Guide to Business Modelling, 2^nd Ed.

John Tennent, Graham Friend

Publisher: The Economist, 2005 , 281 pages

ISBN: 1-86197-915-0

Synopsis:

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This fully updated and expanded edition of the definitive guide to creating business models can be used to evaluate opportunities ranging from a modest business proposal through to a major project.

In the complex world of today in which firms face a variety of strategic and operational choices, spreadsheet models are a crucial support in evaluating business decisions. A business model allows you to test a variety of assumptions and scenarios, and the modelling process itself helps to develop a clearer understanding of the inherent pattern of relationships between the variables and the likely outcomes. Ultimately, it is the judgment of the decision-makers that is crucial — but a well-designed business model is essential in supporting the excerise of that judgment.

This book is aimed at both those who are business modelling novices and those with considerable experience who are keen to improve their business modelling skills. It covers every aspect of the process: defining the model structure and outputs; building the model components covering all the factora that you will or may need to take into account; testing and debugging the model; and, finally, exploring scenrios and using the model to help you come to a business decision.

For anyone who wants to evaluate the potential of a business project or investment, this accessible and practical guide, full of easy-to-follow examples, will prove invaluable.

Table of Contents:

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1. Introduction
2. The business modelling process
3. Defining the outputs
4. Uncertainty, scenario planning and model inputs
5. Developing the scenarios
6. Managing the model development process
7. Useful items to include in the modeller's toolbox
8. Style and outline
9. Macroeconomic factors
10. Forecasting revenue
11. Operating costs
12. Capital expenditure and working capital
13. Modelling funding issues
14. Further financial statement development
15. Project appraisal and company valuation
16. Analytical ratios and reviewing the financial statements
17. Testing and debugging
18. Introduction to programming and macros
19. From spreadsheet to application
20. Documenting the model
21. Writing and presenting the business plan

• Appendix: Spreadsheet functions