skeleton
15 minutes

Create tabs and headers (Transactions, Accounts, Trial Balance, Checks, Dashboard)

Details:

  • Define validation plan and trial-balance auto-check
  • Record initial risks and mitigation steps
  • Prepare a one-page brief outline
Activity 4: Milestone Acceptance Check
5–10 minutes

Self-review against acceptance criteria before submission

Details:

  • Brief + skeleton started; plan is clear and testable
  • Datasets: reuse same g1–g6 files across Days 8–10
  • Submission checklist completed
Required Materials
  • Group datasets: /resources/unit01-pbl-smart-ledger-g1..g6.csv
  • Milestone 1 acceptance criteria checklist
  • One-page brief template
Differentiation Strategies

For Struggling Students

  • • Scaffolded Formulas: Provide partial SUMIF syntax templates
  • • Step-by-Step Guides: Visual walkthroughs for each Excel skill
  • • Peer Tutoring: Pair with students strong in Excel
  • • Alternative Assessment: Oral explanation option for presentations

For Advanced Students

  • • Extension Challenges: Dynamic dropdowns for account selection
  • • Peer Teaching: Support struggling classmates
  • • Advanced Features: Explore pivot tables or basic VBA
  • • Leadership Roles: Facilitate team discussions and planning

For English Language Learners

  • • Vocabulary Support: Business terms glossary with visuals
  • • Translation Tools: Key concepts in home language
  • • Visual Aids: Infographics and flowcharts for processes
  • • Collaborative Support: Mixed-language team structures