The impact of using excel macros for teaching simulation input and output analysis

Excel macros are used to teach simulation topics for an undergraduate operations research and simulation course, and a graduate simulation course emphasizing input and output analysis. The macros have the ability to perform simulation analysis when simulation packages are not available (i.e. they are independent of a specific simulation language) and do not require a large amount of CPU memory. These features have lent themselves well to supporting laptop and network independent learning environments. Statistical analysis shows that the macros have also improved overall grade point averages and have reduced the amount of instructional time required to teach these topics.