Chapter 4 · Data Manipulation & Analysis

Hours: 20 · Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ · The biggest sub-topic of Module A and the bridge to Elective 2A Databases.

This chapter teaches the practical, exam-tested skills of manipulating data using spreadsheets and a DBMS — including reading simple SQL.

Chapter contents

#	Topic	Approx. study time
4.1	Spreadsheet basics	60 min
4.2	Cell references & functions	120 min
4.3	Pivot tables & what-if analysis	90 min
4.4	Database basics with a DBMS	90 min
4.5	Reading simple SQL	60 min

Learning outcomes

• Describe and use basic features of spreadsheets to solve problems.
• Demonstrate data manipulation techniques in spreadsheets.
• Apply spreadsheets as a data analysis tool using pivot tables and "what-if" scenarios.
• Apply the concepts of data organisation to create and maintain a simple database using a DBMS tool.
• Create and use a form for data entry.
• Practise data extraction and manipulation by querying a database and creating reports.
• Trace and interpret simple SQL statements.

How questions are usually phrased in Paper 1

• "Write a single Excel formula in cell C2 that..."
• "Explain how a pivot table would help the manager..."
• "What is the output of the following SQL SELECT statement?"
• "Identify two functions of a database management system (DBMS)."

Tools you will need

• Excel / Google Sheets / LibreOffice Calc — pick one and stick with it.
• A DBMS — either install MySQL/SQLite or, easier, use SQL Books in the browser.

Practice plan

• For each formula or pivot example, type it yourself in a sheet. Reading is not enough.
• For each SQL example, paste it into SQL Books and change the WHERE clause to see how the output changes.

➡️ Start with: 4.1 Spreadsheet Basics