Event Description

AI-generated answers and spreadsheets can look convincing even when important requirements have been missed. Explore how attention, context, and execution can diverge, then consider practical Excel controls for checking whether the results match the intended task.

This presentation answers the question:

How can I use spreadsheet controls to detect gaps between what I intended and what actually happened?

Topics typically covered:

· Intent versus execution: Documented requirements, plausible-looking omissions, AI-assisted work.

· Attention and context: Task switching, context drift, externalizing requirements; nonclinical analogy.

· Input controls: Data Validation, Excel Tables, clear input boundaries.

· Exception detection: Conditional formatting, reconciliation checks, inconsistent values.

· Independent verification: Comparing results with explicit rules rather than relying on self-review.

Objectives

Learning objectives

· Identify ways AI-assisted and manual spreadsheet workflows can depart from intended requirements.

· Recognize Excel controls that can flag invalid inputs and inconsistent results.

· Distinguish independent verification from reviewing the same work that produced the result.