On the Interpretation of Spreadsheets within their Environment

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how connecting spreadsheets to their external environment using indexes and hyperlinks can improve understanding and integrity of complex models, with a methodology for interpretation and reporting.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method for linking spreadsheet models to external context, enhancing clarity and interpretability of complex analyses.

Findings

Hyperlinked indexes improve model comprehension.

Presentational distinctions aid in understanding complex models.

Methodology supports interpreting analyses within spreadsheets.

Abstract

A demonstration in MS Excel to show how users can connect their spreadsheet models to the external environment that the model represents. We employ indexes to generate a list of relevant evidence that is hyperlinked to the context in which the evidence is discussed. The hyperlinks between the index and the contextual discussion have their own specific presentational identity. We contend that these presentational differences aid the integrity and understanding of complex models. Where models are complex, separate individual results can lead to contradictory conclusions. The demonstration includes a methodology for interpreting the analyses within a workbook and presenting them in the form of a standard written report.