Introduction to VBA in MS Excel

Full Citation
Helal, M., Archer, S. 2008. Introduction to VBA in MS Excel. Florida Association for Institutional Research; FAIR Conference, Feb 6-8, Indialantic, FL

Abstract
Almost every institutional researcher uses MS Excel. But using Excel can be time consuming when working with thousands of data records, or when having to repeat the same tasks time after time. Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) is a version of the Visual Basic programming language that is included in MS Excel as a standard add-in. Excel VBA is designed to allow Excel users to control cell ranges, sheets, workbooks, charts, formulas, and most other Excel objects and tools. VBA code subroutines in Excel are termed macros. Macros may be saved in the Excel workbook or globally and are reusable and editable as necessary. Graphical user interfaces can be built to interact with workbook contents, thus users do not have to work directly with the data. Several macros can be written for each workbook to perform customized Excel functions and tasks, which can lead to more efficiency and accuracy. However, working with programming languages intimidates many people. This presentation is an introduction to writing Excel VBA macros for common data manipulation tasks. A simple Excel VBA application will be used to demonstrate each of the following:
1. Recording and editing VBA macros
2. Inserting a graphical user interface and linking it to the VBA code
3. Editing and moving data between sheets and workbooks
4. Formatting data cells and executing some formulas and operations
5. Creating and controlling pivot tables and filters

Each of these tasks will be explained and presented such that no knowledge of computer programming is necessary. After attending the presentation, an Excel user with no knowledge of computer programming should be ready to start exploring the potentials of using VBA in their everyday Excel tasks.