Explore integration within documents produced using office software

The text talks about integration of business processes, but some of the issues related to integration can be understood from looking at integration of documents in office software.

Observe different types of integration between documents by doing the following, starting with a spreadsheet from Figure. 2.1 in Chapter 2 (21 KB Excel 97 file in self-executing archive).

Assume that the spreadsheet model for Figure 2.1 is part of an organization's plan for the upcoming months. That plan will be modified a number of times and will be sent to different people in the organization for comment and approval.

Do EACH of the following steps starting by (a) opening the spreadsheet (b) selecting the entire model and assumptions (The range is A1:E19) and (c) using the copy command (control C) to copy the spreadsheet onto the computer's clipboard.

When you are finished, you will be asked to explain what you have observed about whether it is possible to integrate documents Microsoft Office. You will also be asked to explain how the ability to integrate documents might help or confuse collaborative efforts such as planning for an organization.

1. Use the paste command to paste the model below row 20 of the same spreadsheet. In the original model at the top of the spreadsheet change the number of sales people in April (cell E3) from 4 to 8 and observe what happens to pretax profit for the month (cell E13). Observe whether anything changed in the copy that you pasted lower in the spreadsheet.

2. Open a new Word document and use the paste command to paste the model into the new word document. Go back to the original spreadsheet and change the number of sales people in April (cell E3) from 4 to 8. Observe what happens to pretax profit for the month (cell E13). Observe whether anything changed in the copy that you pasted into your word document.

3. Open a new Excel workbook and use the paste command to paste the model into the new workbook. As in the second question, go back to the original spreadsheet and change the number of sales people in April (cell E3) from 4 to 8. Observe what happens to pretax profit for the month (cell E13). Observe whether anything changed in the copy that you pasted into the new workbook.

4. Open a new Excel workbook and go to the Object submenu within the insert menu on the toolbar. Select the tab "Create from file" and fill in the name of the original spreadsheet, select "link to file" and click OK. As in the second question, go back to the original spreadsheet and change the number of sales people in April (cell E3) from 4 to 8. Observe what happens to pretax profit for the month (cell E13). Observe whether anything changed in the new workbook.

5. Do the things as in step 4, except link the object into a new Microsoft Word document.

6. Explain what you have observed about whether it is possible to integrate documents Microsoft Office. Explain how the ability to integrate documents might help or confuse collaborative efforts such as planning for an organization.

Back to Internet and Hands-On Exercises

Main Page About the Book Student Resources Instructor Resources Contact Us