BA 275 Quantitative Business Methods

Winter 2007

[Click here to download class material]

BA 275 Quantitative Business Methods

Winter 2007

College of Business

Oregon State University

Course Description

Management decision processes utilizing statistical methods, use and application of probability concepts, sampling procedures, statistical estimation, and regression to the analysis and solution of such business problems as income and cost estimation, sales forecasting, performance evaluation, inventory analysis, and quality control.

Course Objectives

This course teaches quantitative methods used in data analysis and business decision making. Topics covered include: descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, hypothesis testing, statistical process control, and forecasting. 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.

Upon completion of this course, students will understand and be able to use STATGRAPHICS PLUS to analyze business, economic and financial data with various statistical tools.  (The software can be obtained from Milne Computer Center.  Free of charge.)

Prerequisite

Math 245 (probability, probability distributions, etc.) and sophomore standing.

Text

·         Moore, McCabe, Duckworth and Sclove, The Practice of Business Statistics, Freeman (required).

·         Upgrade Study Pack, Freeman (required).

Class and Textbook Websites

§         BA 275 Class Website.  Under the COB homepage (www.bus.orst.edu), click STUDENT SERVICES / COURSE MATERIALS, and the “>>” sign under Winter 2007 Course Materials.  Click my last name HSIEH to enter the course website.  You will find additional documents for our class.

§         Textbook Website: http://www.whfreeman.com/pbs.  You will find additional materials to help you master several important statistical concepts covered in the textbook.

Grading  Course scores will be computed as follows:

            Grades will be assigned based on the following scale:        

Important Matters

1.       You are expected to adhere to the Oregon State University rules for academic honesty.  These rules are stated in Academic Regulation.  You should be familiar with the statement.

2.       Students are expected to be honest and ethical in their academic work.  Academic dishonesty is defined as an intentional act of deception in one of the following areas:

·         Cheating: use or attempted use of unauthorized materials, information or study aids

·         Fabrication: falsification or invention of any information

·         Assisting: helping another commit an act of academic dishonesty

·         Tampering: altering or interfering with evaluation instruments and documents

·         Plagiarism: representing the words or ideas of another person as one’s own

3.       The goal of Oregon State University is to provide students with the knowledge, skill and wisdom they need to contribute to society.  Our rules are formulated to guarantee each student’s freedom to learn and to protect the fundamental rights of others.  People must treat each other with dignity and respect in order for scholarship to thrive.  Behaviors that are disruptive to learning will not be tolerated, and will be referred to the Office of the Dean of Students for disciplinary action.  Behaviors which create a hostile, offensive or intimidating environment based on gender, race, ethnicity, color, religion, age, disability, marital status or sexual orientation will be referred to the Affirmative Action Office.

4.       Students with documented disabilities who may need accommodations, who have any emergency medical information the instructor should know of, or who need special arrangements in the event of evacuation, should make an appointment with the instructor as early as possible, no later than the first week of the term.  In order to arrange alternative testing, the student should make the request at least one week in advance of the test.  Students seeking accommodations must register with the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities.

5.       Midterm Exams and Final Exam: No make-up exams will be given and the student will receive zero points on the exam missed unless the instructor is notified in advance and an acceptable written excuse or official verification is presented prior to rescheduling the exam.

6.       Quizzes: all quizzes will be conducted at the beginning of the class on the specified date.  No make-up quiz will be given for any reason and the student will receive zero points.

7.       Computer Projects: computer projects are due at the beginning of the class on the specified date.  Penalty will be imposed if you miss the deadline.

8.      You can always find me available in the classroom or my office during the regular class hours.

CLASS SCHEDULE

§   Progress reports: there is a self assessment quiz at the end of each CD lesson (except Lessons 1 and 2.)  Once the quiz is loaded, click the “Begin Assessment” button to start the quiz.  At the end of the quiz, click the “Grade Quiz” button to see your score.  You may repeat the quiz as many times as you want.  Record the best score to the project report form available at the class website.

§   The classes on 3/12 and 3/14 (Week 10) are mandatory.  Two important topics not on the CDs will be covered.