Microcomputer Spreadsheet Research Articles

A History of Microcomputer Spreadsheets

In 1978, the first microcomputer spreadsheet program was developed. Since then spreadsheets have become widely used as productivity software for business and home computer users. Many of today’s MIS faculty members use a variety of spreadsheet programs, but the origins and evolution of this product category is of on-going interest to students, managers and MIS faculty. This article is a contemporary history of microcomputer spreadsheets based on primary and secondary sources.

Network Externalities in Microcomputer Software: An Econometric Analysis of the Spreadsheet Market

Because of network externalities, the success of a software product may depend in part on stalled base and its conformance to industry standards. This research builds a hedonic model to determine the effects of network externalities, standards, intrinsic features and a time trend on microcomputer spreadsheet software prices. When data for a sample of products during the 1987–1992 time period were analyzed using this model, four main results emerged: 1) Network externalities, as measured by the size of a product's installed base, significantly increased the price of spreadsheet products: a one percent increase in a product's installed base was associated with a 0.75% increase in its price. 2) Products which adhered to the dominant standard, the Lotus menu tree interface, commanded prices which were higher by an average of 46%. 3) Although nominal prices increased slightly during this time period, quality-adjusted prices declined by an average of 16% per year. 4) The hedonic model was found to be a good predictor of actual market prices, despite the fact that it was originally estimated using list prices. Several variations of the model were examined, and, while the qualitative findings were robust, the precise estimates of the coefficients varied somewhat depending on the sample of products examined, the weighting of the observations and the functional form used in estimation, suggesting that the use of hedonic methods in this domain is subject to a number of limitations due, inter alia, to the potential for strategic pricing by vendors.

Optimization of Radioligand Binding and Radioimmuno Assays

Radioligand binding assay (RLA) and radioimmunoassay (RIA) development involves consideration of a large number variables which influence signal readout or system errors, with contrary effects on assay performance. We have developed an optimization strategy according to statistical criteria which incorporates these variables and which specifies a minimum data set for a systematic analysis. Increased background and error fractions are seen to reduce assay power, whereas increased specific activity, affinity, and counting time increase power. The optimal concentration of radiolabeled developer in the test is dependent upon a balance of these factors, but in general yields a broad optimum. These analyses suggest several strategies available to the investigator for improving assay performance. The optimization method is adapted to standard microcomputer spreadsheet formats which allow ready application of these procedures in any research laboratory.

Teaching geomorphology through spreadsheet modelling

Geomorphology, like most scientific disciplines, has evolved from a descriptive stage through quantification to modelling of processes and outcomes. Indeed, high-resolution modelling has been termed the “third branch of science” for its ability to generate high-quality hypotheses, testable in turn through field mapping and laboratory experimentation. I teach the principles and basic applications of modelling using microcomputer spreadsheets. These serve as “transparent boxes” in which graphical output is generated in response to numerical input, and more importantly, in which the modeler (student) can see the equations and order of steps (unlike traditional “black box” models). The technology is widely available and familiarity with it can be assumed, required, or taught at the undergraduate level. Modelling can be taught through a series of spreadsheet exercises in which students, while learning topical material in a traditional sequence, progress from a simple, “cookbook” exercise through more realistic, process-based exercises to the level of addressing a previously unstudied research question. At each step the model can be used to generate testable hypotheses. I have worked with scarp evolution, stream longitudinal profiles, and glacier reconstructions, and plan to include eolian, soil development, mass wasting, and coastal processes in additional exercises. The first year of use of this technique in a junior-level Geomorphology course clarified the strengths and weaknesses of the modelling approach. The strengths involve students learning the capabilities and flaws of modelling, a stronger understanding of causeeffect relationships, and the effects of time on landforms. The weaknesses involve time commitment, supervision in model implementation, and limitations to student ability to independently pursue openended research.

Pure premium distribution estimation of an electric power plant using spreadsheet simulation

A microcomputer spreadsheet simulation is used to estimate an electric power plant's pure premium distribution. This simulation approach is fast and intuitive and provides results that very well compare to those obtained by other methods.

Fluid Milk Processing Cost Analysis

An economic engineering model of a milk processing facility was used to estimate processing costs for white milk in Maine. A microcomputer spreadsheet was used to determine per unit processing costs and to perform sensitivity analyses and comparisons of processing costs for 1989 and 1993. Sensitivity analysis addressed the effect on processing costs of a 50% increase in milk volume processed and on-site blow molding for plastic gallon (3.784L) and half-gallon (1.892L) containers.Overall, estimated costs for the processing facility have increased 10% between 1989 and 1993. Electricity and labor costs have increased, but the annual costs for equipment, land, and building have decreased. Analysis showed that the distribution of processing costs varied among container types. Increasing the plant capacity from 400,000 to 600,000 gal/d reduced processing costs for plastic gallons by 11% and for plastic half-gallons by 13%. The operation of the smaller plant without on-site blow molding increased processing costs by $.028 for gallon containers and by $.008 for half-gallons.

A Procedure for Identifying the Possibility of Student Answer Copying on Multiple-Choice Examinations

The author presents and tests a procedure for detecting students who copy answers from their neighbors on multiple-choice examinations. The procedure employs a microcomputer spreadsheet program that compares the exam results for all pairs of adjacently seated students. Binomial probabilities are computed to assess the likelihood that a given pair of students will miss a series of questions with the same wrong answers.

Calculation of Actuarial Life Tables with Use of a Microcomputer Spreadsheet Program

To simplify the calculation of the life-table method of survival analysis. A template was developed for use with a popular microcomputer spreadsheet program to perform life-table survival calculations and to perform statistical comparisons between the survivals of groups of patients with use of the log-rank test. The template successfully performed life-table and log-rank calculations when compared with two standard, accepted statistical computing programs. The template can be used to quickly perform life-table calculations that can be used in the long-term follow-up of patients undergoing interventional radiologic procedures.

MacroMixer: A Spreadsheet Program to Aid Mixing Macronutrients for Solution Culture

MacroMixer, a microcomputer spreadsheet program, offers 15 commonly used nutrient sources for quick formulation of a macronutrient mix in solution culture. The program displays the total concentration of each macro-element and the contribution of each source when the user specifies the desired volume of the mix and the amount of source considered. This program, used with trial and error, eases computational complexity, as sources may contain more than one controlled macro-element.

Reply: Strength tests on slender plain block masonry walls with veneer wythes

An experimental program was undertaken on single wythe and cavity concrete block masonry walls to evaluate the effect of the veneer on the vertical load-carrying capacity of the wall. Twelve unreinforced, ungrouted, and relatively slender single wythe and cavity walls were tested to failure under quasi-static, monotonic, axial loading. Three values of equal end load eccentricity were used in the test program. A review of published test data associated with the behavior of single and double wythe concrete block masonry walls indicates a scarcity of data regarding the magnitude and type of effect of the veneer on the stiffness, strength, and stability of such walls. To examine the performance of axially loaded slender masonry walls, and to isolate any effect of the veneer in modifying that performance, the plain masonry walls of the present program were chosen to be quite slender (height-to-thickness ratio of 30) and relatively thin (thickness = 140 mm). This study used a microcomputer spreadsheet program t...

Using program flowcharts in the development of macros for spreadsheet applications

Abstract Accounting and business curricula are being changed to provide increased emphasis on information systems concepts. Much of that change involves the use of microcomputer spreadsheet packages. For decades, program flowcharts have been used in developing programs in languages such as COBOL, FORTRAN, and BASIC, but little evidence is available to indicate that program flowcharts are being used in developing complex spreadsheet macros. Students in accounting information systems classes were required to prepare program flowcharts prior to developing a spreadsheet that required complex macros. Student feedback indicated that they would prepare program flowcharts in the future when they develop complex spreadsheet macros.

A Microcomputer Spreadsheet Technique for Analyzing Multimodal Particle Size Distributions

Abstract Particle size distributions (PSD) of industrial aerosols are usually described in the literature by a single geometric mean (GM) and geometric standard deviation (GSD) determined using log-probability (probit) analysis, thus implying the existence of a single-mode, lognormal distribution. If a multimodal distribution is suspected, as indicated in log-probability analysis by data points that do not lie upon a straight line, a different method of analysis is necessary in order to estimate the parameters of each of the underlying distributions. A simple method to analyze multimodal PSDs was developed. A microcomputer spreadsheet is used to fit a smooth curve to grouped (histogram) particle size data, e.g., cascade impactor data, scanning electron microscope (SEM) particle counts, and optical device particle counts. This method is based upon the assumption that multimodal PSDs can be adequately described by a linear combination of weighted, lognormal distributions. This method yields a fitted smooth ...

Strength tests on slender plain block masonry walls with veneer wythes

An experimental program was undertaken on single wythe and cavity concrete block masonry walls to evaluate the effect of the veneer on the vertical load-carrying capacity of the wall. Twelve unreinforced, ungrouted, and relatively slender single wythe and cavity walls were tested to failure under quasi-static, monotonic, axial loading. Three values of equal end load eccentricity were used in the test program. A review of published test data associated with the behavior of single and double wythe concrete block masonry walls indicates a scarcity of data regarding the magnitude and type of effect of the veneer on the stiffness, strength, and stability of such walls. To examine the performance of axially loaded slender masonry walls, and to isolate any effect of the veneer in modifying that performance, the plain masonry walls of the present program were chosen to be quite slender (height-to-thickness ratio of 30) and relatively thin (thickness = 140 mm). This study used a microcomputer spreadsheet program to evaluate the theoretical capacity of the walls and to generate load –moment interaction diagrams. The program is based on a moment–area analysis and incorporates the effects of finite deflections, nonlinear constitutive laws, and cracked section behavior. The walls exhibited material failure in the case of centrally loaded walls, whereas stability failure governed for eccentrically loaded specimens. The contribution of the veneer to the lateral stiffness of the cavity wall system was found to vary with the eccentricity of the applied end load. The contribution to strength seemed to be negligible for central loading, but was quite significant for the case of the eccentrically loaded walls. More tests covering different loadings, slenderness values, and end conditions are needed to quantify the behavior. Key words: masonry, slenderness, stiffness, stability, capacity, veneer, cavity wall, ties, eccentric loading.

A Spreadsheet Approach to the Sliding Mode Control of a Chopper Fed DC Motor

An application of microcomputer spreadsheet to the design and performance evaluation of a sliding mode controller for a chopper fed separately excited DC motor is presented. The design is based on a geometric approach for finding out the hyperplane for discontinuous control. The controller has been implemented on a personal computer based drive. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the controller in improving the system response. A fairly close agreement is observed between the simulated and practical results.

The Role of the Electronic Spreadsheet in Small Firm Planning

Microcomputer technology and spreadsheet software are widely available to small businesses and offer the small firm owner a means of planning more effectively and efficiently. A survey of the planning practices of electronic spreadsheet owners reveals a gap between ownership of the planning tools and their effective use. The study shows the importance of preplanning the purchase of software, of motivation to plan, and of tailoring planning systems to the goal orientation of the firm in order to effectively use the electronic spreadsheet as a small business planning tool.

Microcomputer spreadsheet software application in body development determination

The historical analysis of great data collections is a common practice in medical research. Performing such tasks manually is not only time consuming and tedious, but also very sensitive to errors. Computers with theirs ability to store and process information can enormously ease this work. But it is very hard for non-computer specialists like doctors, nurses and other medical staff to learn and use conventional programming tools and techniques. Using spreadsheet software, which is a very user friendly and easy to learn tool, is a possible solution. In this paper we first present a mathematical model based on Rohrer's indexes which we have developed to assist us in common pupil's body-development determination. Then we briefly present the spreadsheet software, and the spreadsheet implementation of the above model.

On the Optimization of Cholesterol Screening

Total serum cholesterol is a major risk factor for Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). Some guidelines have been published regarding treatment levels. However, before implementing cholesterol screening, the costs and benefits should be analyzed as a function of cholesterol level. Analysis is readily implemented on microcomputer spreadsheets using decision tree analysis. Because it is very difficult to establish some of the costs satisfactorily, the facility of spreadsheets in performing sensitivity analysis is crucial. Here, plausible numerical values are used as "default" conditions for estimating in a preliminary way the costs and benefits of a putative screening-intervention program. The cost-benefit condition remains very close to optimal over the range 200-240 mg/dl for cholesterol marker level. The optimal condition may shift considerably when the default parameter values are altered. With the default values, the maximal net benefit is around 5% of the estimated current costs of CHD deaths without screening.

A spreadsheet heuristic to classify random survey samples for a factorial experimental design

Industrial engineers, ergonomists, production operations managers and other field researchers may be confronted with large panels of potential respondents whose characteristics will not fit into a balanced factorial analysis design. This paper describes a microcomputer spreadsheet application that allows construction of an approximately unbiased sample in a 2n factorial design, using the Plackett-Burman reduced cell model as screening device. Binary criteria for predictor variables and binary-to-decimal conversion are used as an aid to obtain the “best” respondent selection for subsequent data analysis. Two separate studies are presented to illustrate the technique.

Microcomputer spreadsheets for the implementation of geographic information systems in aquaculture: a case study on carp in Pakistan

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are being increasingly used for natural resource assessment. In this paper the application of simple microcomputer spreadsheets for the implementation of GIS in aquaculture is considered, using carp culture in Pakistan as a case study.

Development of a Demographic Growth Model forUncinula necatorby Using a Microcomputer Spreadsheet Program

A demographic model simulating population growth of a plant pathogenic fungus was created by using a microcomputer spreadsheet program. The model was based on the age-specific survival and fecundity rates for Uncinula necator and was used to examine the effects of various environmental factors and disease control strategies on population growth over a 30-day period. Simulation results are used to illustrate the potential benefits from the application of spreadsheet programs to epidemiologic modeling. Techniques were presented to enable the reader to recreate this or other simulation models based on age specific survival and fecundity