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TROY UNIVERSITY
SORRELL COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

QM 2241 TDAA BUSINESS STATISTICS I

Fall 2012

Instructor: Min Carter, Ph.D. Office: 238G Bibb Graves Hall Telephone: 334-670-3967 E-mail: Class Time: TTH 10:00-11:15 Class Location: Patterson Hall 103

Office Hours: TTH 11:15-1 & 3:45-5, W 1-5 (and by appointment, e-mail at least 24 hours before needing to meet)

PREREQUISITES: MTH 1112

DESCRIPTION

An introduction to descriptive and inferential statistical concepts and methods. Topics include grouping of data, measures of central tendency and dispersion, probability concepts, sampling, statistical estimation, and statistical hypothesis testing.

STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

  • Summarize the types of statistics and categories of data and levels of data measurement.
  • Interpret tabular and graphical summaries of business data.
  • Compute and interpret summary measures of location of business data.
  • Compute and interpret summary measures of dispersion and apply the empirical rule.
  • Apply basic rules of probability.
  • Indentify and calculate probabilities and expected values for generic discrete probability distributions.
  • Identify and calculate probabilities for the continuous uniform and normal probability distributions.
  • Understand sampling methods and applicability of Central Limit Theorem.
  • Construct and interpret confidence intervals to estimate means and proportions and understand the relationship of sample size, confidence level and interval width.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of hypothesis testing procedures for populations means and proportions for single populations.

PURPOSE

To develop statistical-analysis skills appropriate for entry-level employment in business fields. Core requirement for all undergraduate business programs.

TEXT

Lind/Marchal/Wathen, Statistical Techniques in Business and Economics, 15th Edition, McGraw-Hill Publishers. ISBN 0077639138. *

* The text package sold by the campus bookstore includes a two-semester access code to Connect, which is a required homework manager that all students must purchase. If you buy a used book, you MUST buy an access code to Connect from the publisher's website.

OTHER MATERIALS

  • Connect Homework Manager access code (included in textbook package sold by the bookstore above. (REQUIRED)
  • iClicker2 (REQUIRED). ISBN 1429280476. This device will be used to for daily quizzes and must be brought to class each time in order to take the quizzes. The remotes can be purchased at the bookstore.
  • Various handouts will be posted in Blackboard. Students should check Blackboard frequently for new materials and print out what is required for class or assignments.

NOTE: Access codes cannot be transferred or sold to other students and may not be included in used textbooks or books sold on the internet. The code included with the book sold in the bookstore is good for two semesters only; codes purchased elsewhere may be good for less time. The same access code can be used for QM3341 if both courses are completed within two semesters. If you do not complete both courses within that time frame then you will need to purchase a new access code. Having a useable access code is your responsibility - contact the publisher directly if your code does not work. Blackboard technical support cannot help you with Connect -- contact the publisher's technical support numbers listed in the Assignments area of our Blackboard course website if you have questions or problems.

* See Blackboard for information on the Connect free trial period. There is no excuse for not registering for Connect immediately upon enrollment in the class given this trial period offer.

GENERAL SUPPORT

The computer labs in Bibb Graves are available for student use when other classes are not in session.

CLASS PROCEDURE AND REQUIREMENTS

This course will be delivered in a lecture/discussion format. Primary delivery will through PowerPoint and overhead presentations. PowerPoint presentations will be posted to the web site prior to class. Students should print the presentations and bring them to class to allow them to focus on the topic and to take more organized notes. Students must also bring their clickers to class each time so they can take the quizzes.

GRADING

Final grades will be calculated as a weighted average as follows:

Daily Pop Quizzes & Connect Homework / 21% (2*9+3)
Test 1 – Chapters 1-4 / 18%
Test 2 – Chapters 5-7 / 18%
Test 3 – Chapters 8-10 / 18%
Final Exams – comprehensive (all chapters) / 25%

The student's final grade will be determined using the traditional grading scale:

A: 90-100, B: 80-89, C: 70-79, D: 60-69, F: Below 60.

DAILY QUIZZES:

Quizzes will be given during each class session. You will be using a remote by iClicker in order to answer the questions, which will be in multiple choice format. More information will be provided in class.

  • Students must bring their clickers to each class. If you forget your clicker, you will not be able to answer the quiz questions and will receive a zero for the quiz that day. Questions cannot be answered on paper and will not be graded that way.
  • Questions will be given at random times throughout each class period. If you leave the class early or arrive late, you may miss some questions. Missed questions cannot be made up and will be scored as a zero.
  • The average of your quizzes will account for3 points toward your final course grade.

CONNECT HOMEWORK:

Students will complete homework problems using the web-based software program, Connect. Scores are calculated for each homework assignment completed by the due datebased on number of questions correctly answered. If you are unsatisfied with a particular homework grade or if you simply wish to practice more, you may redo the homework up to three times before the deadline assigned (highest score counts). There will be no dropped homework grades. Any missed or late assignments will be given a score of zero. Homework due dates are posted in Blackboard.

EXAM RULES:

Tests 1-3 will be given in class during the normal class time and will consist of 25 multiple-choice questions (theory & problem-based). The final "formative" exam will be given during the normal final exam period on the day assigned by the university.

  • All exams in this class are closed book, closed notes, with the exception of a standardized formula sheet and statistical tables provided by the instructor in Blackboard. The same formula sheet is provided in your book (see the cardboard insert that comes with your text).
  • Translators and other electronic devices may not be used at any time.
  • A Windows-based calculator will be provided in Blackboard, so you should not bring one to use during the test.
  • Tests will be delivered entirely on the computer. Tests 1-3 will be reviewed in class, but students will not be permitted to print or keep a paper copy of any exam. These exams can be reviewed further in the instructor's office during office hours.

Violations of the above policies may result in your receiving an F for the exam. See the Incomplete/Missed Work section of the syllabus for the policy on missed tests.

FINAL EXAM RULES:

A special "formative" final examination will be given during the final exam period. The test is also given on the computer and is closed-book, closed-notes (a standardized formula sheet is provided, however, along with statistical tables). This 40-question exam covers all learning objectives in the course and consists of questions drawn randomly from large pools, so students will not get the same exam questions (the same topics are covered, however). This special exam will be accessed in a different location in Blackboard than our regular course shell and must be taken using the Respondus Lockdown Browser.

See the Other Requirements sectionof this syllabus for more details and a list of topics that will be included on this special test (pp. 8-9).

DROP/WITHDRAWAL/FA POLICY:

  • The last day to drop or withdrawa class is October 19, 2012.
  • In no event may a student drop or withdraw from the course after October 19, 2012.

All grades will be earned -- NOT given.No tests will be dropped, no tests will be given less emphasis and no additional work will be given to boost final grades. Students needing a particular grade in this class to graduate, to keep a scholarship, to be eligible for sports, etc., will need to score high enough to earn the grade. Students should plan for computer failure by completing graded homework ahead of schedule.

ATTENDANCE & STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Students are expected to:

  1. Be responsible for all instructions and assignments given in class as well as for the supporting textbook content. If you miss a class, do not email your professor asking what you missed. Similarly, do not come to my office expecting a private tutorial session covering the missed material. Finding out what you missed and getting a classmate's notes is your responsibility.
  2. Read the textbook material before the lecture covering that material and attempt the suggested problems before the material is covered in class.
  3. Be an active participant in this class while being respectful of everyone else in the class.
  4. Stay for the entire class session.
  5. Complete homework by the deadlines given in this syllabus and attend all examinations.

EXCUSED ABSENCE POLICY:

Excused absences have the following characteristics:

a. The professor was informed prior to the absence,

b. The professor determines that the absence is excusable*, and

c. Written documentation acceptable to the instructor (e.g., on letterhead) is provided within one week of the missed class. Additional regulations apply to absences which occur on the day of a scheduled exam. See the Incomplete/Missed Work Policy section for more information.

* Excusable absences include:

  • Participation in a documentedofficialUniversityfunction that does not permit the student’s class attendance (e.g., athletic events, field trips, etc.).
  • Severe illness, a hospital stay, or a doctor's excuse saying that it is impossible for student to attend class(es). NOTE: This doesnot include scheduled medical or dental appointments or driving someone else to doctor. You should schedule appointments or personal errands outside of class time.
  • Death of immediate family member (parent, grandparent, sibling, child, or spouse).
  • Appearance in court (if mandatory)
  • Personal situations that are approved by the instructor in advance of the time the student is to be absent.

INCOMPLETE/MISSED WORK POLICY

If a student will miss a test, they must notify the instructor in advance and provide acceptable documentation within one week of the missed test. If they are unable to notify the instructor in advance (e.g., they were in the hospital), they must notify the instructor as soon as they are able to return to class and provide acceptable WRITTEN documentation on that day.

  • If the absence is excused by the instructor, the student will take a special comprehensive makeup test on Dead Day, to be taken on the computer with a proctor. No individual makeup exams for particular tests will be given. This comprehensive makeup test will be in addition to the formative exam taken during the final exam period.
  • If the absence is not excused by the instructor, the student will receive a zero for any missed test.

Only in very special circumstances will a student be allowed to make up Connect homework. Assignments not completed by the deadline without a pre-approved excuse will be given a zero. "Computer problems" do not constitute an acceptable excuse. Use the tutorials posted in Blackboard which explain how to enroll into the website for this class in Connect. NOTE: Don't wait until the last minute to sign up or to start your homework! If you have problems with Connect, please contact technical support using the methods listed in Blackboard.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)

Troy University supports Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which insure that postsecondary students with disabilities have equal access to all academic programs, physical access to all buildings, facilities and events, and are not discriminated against on the basis of disability. Eligible students, with appropriate documentation, will be provided equal opportunity to demonstrate their academic skills and potential through the provision of academic adaptations and reasonable accommodations. Further information, including appropriate contact information, can be found at the link for Troy University’s Office of Human Resources at

CELL PHONE AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICE

Use of any electronic devise by students in the instructional environment is prohibited unless explicitly approved on a case-by-case basis by the instructor of record or by the Office of Disability Services in collaboration with the instructor. Cellular phones, pagers, and other communication devices may be used for emergencies, however, sending or receiving non-emergency messages is forbidden by the University. Use of a communication device to violate the Troy University “Standards of Conduct” will result in appropriate disciplinary action.

In order to receive emergency messages from the University or family members, devices must be in the vibration mode or other unobtrusive mode of indication. Students receiving calls that they believe to be emergency calls must answer quietly without disturbing the teaching environment. If the call is an emergency, they must move unobtrusively and quietly from the instructional area and notify the instructor as soon as reasonably possible. Students who are expecting an emergency call should inform the instructor before the start of the instructional period.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT AND PLAGIARISM

It is expected that students will abide by the Honor Code, Academic Code, Technology Use Policy, and Standards of Conduct as outlined in the most current version of the Oracle, the student handbook. Any student not abiding by these codes/policies/standards will be subject to the penalties outlined in the Oracle.

OTHER COURSE POLICIES

  • Email is the university approved form of communication. It is the student’s responsibility

to frequently check his/her email.

  • The instructor reserves the right to make changes in the syllabus as necessary, both in content and in scheduling. Any changes will be announced in lecture. If you miss a lecture, you are responsible for finding out what you missed, including any deadline or exam date changes.Read your syllabus and check postings (i.e., course materials, grades, etc.) in Blackboard.
  • Grades can be contested for only 5 days after they are posted in Blackboard.
  • Exam scores will be changed ONLY if a calculation error is made by the instructor.
  • Detailed solutions to odd-numbered text exercises are provided in your textbook (see the appendix)
  • Late homework will NOT be counted for a grade in this class, even if Connect gives you a score.

Fall 2012 COURSE SCHEDULE

August 16
21
23
28
30
September 4
6
11
13
18
20
25
27
October 2
4
9
11
16 / Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 4
Exam 1
Chapter 5
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 6
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 7
Exam 2 / 18
23
25
30
November 1
6
8
13
15
27
29
December 10 / Chapter 8
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 9
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 10
Chapter 10
Exam 3
Review for final exam
Review for final exam
TBA

The instructor reserves the right to make changes in the syllabus as necessary, both in content and in scheduling. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of any changes and comply with such.

Dates to Remember

  • Wednesday, 8/15: Classes begin
  • Friday, 10/19: Last day to drop/withdraw WITHOUT academic penalty
  • Monday, 11/19 - Friday, 11/23: Fall Break & Thanksgiving Holiday (no office hours)
  • Tuesday, 12/4: Classes Ends

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

All students who take this course must take a timed, proctored, comprehensive, closed-book/closed notes formative exam which will be taken in Blackboard during the final examination period. The exam must comprise at least 25% of final grade for the course and the exam results may not be scaled. This exam will be administered online in Blackboard.

Students are allowed to use a non-programmable calculator without statistical functions during the exam and will be provided with a standard formula sheet and tables that can be accessed in an electronic file during the test. See the link below for more specific information on the exam format, materials allowed, and information provided during the test:

Topics covered on formative final examination: The formative exam consists of questions selected at random from pools of questions developed for each of the learning objectives listed on page 1. Areas included include:

SLO 1: Summarize the types of statistics and categories of data and levels of data measurement.

  • Know the difference between descriptive and inferential statistics.
  • Know the difference between and be able to identify qualitative vs. quantitative data.
  • Know the difference between and be able to identify discrete vs. continuous data.
  • Differentiate between the levels of measurement

SLO 2: Interpret tabular and graphical summaries of business data.

  • Understand and interpret bar, pie, line, stem-and-leaf charts, and understand when to use each.
  • Understand and interpret scatter diagrams and know when they are used.
  • Understand how box plots are constructed and how to interpret them.
  • Be able to construct and interpret histograms.
  • Interpret frequency distributions, including relative and cumulative frequencies

SLO 3: Compute and interpret summary measures of location of business data

  • Compute and interpret the mean given a set of data.
  • Be able to compute and interpret medians and percentiles from a data set.
  • Understand how to compute and interpret the mode.
  • Be able to calculate the mean for grouped data.
  • Know how to calculate a weighted average.

SLO 4: Compute and interpret summary measures of dispersion and apply the empirical rule.

  • Compute and interpret the range given a set of data.
  • Compute and interpret the standard deviation and variance given a set of data.
  • Apply the empirical rule to determine probabilities.

SLO 5: Apply basic rules of probability.