Authors
Zbigniew Przasnyski, Linda Leon, & Kala Chand Seal
Abstract
Most organizations use large and complex spreadsheets that are embedded in their mission-critical processes and are used for decision-making purposes. Identification of the various types of errors that can be present in these spreadsheets is, therefore, an important control that organizations can use to govern their spreadsheets.
In this paper, we propose a taxonomy for categorizing qualitative errors in spreadsheet models that offers a framework for evaluating the readiness of a spreadsheet model before it is released for use by others in the organization. The classification was developed based on types of qualitative errors identified in the literature and errors committed by end-users in developing a spreadsheet model for Panko's (1996) "Wall problem."
Closer inspection of the errors reveals four logical groupings of the errors creating four categories of qualitative errors. The usability and limitations of the proposed taxonomy and areas for future extension are discussed.
Sample
This is an example of poor layout for copy/paste.
That is, the labels for the cost inputs are placed in two consecutive rows (cells B11 and B12), but the headings for calculations are switched to columns (B15 and C15). This change in layout makes it impossible to copy the calculation logic from one cell to the other, as the relative reference relationship is lost.
Publication
2011, EuSpRIG
Full article
In search of a taxonomy for classifying qualitative spreadsheet errors
