Spreadsheet Models for Urban and Regional Analysis/Book and Disk - Hardcover

Brail, Richard K.; Bossard, Earl G.

9780882851426: Spreadsheet Models for Urban and Regional Analysis/Book and Disk

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 088285142X ISBN 13: 9780882851426

Publisher: Transaction Pub, 1993

Electronic spreadsheets are second only to word processors as the most widely used computer software tool. They are user friendly: easy to learn, forgiving of errors, and useful with minimal knowledge of computer fundamentals. Their simple format and logical structure provide an environment for examining quantitative problems that can be formulated as two-dimensional tables. In addition, their ability to report the results of changing values stored in the spreadsheet allows analysts to quickly and easily conduct "what-if" analyses, examining the implications of alternative policy choices and different assumptions.

This work provides nineteen spreadsheet models that can be used for a wide range of urban and regional analysis and planning applications. They incorporate a common set of procedures for entering data, conducting analyses, and displaying results. This makes it easy for users to become familiar with and use the different models provided in the collection. The models also provide internal documentation allowing users to understand how the models operate and modify them to suit their needs.

This definitive guide to spreadsheet applications in urban and regional analysis describes the typographical conventions used and provides detailed instructions for using the models. The book also describes the models’ intended application and conceptual basis, the different components of the models, specialized commands and options; sources and procedures for entering required data; guidelines for interpreting and using outputs; and references for further information. It will appeal to professionals, instructors, and students in planning and related fields.

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About the Author:

Richard K. Brail is professor emeritus in the Urban Planning and Policy Development Program, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University.

Review:

“What can you say about a book that covers everything from gravity models to earthquake risk analysis, includes curve extrapolation and economic base analysis, and ends with The Game of Life Itself?. . . I expect that this book will appeal to a wide audience. As the title indicates, the book presents spreadsheet models that are often used in urban and regional analysis. It contains nineteen models along with complete instructions for their use . . . The authors presume that he or she is at least somewhat familiar with basic spreadsheet procedures (although not necessarily with macros). Most importantly, they assume that the user already knows about the basic analytical techniques themselves. This book is not meant to teach you all you need to know about, for example, input-output or shift-share analysis. This is not a failing of the book; rather, it represents a focus that allows the book to spend its pages on extra models rather than repeating information available elsewhere. Moreover, the authors are consistent in suggesting other sources that present the basics . . . I found the book to be very useful. It demonstrates how powerful spreadsheet macros are . . . [I]t encouraged me to learn about techniques that are new to me by making them seem less intimidating.”

—James A. Kurre, Journal of Regional Science

“This book can provide an important practical aid to anyone who might need to work in any of the topic areas covered. It can also serve as a relatively easy introduction to the power of spreadsheet modeling.”

—George I. Treyz, Growth and Change

"Harnesses the open programming environment of the electronic spreadsheet to provide sophisticated modeling capabilities."

—Journal of Planning Education and Research

"The Center for Urban Policy Research at Rutgers University dominates American publishing in the field of urban housing. . . . Its unique role places it on the frontier of thinking in urban policy."

—Ecology Law Quarterly

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