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BA 276  Introduction to Statistical Inference

 

For Additional Course Materials, login to the Blackboard Learning System  èhttp://my.oregonstate.edu/

 

BA 276  Introduction to Statistical Inference (2)

Fall 2009

 

 

Instructor:

Jim Moran

Office:

Bexell 334

Office Phone:

737-8871

E-mail:

moranj@bus.orst.edu

Office Hours:

Tues 2-3   Weds  1-2   Thur  12-1       (and by appointment)

 

Course Description – 2 Credits: Lecture 2 hours per week

An introductory level statistics course on data analysis and statistical inference with an emphasis on business applications. Coverage includes descriptive statistics, random variables, probability distributions, sampling and sampling distributions, statistical inference for means and proportions using one and two samples. Provides the foundation for statistical inference and is a prerequisite to BA 376. OTHER PREREQS: MTH 245 and sophomore standing.

Course Objectives

This course teaches quantitative methods used in data analysis and business decision making. Topics covered include: descriptive statistics, and hypothesis testing. Business applications of these techniques are emphasized. Students in this course will acquire expertise in computer-based methods for data analysis and decision making, through computer analysis of business datasets.  Prerequisite:  Math 245 (probability, probability distributions, etc.) and sophomore standing.

 

Learning Outcomes:


  • To understand how quantitative methods affect our daily lives.
  • To be able to assess and recognize inaccurate statistical reports.
  • To be able to calculate and interpret various, selected statistical measurements.
  • To be able to conduct and apply the results of tests of hypotheses
  • To be able to calculate various confidence intervals and interpret the results.
  • To understand and be able to use tables:  standardized normal and “t”.
  • To be able to use computer-based statistical tools (e.g., StatGraphics) to conduct basic statistical tests and analyses.
  • To be able to analyze case studies, determine the appropriate analytical tool, apply the tool, and interpret the results.

 

Learning Resources

Text

·         Anderson, Sweeney and Williams, Introduction to Statistical Inference (abbreviated, custom 10th ed.) (required).

·         CengageNow access code (required).

 

Blackboard and CengageNow (CNOW) Accounts

·         Access your Blackboard account for course announcements/information/documents.  All of the course materials (syllabus, course packet, announcements, etc.) are available on the campus Blackboard System.  è  https://my.oregonstate.edu     

·         Complete by October 2nd, Friday:
For CengageNow enrollment, review the instruction documents in Blackboard and discussed in class.

1.                   “Enter School Name:”    OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY

2.       “Course Key”  enter:  

      1. E-3F5U77N8Q5TSW             for Section 001 (Tues  8:00—9:50)
      2. E-5JGG726HTCTTX               for Section 004 (Tues 10:00—11:50)
      3. E-2TQPQH2P7H2UV              for Section 002 (Thur  8:00—9:50)
      4. E-Y37V5FGC6CXMY              for Section 003 (Thur 10:00—11:50)

·         The conduct of the course includes:  lectures w/ class notes (ppts); daily help sessions; weekly on-line quizzes and assignments; midterm exam; and a final exam. 

The student is expected to:

ü  Rounded Rectangular Callout: Every Class:
Bring the text & a calculator.
Complete the textbook assignments, and weekly on-line assignments and tests.  [Note:  Data files for the exercises/problems are in Blackboard.]

ü  Attend lectures during the regularly scheduled class time.

ü  Develop appropriate StatGraphics skill level.


 

StatGraphics

Upon completion of this course, students will understand and be able to use STATGRAPHICS CENTURION XV to analyze business, economic and financial data with various statistical tools.  The software is available on all PC’s in the COB Computer Lab, Bexell basement;  or you can obtain a free copy to install on your personal PC from:  a) the OSUware 2007 CD which is available in Milne Computer Center and the Valley Library; or b) a download from this siteè http://tss.oregonstate.edu/softdist/StatGraphics/downloads/index.shtml

 

Examinations & Grading:

There are eight weekly on-line tests and four on-line assignments; plus a midterm and a final.  No alternate test times are scheduled for any of the exams or assignments.  Bring a calculator (communication devices not allowed) to the midterm and the final (and be sure to use a pencil!).  All tests are closed book, no notes, etc.  They will cover material in the textbook, lectures, problems, on-line assignment and tests.

 

          APPROXIMATE points for final grade & grade breakdown:

 

 

CNOW Tests (8)                   (32)     11

CNOW Assignments (4)      (28)     10

Mid-Term                            (100)     34   

Final                                      (130)     45

                                                290                 

                               

    A

    B

   C

   D

   F

  92%

   82

  70

  60

<60

 

Exams, Schedules, & Attendance

·       Weekly Tests & Assignments:  See deadlines in the Course Schedule.  You must meet these deadlines for credit.  No make-ups will be given for any reason. 

·       Midterm Exam and Final Exam: No make-up exams will be given.  Students will receive zero points unless:  there are extreme circumstances; the instructor is notified in advance; and an acceptable written excuse or official verification is presented prior to rescheduling.  There is no alternate scheduled time for the final exam.   [Note:   vacation plans and airline schedules are not valid excuses.]

·       No communication devices of any type are allowed in the classroom during exams/quizzes.

·       Late hand-ins receive no credit.

 

Important Matters

·         Students with Disabilities
Accommodations are collaborative efforts between students, faculty and Disability Access Services (DAS). Students with accommodations approved through DAS are responsible for contacting the faculty member in charge of the course prior to or during the first week of the term to discuss accommodations. Students who believe they are eligible for accommodations but who have not yet obtained approval through DAS should contact DAS immediately at 737-4098

·         Student Conduct
Be sure to review the university policy academic issues and student conduct
è  http://oregonstate.edu/admin/stucon/achon.htm

 

Online Assignments/Tests:

1.        You have 3 attempts for each test and unlimited attempts on the assignments.  Hit the Submit assignment for grading icon after each attempt to receive a grade.  The final score is based on the BEST attempt before the deadline.

2.        Technical problems do occur (e.g., lost internet connection in the middle of a session) and you may lose the answers you have entered.  Hence, I would suggest that

·         you make a hardcopy of the assignment when it becomes available online,

·         work on the paper version of the assignment and keep a record of your work (intermediate calculation, final answers, etc.) on the hardcopy, and

 

 

Note:  If you have not had your COB picture taken or if it is “out-dated”, be sure to have it taken by the COB electronic photo staff, before the end of the first week of classes.  They are located in the COB Computer Lab, basement of Bexell Hall.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE:  This syllabus is a guide, not a contract, and therefore may be changed as necessary.  If changes are made, I will announce and discuss them in class.