Digital and Data Skills — Apprenticeship Support

• A cell reference identifies a column and a row: B2 is in column B, row 2. A formula such as =B2*C2 multiplies the two referenced values.
• Relative references move with a copied formula. Copying =B2*C2 down one row changes the references to =B3*C3.
• SUM adds a range; AVERAGE calculates its mean. Before using a result, check the selected range, the values and whether the formula matches the task.

Watch for: Adding quantity and price instead of multiplying. Assuming a copied relative reference stays on the original row.

• A missing value means the value is unknown or was not recorded; it does not automatically mean zero. Follow the agreed missing-data rule before calculating a summary.
• Validation rules test a defined requirement, such as a quantity being a whole number greater than zero. Passing a rule does not prove that the recorded value matches reality.
• A repeated name is not enough to identify a duplicate person or order. Compare the appropriate unique identifier and check the original record before deleting data.

Watch for: Replacing every blank cell with zero. Deleting entries simply because two people have the same name.

• A bar chart compares values for categories; a line chart is useful for showing change across ordered time points. Label the units and time period so the viewer can interpret the values.
• Check the numerical axis before comparing visual sizes. A truncated vertical axis can make a small difference appear large, especially when reading bar lengths.
• A pattern in a chart shows an association, not its cause. A before-and-after change may have several explanations unless other relevant factors are considered.

Watch for: Comparing bar heights without reading the scale. Assuming that two changes happening together proves one caused the other.

• A useful filename follows the team's convention and identifies its subject, version or date. When a date starts YYYY-MM-DD, alphabetical ordering also orders those dates chronologically.
• View and edit access serve different purposes. Choose the permission needed for the agreed task and the intended recipients, following your organisation's policy.
• When several people work on a document, an agreed shared copy and a version history help avoid conflicting attachments. Check the current version before using its information.

Watch for: Giving edit access when a recipient only needs to read. Assuming a file called final-new-latest is clearly identified.