"Mike Middleton" wrote:

HEK -

For decision modeling (management science), see the list at
http://www.treeplan.com/books.htm
For those types of spreadsheet models, I recommend the Powell & Baker,
Ragsdale, and Hillier books.

I don't have recommendations or sources for other types of spreadsheet
models (physical sciences, accounting transactions, etc.).

- Mike Middleton
http://www.DecisionToolworks.com
Decision Analysis Add-ins for Excel


"HEK" wrote in message
...
The zillion books available on Excel are great on learning commands,
functions and syntaxes, etc. But I can barely find information on a
systematic approach how to develop/design/model a spreadsheet. I found
one:
www.eusprig.org/smbp.pdf
Does anyone know any other sources (books, websites, etc) where methodical
development issues and "guidance rules" are discussed / presented? Any
directions are much appreciated.


Andy: thanks for the link. I saw that one but skipped it because the title suggested it was more on testing and validation than design.

Mike: thanks. Sorry if my wording is incorrectly chosen. My interest is on
the conceptual design level, ie I am looking for a methodical approach that
is valid for ANY type of spreadsheet. Maybe I am too optimistic. Your links
I will check for the possibility of bringing it to a higher abstraction
level. Also a number of design rules are helpful, but the ones I found,
while useful (eg, "separate input from calculations and output"), are rather
empirical and personal observations than an academically validated method. I
think the trick is to bring these together for sound spreadsheeting.