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Elias T. Kirche, Ph.D. 

 

Associate Professor

Decision Sciences & Information Systems

 Lutgert College of Business

 

Phone: (239) 590-7325

Fax: (239) 590-7330

 ekirche@fgcu.edu

 

 

  

 

Office Location

 Lutgert Hall

Suite 3304

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Consultation Hours

 

 Voice/e-mail:

Anytime

  On-campus Office Hours:

Monday & Wednesday:

 

 

TBD

 

 

Other times by appointment

only

 

  

 

 Technology Support / 

Help Desk

 (239) 590-1188

 or

(239) 590-7100

 

 


Welcome to QMB 6305

Statistical Methods for Management     

CRN 10703

Spring 2009*

About the Course 

 

This course develops the basic statistical tools used in quantitative analysis in business. Topics include descriptive statistics, interval estimation, hypothesis tests, correlation and regression analysis, analysis of variance and analysis of categorical data.

Emphasis is on applications, concepts and interpretation of results, rather than theory and calculations. Students use a computer software package for data analysis.

Learning Objectives

 

 Select, understand and apply appropriate statistical tools for descriptive, inferential and predictive analysis of quantitative and qualitative data from a variety of scenarios.

 Use statistical software package for data analysis; understand basic data gathering and input considerations; and be able to interpret output.

 Know ethical considerations in collecting data and selection of appropriate analysis tools; and know how to report results in a fair, objective and neutral manner.

Course Overview

This course is organized in six main content modules that are to be completed in sequence. The Main Modules may be accessed through the table below as well as through the Schedule page.

Each Main Module has Learning Objectives, Notes, an Assignment (no Assignment for Main Module 6), and a Readings list. The Main Modules, with their direct links are:

 

Module 1: Presenting, Describing and Inferring from a Sample of Numerical Data

Module 2: Simple Linear Regression and Correlation

Module 3: Multiple Regression and Model Building

Module 4: Comparing Multiple Samples of Numerical Data

Module 5: Presenting, Describing and Inferring from Categorical and Discrete Data

Module 6: Course Review

Main Modules

 

Each Main Module is further broken down into topics. For example, Module 1 includes five topics. The first topic, Module 1.1, "Why Statistics for Managers," introduces the course; and is followed by Module 1.2, "Describing Data with Pictures." Each topic includes notes and examples from Excel. 

The notes should be helpful in preparing for the course assignments and exams. Again, the notes can be accessed through the Schedule tab as well as through the Main Module table above

 

Assignments

Statistical Methods for Management involves "learning by doing" course assignments (four assignments). The first three course assignments involve the analysis of sets of data collected by students, preferably from environments in which the student works or volunteers their time. Data may also be gathered from University processes for these assignments.  Other examples are hobbies, sport activities, or some specify interest you may have. The instructor will determine the last assignment and distribute corresponding data set.  Students are encouraged to submit their analysis or questions to the instructor for feedback with sufficient time for review and feedback. The statistical analysis for all cases will be done using Microsoft Excel 2007 (earlier versions also work).  Each assignment is worth 50 points.   NO LATE ASSIGNMENT WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Exams

There will be four (4) exams, each worth 50 points. The first three exams are based on the first three assignments, and cover the first three main modules in the course. Exams are open book/notes, and include short answer/ objective questions about the assignment and corresponding chapter.  The last exam (cumulative) will cover general questions from the first three Modules and Assignments, plus material covered in Modules 4 and 5. 

Note:  In order to answer some of the questions in the exams, you must have completed the corresponding assignment on time. 

Grades

 

As in any business setting, not only the validity of the content is important but also the quality of the documentation of your work.  When preparing your assignments, pay attention to the results, cleanliness, and organization of the document.  They all contribute to your grade

 

The final grade is computed as a percentage of the total points earned in four assignments and four exams:

·         200 points for 4 assignments

·         200 points for 4 exams

 

Grades are A (90-100% of total points); B (80-89%); C (70-89%); D (60 – 69%), and F (below 60%).

 

Attendance

 

Attendance at all classes is expected. Organize your professional and personal affairs to allow for attendance at every class session.  You are responsible for all announcements and assignments made in class by your instructor. If you miss any assignment / exam, your course grade is likely to suffer.  NO MAKEUP EXAMS will be given.  Only the following reasons will be considered if you miss an exam:  armed services requirement, extreme health situation, business trip with letter signed by a supervisor, and death.  Any exam that is missed without an appropriate documentation will automatically receive a score of zero.

 

Schedule

The Schedule provides a map of the course, and includes an index to Main Modules, Module Notes, Assignment and Exam Due Dates. The schedule is organized by Week Number and Week End Date. The ending date of each week is provided in order to relate to the dates when course assignments and exams are due.

The critical item to remember is that project assignment and exam due dates cannot be delayed. The Schedule may be accessed through links available at the bottom of this syllabus.  

Software

Microsoft Excel 2007 (earlier versions will work).


Course Material

 

Required:

 

1. Harrington, T., “Statistical Methods for Management”, module notes.  Access with permission of the author through this website. See Main Modules table above or access notes through the Schedule page.  (NOTE: course notes are being revised and will be available soon)

 

Optional:

2. D. Anderson, D. Sweeney, and T. Williams, “Essentials of Modern Business Statistics with MS Excel”.  3rd Edition, Thompson/Southwestern.

This text may serve as an additional course resource for students who desire additional explanation of topics, additional examples, additional Excel demonstrations, or more in-depth coverage of a particular topic.

 

3. You may also want to read: Competing on Analytics: The New Science of Winning (Hardcover) by Thomas H. Davenport and Jeanne G. Harris, Harvard Business School Press.

 

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Disability Accommodations Services: Florida Gulf Coast University, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the University’s guiding principles, will provide classroom and academic accommodations to students with documented disabilities.  If you need to request an accommodation in this class due to a disability, or you suspect that your academic performance is affected by a disability, please see me or contact the Office of Adaptive Services.  The Office of Adaptive Services is located in Howard Hall, room 137.  The phone number is 590-7956 or TTY 590-7930

Academic Behavior Standards and Academic Dishonesty: All students are expected to demonstrate honesty in their academic pursuits. The university policies regarding issues of honesty can be found in the FGCU Student Guidebook under the Student Code of Conduct and Policies and Procedures sections.  All students are expected to study this document which outlines their responsibilities and consequences for violations of the policy.   The FGCU Student Guidebook is available online at http://studentservices.fgcu.edu/judicialaffairs/new.html

Student Observance of Religious Holidays: All students at Florida Gulf Coast University have a right to expect that the University will reasonably accommodate their religious observances, practices, and beliefs.  Students, upon prior notification to their instructors, shall be excused from class or other scheduled academic activity to observe a religious holy day of their faith. Students shall be permitted a reasonable amount of time to make up the material or activities covered in their absence. Students shall not be penalized due to absence from class or other scheduled academic activity because of religious observances. Where practicable, major examinations, major assignments, and University ceremonies will not be scheduled on a major religious holy day. A student who is to be excused from class for a religious observance is not required to provide a second party certification of the reason for the absence.

* tentative program