What You Will Learn
You will learn how to use Gemini to convert spreadsheet metrics into a structured issue tree with a core question, branches, hypotheses, supporting metrics, and next analyses.
Required Dataset
Use the FinanceCo_PL_Dataset.
Use the tab:
Monthly_PL
Create three new tabs:
Issue_Tree_Practice
Issue_Tree_Output
Issue_Tree_Check
Before You Start
Copy Monthly_PL into Issue_Tree_Practice. Make sure it includes fields such as Month, Business Unit, Region, Product Line, Revenue, Gross Profit, EBITDA, Headcount, Revenue per Employee, and EBITDA Margin %.
Use this core question:
What is driving changes in EBITDA and EBITDA margin?
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Ask Gemini to create the first-pass issue tree
Open Gemini and enter:
Act as a management consultant.
Use the Issue_Tree_Practice tab.
Objective: Create an issue tree for the question: What is driving changes in EBITDA and EBITDA margin?
Return:
- Core question
- Level 1 branches
- Level 2 hypotheses
- Supporting metrics
- Analysis needed to test each hypothesis
- Data limitations
Rules:
– Treat hypotheses as hypotheses, not conclusions.
– Use only fields available in the dataset.
– Do not invent causes.
Paste the output into Issue_Tree_Output.
Step 2. Refine the branches
Common Level 1 branches may include:
Revenue performance
Gross margin
Operating expenses
Business mix
Productivity
Data quality
Ask Gemini:
Review the issue tree. Identify overlapping branches, unsupported hypotheses, missing metrics, and analyses that should be prioritized.
Step 3. Add evidence status
In Issue_Tree_Output, add fields for:
Evidence Strength
Next Analysis
Owner
Status
Use simple values such as:
Not Tested
Weak
Medium
Strong
Expected Result
You should have a structured issue tree that organizes possible EBITDA drivers into testable branches and identifies the next analyses required.
Check Your Work
Confirm that every hypothesis is linked to a metric, every branch is distinct, and no hypothesis is written as a proven conclusion. Make sure the issue tree helps guide analysis rather than replace it.
Optional Extension
Ask Gemini:
Convert the issue tree into a slide-ready outline with the core question, main branches, top hypotheses, evidence status, and next analysis required.
