The Construction of a Population Analysis Program Using a Microcomputer Spreadsheet

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
This article describes a population analysis program called “HALLEY,” which uses a microcomputer spreadsheet (Lotus 1-2-3). The program calculates a life expectancy table, an age distribution model, a fertility table, and five- and ten-year population projections; the four parts work in sequence. The program is appropriate for analyzing local, regional, state, or national populations and is also useful for teaching the interrelated dynamics of population change. Data for the program are readily available. 1-2-3 can make graphs from the population program, which makes it easy for the user to visualize population changes. The ease of use of such programs can be beneficial in planning analysis, allowing planners, administrators, and the public to examine population models in detail and to test the assumptions on which they are based.

This publication has 3 references indexed in Scilit: