Excel Skills for Business: Essentials

Dr. Prashan Karunaratne is an innovative lecturer in commerce, economics, and business analytics at Macquarie University, renowned for his catchphrase, #EveryoneSayWow. He is the course developer and instructor of the acclaimed Excel Skills for Business course, which received the Coursera Outstanding Educator Award for Student Transformation in 2018. Prashan has earned several teaching accolades, including the 2019 Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning award at the Australian Awards for University Teaching, recognizing his excellence in engaging and empowering students. In 2020, he was honored with the inaugural Australian Business Deans Council Award for Innovation and Excellence in Teaching and Learning. Prashan holds a PhD in Management – Learning & Teaching from Macquarie University and is the Course Director of the Bachelor of Commerce, the largest degree program at the university.

Nicky Bull is a Lecturer and Lead Content Designer at Macquarie University, where she leverages her extensive experience in technology and education to empower students in their learning journeys. With 15 years of commercial experience as a computer programmer and analyst, along with over a decade dedicated to designing and delivering educational programs, Nicky has established herself as a dynamic corporate trainer and consultant. She is particularly known for her role as the lead content designer for the highly acclaimed "Excel Skills for Business" course, which received the Coursera Outstanding Educator Award for Student Transformation in 2018. Nicky's passion lies in enabling individuals to confidently use technology to enhance their professional skills.In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Nicky offers a variety of courses on Excel, including "Data Visualization in Excel," "Excel Fundamentals for Data Analysis," and several levels of "Excel Skills for Business." She holds a BSc Hons in Computer Science, a BA in English Literature, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, all from the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. Her commitment to fostering effective learning environments makes her a valuable asset to both her students and the broader educational community.

Professor Yvonne Breyer is the Deputy Dean of Education and Employability at Macquarie University, where she is recognized for her expertise in online learning, student engagement, and digital transformation within higher education. With a PhD in Applied Linguistics from Macquarie University, she has led numerous strategic initiatives that have garnered national and international acclaim. Under her leadership, her team received the Coursera Outstanding Educator Award for Student Transformation in 2018, highlighting their exceptional impact on learner experiences. Recently, she played a pivotal role in developing the Global MBA program, which has been ranked as the #1 Online MBA in Australia.In addition to her administrative responsibilities, Professor Breyer is actively involved in teaching and curriculum design. She offers several courses on Excel skills for business, catering to diverse learners across multiple languages. Her commitment to enhancing educational practices and fostering employability among students positions her as a leading figure in the field of higher education.