Need help designing a model and using excel

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    Designing Excel Model
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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on developing a model in Excel using the Solver tool to maximize return on investment (ROI) for car components. The user ranks components based on importance using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and seeks to optimize investment allocation while considering constraints such as total investment limits and diminishing returns as components approach saturation. The user has subjective baseline performance metrics and aims to refine the model before implementing it in Solver.

PREREQUISITES
  • Proficiency in Excel, specifically with the Solver add-in
  • Understanding of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for ranking components
  • Knowledge of ROI calculation and investment strategies
  • Familiarity with saturation curves and their impact on investment returns
NEXT STEPS
  • Research advanced Excel Solver techniques for optimization problems
  • Learn about constructing models using AHP for decision-making
  • Explore methods for incorporating constraints in optimization models
  • Investigate the effects of diminishing returns in investment scenarios
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for financial analysts, Excel users focused on optimization, and anyone interested in maximizing ROI through structured investment models in automotive contexts.

jpildave
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Hello Everyone,

I would like some help developing a model. I am using the Solver in Excel, but the results are giving me counter-intuitive results. I believe it is because my model is incorrect. Once I get some help perfecting the model, then I will worry about translating it for the Solver in Excel. The following is a description of what I'm looking for.

Let's say I have a car and I want to maximize my ROI.
1. I can invest in any component of the car, like the engine, suspension, brakes, tires, interior, sound, etc.
2. I rank the order of importance of these components using AHP (don't need help with this).
3. I enter in my current baselines, which are completely subjective, but something like 40% across the board for all of the components (for example sake). In other words, my car is an all-around 40% of my ideal 100%.
4. I enter in what I want to invest in and what I think my gain will be. For example, one of my investments is that for $5000, I can improve my suspension by 20%. So forth and so on.

I want the program to be able to tell me how to re-arrange my dollars by maximizing my ROI. However, keep in mind that each component has its own importance ranking. Also, consider a saturation curve in that as components go towards 100%, the saturation increases, thus making a less attractive investment.

There are other constraints like my total initial investment amount must equal the total suggested investment amount, but I won't name them all, and I probably need help developing those too.

Another final piece to this puzzle is something like sustaining a component, but first I would like to solve the simpler version. In case you are wondering though, the sustainment piece also incorporates something like: If I don't invest $1000 in my tires, then I will lose 20% in tires.

I don't know how difficult this model is on a scale of 1 to 10. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.
 
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Nevermind, I think I got it. But if anyone wants to send comments, feel free. Thanks.
 

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