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BA 275  Quantitative Business Methods

 

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BA 275  Quantitative Business Methods

Summer 2006

MTWR  10:30 – 12:50

 

Instructor:

Jim Moran

Office:

Bexell 334

Office Phone:

737-8871

E-mail:

moranj@bus.orst.edu

Office Hours:

                MTWR  9:30-10:30 (and by appointment)

 

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

 

č  This 4-week course is based on a set of CD tutorials (Upgrade Study Pack—see below).  The conduct of the course includes:  the CD tutorials, class notes (ppts); daily help sessions with progress checks; and weekly examinations.

 

č 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 is available on all PC’s in the COB Computer Lab, Bexell basement; on the free OSUware CD which is available in Milne Computer Center and the Valley Library, or download from this site

http://tss.oregonstate.edu/softdist/StatGraphics/downloads/index.shtml

 

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
    • χ2  test of independence
    • Simple linear and multiple regression analyses
  • To be able to calculate various confidence intervals and interpret the results.
  • To be able to calculate binomial probabilities and interpret the results.
  • To understand and be able to use:  binomial, normal, “t”, “F”, and χ2 tables.
  • 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.

 

Text

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

·         Upgrade Study Pack, Freeman (required).

·         Student Solutions Manual (optional).  Several copies also available in the Circulation Dept, Valley Library, on a 2-hour checkout basis.

·         Excel-formatted Data Files for assigned problems are on the Student CD.

 

Classroom Materials

All of the materials (syllabus, course packet, data files, announcements, etc.) are available on the campus Blackboard System.  č  https://my.oregonstate.edu     

EVERY CLASS:

******  BRING THE TEXT, COPY OF THE SLIDES & PROBLEM PACKET,  *****

******  AND A CALCULATOR TO EVERY CLASS   *****

 

Examinations & Grading:

There will be four weekly exams (approx 50 minutes each).  No alternate test times are scheduled for any of the exams.  Bring a calculator and one 8˝ x 11 inch reference sheet (both sides) and in your own handwriting to all exams.  All exams will be closed book.  Exams will cover material in the textbook, lectures, assigned and “other” problems.  Remember, in order to qualify to take the exams, you must bring the following (no sharing of resources):  calculator and reference sheet (and be sure to use a pencil!).

 

          Approximate points for final grade & grade breakdown:

 

 

Exams ( 4)    Total Points ~ 320                            

                               

   A

    B

   C

   D

   F

  90%

   80

  70

  60

<60

 

Exams, Schedules, & Attendance

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

·         No make-up exams or quizzes 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.  This includes the final exam.  There is no alternate scheduled time for the final exam.

·         Regular class attendance is strongly encouraged.  If you miss class, it is your responsibility to pick up missed handouts, etc.  I strongly suggest you team-up with another student to cover for you in the event you do miss a class. 

 

Important Matters

·         You are expected to adhere to the Oregon State University rules for academic honesty.  These rules are stated and/or referred to as Academic Regulations in the current term’s Schedule of Classes.  You should be familiar with this statement.

·         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:

o        cheating- use or attempted use of unauthorized materials, information or study aids

o        fabrication- falsification or invention of any information

o        assisting- helping another commit an act of academic dishonesty

o        tampering- altering or interfering with evaluation instruments and documents

o        plagiarism- representing the words or ideas of another person as one's own

·         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.

·         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.

·         All work which is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of this course must be solely completed by the student submitting the work.  Violations of this requirement will be formally addressed and students will receive no credit for the assignment.  This does not preclude the opportunity for students to “work together” before submitting the assignment.

 

č CLASS SCHEDULE – TBAç

 

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 by the 2nd class of the term.  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.