ISEDJ

Abstract: Spreadsheets have long played a key role in business operations. The use and adoption of data analytics has significantly increased over the last few years and amplified this role. Spreadsheets are often a first tool for data analytics as such applications provide ease of calculation of basic statistics and chart development. For much of the last two decades universities have provided training in Microsoft Excel because that was what companies used and wanted. Since mid-2020, there has been an increase in use of Google Sheets causing some faculty to believe that MS Excel should be replaced. Faculty must always be aware of current and future employers demands and ensure programs meet the expectations of employers especially expectations for recent graduates. This study reviews business job postings seeking employees with two years or fewer years of work experience between 2019 and 2021 and examines demand for spreadsheet application experience. Results overwhelming indicate that Microsoft Excel still is the most required spreadsheet application by employers and faculty should pause before changing MS Excel training or removing certifications.

Download this article: ISEDJ - V21 N5 Page 29.pdf

Recommended Citation: Rebman, C., Booker, Q., Wimmer, H., Levkoff, S., McMurtrey, M., Powell, L., (2023). An Industry Survey of Analytics Spreadsheet Tools Adoption: Microsoft Excel vs Google Sheets. Information Systems Education Journal21(5) pp 29-42. http://ISEDJ.org/2023-5/ ISSN : ISSN: 1545-679X. A preliminary version appears in The Proceedings of EDSIGCON 2022