Reading Assignment

1. Please read Spreadsheet Accuracy Theory by Kruck. (A local copy is available.)
   • You may skim most of the document but please pay attention to the following
     • Empirical Evidence of Spreadsheet Errors.
     • Evidence of Spreadsheet Errors in Practice.
     • Constructs
     • Propositions
2. Please respond to the following in a word document.
   1. How important is the issue of spread sheet errors?
      1. Did the estimated error rates surprise you?
      2. Did the estimated costs of these errors surprise you?
   2. Kruck describes various studies and examples that demonstrate spreadsheet errors were a problem in 2001. Do you believe that the situation has changed over the last 20 years?
      1. Please do a quick web search for recent spreadsheet error related links. Summarize your results.
   3. Please list what Kruck believes contributes to spreadsheet errors.
      1. What is your reaction to this list?
      2. Will this change how you approach creating and using spreadsheets in the future?
   4. Upload the word document to the D2L folder Activity Questions
3. If you wish, I am preparing to somewhat create the work described in Hitting the Wall: Errors in Developing and Debugging a "Simple" Spreadsheet Model" by Panko. (A local copy is available).
   1. Please send me an email to discuss any comments/thoughts on this work. This will have no impact on your grade.
   2. If you are interested in participating (on the research side) in any associated study next year, please let me know.