DSCI 2710-001 Spring – 2015
TuTh 9:30 – 10:50 AM: Classroom: BLB 080
INSTRUCTOR: J.L. Dake, Ph. D.
OFFICE: BLB 358 D E-MAIL:
OFFICE PHONE: 940-369-7218
OFFICE HOURS: W 9:00 – 10:30 am; TH 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. : Other hours by appointment. Feel free to come by-I am usually around. Best to let me know a time.
REQUIRED BOOKS
1. Business Statistics: Analytics for Decision Making by Kvanli/Pavur/Keeling
Comment: The hard copy of this text will be used along with the electronic version available
on Blackboard. The hard copy is packaged with the access code. You cannot purchase the
access code separately. To access the electronic version with its supporting materials, you
will need to login to your section’s Blackboard website and then provide the access code that
appears inside the front cover of your textbook upon your initial use of the electronic
textbook material. After completing all the assigned homework for each chapter, you will
take the chapter’s post-test in Blackboard, testing you over the assigned homework exercises
of that chapter.These post-tests will be part of your final grade.
Do not purchase aused version of the textbooksince you will be
unable to take thepost-tests as the access codes are designed for
one-semester use in this course by each student and are not
transferable.
2. Technology
Blackboard Learn is being used for this course. This web site is located at
learn.unt.edu. & announcements will be posted here as needed.
Click on “First Look” to view the requirements of the course.
3. Business Statistics:Hawkes Learning, by James S. Hawkes of Hawkes Learning.
Notes: (1) This software is required to complete the assignments that are equivalent to a
substantial part of your grade. (2) You can download this software by following the steps in
Getting Started #2 (see bottom of this page).
To actually run the software at home or in one of the COB labs, you must purchase an
access code. For those of you with a Visa or MasterCard, follow Option 1.
If you don=t have such a card, follow Option 2.
Option 1: Go to and select Get your Access Code.
Then click on the button under Purchase your Access Code.
Shop by School: University of North Texas - Denton
Statistics will appear; select that and then pay.
Option 2: Purchase the box containing this software in the UNT Bookstore or
wherever this software is sold on campus. Inside the box is a software
license number that is necessary in Step 4 (below). Obtain your access code
byusing Step 4.
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4. Obtaining your Hawkes code: Log on to and select Get your
Access Code.Then click on the button underGet your Access Code. Be sure to select
University of North Texas – Denton as the School. Then click on Submit.If there is a 15
minute delay in receiving your code, contact Hawkes Learning at 800-426-9538 and they will be happy to assist you. Be sure to enter your name exactly as the registrar at UNT has
your name (e.g., no nicknames or newly-married names).
5. If you are planning on running on a Mac; make sure you choose that software.
The course ID is UNTBSTAT.
After clicking on Getting Started, you will see the following seven PowerPoint files.
Take a look at these seven files (in order) to get off to a smooth start in this course.
You may also find copies of old Practice Exams by going to the BLB Computer Lab: Computer ------S Drive------Dake Folder.
EXTRA CREDIT
You can complete any of the following five Hawkes modules for extra credit (5 points each). They must be completed by the due date to obtain full credit.
(1) Measures of Dispersion (Module 3.2a).
(2) Classical Probability (Module 4.1).
(3) Counting Rules (Module 4.3).
(4) Find the Value of t (Module 6.5).
(5) Estimating Means: Sigma Known (Module 8.3).
GOALS: At the end of the course, you should:
1. have an increased appreciation for the use of statistics in business decision making,
2. be better able to select the appropriate statistical tool/methodology to aid in business
decision making,
3. be able to use a computer spreadsheet program such as Excel to describe and analyze
numerical data,
4. be better able to communicate in the language of applied business statistics,
5. have acquired a more positive attitude towards business statistics,
6. be able to manipulate simple statistical formulae to solve non-verbal (numerical )
problems,
7. have an enhanced ability to follow directions and instructions,
8. have a much better vision of how analytics are used in analysis and business decisions,
9. understand more about job/career potential of analytics and Decision Sciences.
10. Think about becoming a Decision Sciences Major!
TEACHING METHOD
1. You are encouraged to pay attention to commercials and news items in printed as well as
audio-visual media to become aware of the wide use of statistics in our daily lives. To better
assist you in understanding the use of these methodologies in business many of the class
problems will be presented as simple business cases.
2. You should work the homework exercises assigned during the course since the post-test
questions refer to these assigned exercises. In addition to theproblems in the textbook, the
Hawkes Learning modules are intended to assist you in betterstructuring the learning time you
spend on practice problems.
EVALUATION
To demonstrate your ability to use quantitative techniques in business, you will answer exam questions based on short cases. Rather than being purely numerical, problems will be presented in word format. In addition, you will work on Excel case studies that require you to use an Excel spreadsheet program to analyze and describe real-world business data. By simulating real business problems and requiring you to communicate in writing, using the language of statistics, these evaluation instruments will reinforce the course objectives.
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General Comments:
1. Doing the assignments is essential to succeeding in this course. You are encouraged
to keep up with the homework problems and check the answers to the odd-numbered
exercises provided in the back of the textbook. These answers are also available in
Blackboard by clicking on Course Chapters > Resources > Textbook Appendix B.
2. You have the final responsibility for seeing that you properly withdraw before the scheduled
last drop day. Anyone who stops attending class should execute the drop procedure since
failure to do so may result in a grade of “F” which cannot be changed.
3. You are requested not to phone or email the ITDS department or the instructor for your final
grade in the course. Course grades are available electronically in the week following
final-exam week.
The PowerPoint Lectures
1. The PowerPoint Lectures should be used to learn the material. These lecture slides are
narrated and animated. Be sure to use the Slide Show feature in PowerPoint and have your
computer sound turned on.
2. The PowerPoint lecture for each chapter is available inside Blackboard Course Content
For example, here is the lecture file for Chapter 1.
DSCI 2710 Course Specific Policies
1. Homework: Homework will be assigned (see page 16) and should be completed when
due. Completing the homework is critical to learning the material and completing the
exams on time. You are expected to read and understand the relevant sections of the
textbook. Note – I will review “where to start” on the homework in class.
NOTES: (1) Part of your grade will consist of the nine chapter post-tests.
To take a post-test, while in Blackboard, click on Post-Tests(inside Course
Content) and then click on the post-test you wish to take.
For more information, see Getting Started #3 (slides 5 – 8).
(2) The post-test questions are taken directly from the homework.
Since the post-tests are timed, you must complete the homework
assignment before taking the post-test. They are timed!
. 2. Excel Assignments: Five exercises (see pages 11 - 13) using Excel are
assigned.There will be quizzes on these Exercises to establish your point score. They will be
demonstrated in class prior to the quiz. Quizzes are in BBL (Blackboard Learn).
3. Tutorial Exercises: 15 tutorial exercises (see page 14) using the Hawkes Learning
modules are assigned. These are an important part of the course grade. The modules
will be registered online upon completion. Suggest you print out a “Certification” also.
4. Exams: There will be three exams plus a comprehensive final exam.
All exams will be closed book. For each exam, bring a formula sheet, any tables that
apply, your student ID and ID number. Old exams to review are noted above.
Point Allocation:
Exam #1 200
Exam #2 200
Exam #3 200
(Low exam of #1, #2, #3 will be thrown out) -200
Final exam (cumulative) 200
Online post-tests 100 (*)
Tutorials (Hawkes Learning) 75 (5 points each)
Excel assignment quizzes 25 (5 points each)
TOTAL 800
(*) The post-test points consist of the percentage of all answers correct, factoring in the late-quiz penalties. For example, if your correct-answer total (after late-quiz penalties) is 85 questions correct out of 100 questions asked, your post-test points are 85.
5. Grade Assignment:≥ 90% = A ≥ 720 points
≥ 80% = B ≥ 640 points
≥ 70% = C ≥ 560 points
≥ 60% = D ≥ 480 points
Below 60% = F < 480 points
6. A Statistics Lab. is available on campus for students seeking additional help. Hours will be posted on BBL. The purpose of the lab is to assist students to overcome difficulties they may encounter in attempting statistics problems.
The lab is located in BLB 131 = Go visit to see where it is located.
Comments regarding the stat lab
1. The statistics lab is not available to aid students in taking post-test quizzes. Also note that the lab is Closed During Final ExamWeek
2. (IMPORTANT) The stat lab is especially busy right before exams. There is not enough staff
to handle a surge of students and so you may not get the help you need. It is much better to
visit the stat lab as homework questions come up and not wait until the last minute.
DEPARTMENT & COLLEGE POLICIES
1. If you wish to register a complaint, you should first discuss your complaint with me.
To further pursue your complaint contact Dr. Al Kvanli (course coordinator) and you can also:
contact Dr. Mary Jones; ITDS Department Chair.
2. As a general rule NO MAKE-UP EXAMSwill be given; if an emergency occurs -
See me
3. The University policy on Code of Conduct and Ethics is contained in the Student Guide
book. You are responsible for knowing the information contained in this and all other
official University publications.
4. Students with Disabilities: The College of Business Administration complies with the
Americans with Disabilities Act in making reasonable accommodations for qualified
students with disability. If you have an established disability as defined in the "Act" and
would like to request accommodation, please see me as soon as possible.
5. Dates of drop deadlines, exams, final exams, etc., are published in the university catalog
and schedule of classes. Please be sure you keep informed about these dates.
6. A grade of "I" will not be assigned except in rare circumstances. If you think you will
not be able to complete the class satisfactorily, please drop the course. An “I” grade cannot
be used to substitute your poor performance in class.
7. If a student is caught cheating, he or she will be immediately removed from the class with a
"WF" grade. To be reinstated, the student must provide substantial evidence to the contrary
in a hearing held in the Dean of Students Office, University of North Texas.
DSCI 2710 – 001: SYLLABUS: Spring - 2015
The syllabus below is a tentative outline for the semester. It is meant to be a guide and several items are subject to change. Exams may be moved in time & will be announced in class. Certain topics may be stressed more or less as will be indicated in classroom coverage.
Week 1 Topics Sections in Text
Jan. 20Introduction to StatisticsChap. 1.1 thru 1.6
Frequency DistributionsChap. 2.1
Hawkes: Obtain access code
Jan. 22
Week 2
Jan. 27Descriptive GraphsChap. 2.2 thru 2.6
Jan. 29 Descriptive MeasuresChap. 3.1 thru 3.6
Week 3
Feb. 03 Descriptive Measures cont.
Feb. 05 Trend & Seasonal Variation Chap. 4.1 thru 4.9
Week 4
Feb. 10 Index Numbers-CPIChap. 4.10
Feb. 12 REVIEW
Week 5
Feb. 17 ** Exam #1 ** Descriptive Statistics and Time Series Ch. 1-4
Feb. 19 Probability ConceptsChap. 5.1 thru 5.4
Week 6
Feb. 24Discrete Prob. DistributionChap. 6.1 thru 6.2
Feb. 26 Binomial Distribution Chap. 6.3
Week 7
Mar. 03Poisson Distribution Chap. 6.4
Mar.05REVIEW
Week 8
Mar. 10*** Exam #2 *** Chapters 5 and 6
Mar. 12Continuous Prob. Dist. Chap. 7.1 thru 7.4
Week 9SPRING BREAK: Mar. 16 - 22
Week 10
Mar. 24Continuous Prob. Dist. Chap. 7.1 thru 7.4
Mar. 26The Normal Curve Chap. 7.5 thru 7.7
Week 11
Mar. 31Inference & Sampling Chap. 8.1 & 8.2
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Apr. 02Confidence Intervals:
For the mean (σ known)Chap. 8.3
For the mean (σ unknown)Chap. 8.4
Week 12
Apr. 07 Determining Sample SizeChap. 8.5
Apr. 09 REVIEW
Week 13
Apr. 14*** Exam #3 *** -- Chapters 7 and 8
Apr. 16 Quality ImprovementChap. 9.1 thru 9.4
Control Charts Chap. 9.5
Week 14
Apr. 21Control Charts for VariablesChap. 9.6
Control Chart Patterns
Apr. 23Control Charts for Attributes Chap. 9.7
Week 15
Apr. 28Process Capability Chap. 9.8
Apr. 30Review of Control Charts
Week 1
May 05 REVIEW for FINAL
May 07REVIEW for FINAL
All Hawkes Modules will close May 08, 2014 @ 11:59 pm.
All Post Tests will close May 12, 2014 @ 11:59 pm.
Week 16
May 14 **********FINAL***************
8:00 – 10:00 AM: THURSDAY
Note the change of time
In this Classroom BLB 080
Taking Excel Quizzes
Be sure to go through the PowerPoint slides in Getting Started #6 (see page 2 in this syllabus).
•On the due date for this Excel assignment, or the day before the due date, you need to take the Excel quiz through Blackboard
Notes
(1) These quizzes will not open until the scheduled time in the syllabus.
Once you click on the Begin button, the clock is running for the assigned time allotted for
thequiz.Therefore, get everything you need (e.g., hard copyof the Excel spreadsheets,
calculator, textbook) BEFORE opening the quiz.
(2) I will announce in class when the Excel Quizzes are opened, will work them in class and note when they close. Once they are closed; there is no partial credit or further option to take the quiz. See planned schedule and write-ups on the following pages and summary schedule on p. 14.
Excel Assignments
Excel #1 --- Due Feb. 08
Retrieve the data for problem Exercise 3.77 (page 97) using Data Set EX3-77.xls from KPK. Ignore the questions in the exercise and answer the following questions.
a. Produce two histograms, using two different class widths
b. Do you agree with the statement that number of job orders rarely
exceeds 65? Why or why not?
c. Determine the descriptive statistics using Excel's
DATA > Data Analysis > Descriptive Statistics > Summary Statistics
d. Give a reason why the distribution is skewed (if it is) and in which direction.
Be sure to use the Pearson measure of skewness, not the Excel measure of
skewness.
Excel #2 --- Due Feb. 22
Retrieve the data for Exercise 4.50 (page 151) using Data Set EX4-50.xls from KPK.
Ignore the questions and answer the following questions.
a. Using the Excel macros, what are the seasonal indexes and trend line?
b. What are the cyclical components for the year 2008?
c. What do you observe in the data?
Excel #3 --- Due March 01
Use the binomial function to answer the following problems:
Suppose a shipment of 400 components contains: 32 defective and 368 non-defective computer components. From the shipment you take a random sample of 25. When sampling with replacement (binomial), determine the probability of obtaining:
a. Exactly two defective components in the sample of 25.
b. Two or more defective components in the sample of 25.
c. Three or less defective components in the sample of 25.
d. Between one and three (inclusive) defective components.
e. More than four defective components.
f. What are the mean and variance of this discrete probability distribution?
(continued on next page)
For the binomial answers, construct the entire sample distribution:
X P(x)
0 0.xxxx
1 0.xxxx
2 0.xxxx
.
.
.
25 0.xxxx
1.0000
Excel #4 --- Due April 05
Refer to Exercise 8.73 (page 323). You can ignore the questions in this exercise.
a. Use data set EX8-73.xls to determine a 90% confidence interval for the mean battery
lifetime assuming the population standard deviation is unknown. The Excel macro used
here is KPK Data Analysis > One Population Inference.
b. Referring to part (a), what is the 80% confidence interval for the mean lifetime?
c. Suppose in part (a) that the population standard deviation is believed to be 1.5 hours.
Now what is the 90% confidence interval for the mean lifetime? The same macro is used
here.
Excel #5 --- Due May 03
Using the data set EX9-69.xls (discussed in Exercise 9.69 on page 383), construct the Xbar
chart and R chart. Also, look for patterns in the Xbar chart. Does the process appear to be incontrol? What are your recommendations?
DUE DATES
[All Hawkes Modules will Close May 10, 2015 @ 11:59 pm]
Hawkes Learning Systems: Business Statistics
**Modules Receive Half Credit if Late**
Module Module - NameDue Date
11.2 Level of Measurement 01/27
2 3.1Measures of Center 02/01
33.3Constructing Samples 02/08
Bonus3.2a Measures of Dispersion02/10
45.1 Discrete Random Variables 03/01
55.2 The Binomial Distribution 03/01
Bonus4.1Classical Probability03/08
Bonus 4.3Counting Rules03/12
65.3 The Poisson Distribution 03/08
76.2 Reading a Normal Curve Table 03/31