Business Statistics I OIS 2340, Spring 2018 Professor ...

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Business Statistics I OIS 2340, Spring 2018

Professor: Aubrey Bullough

E-mail: [email protected], I do not respond to emails on Sundays.

Office Hours: By appointment

Webinar: TBD—A survey will be sent out the first week of class to determine the best time.

Tutors: http://undergrad.business.utah.edu/page/business-tutoring-schedule

Class Communications: I will use the Canvas system to send out announcements during the

semester. You are responsible for all communication sent in this way. I recommend that you

update your Canvas settings to receive daily reports of any announcements, assignments,

changes to the class materials, etc.

Course Description:

This introductory course in Business Statistics encompasses the fundamental tools of descriptive

and inferential statistics. The material presented requires an understanding of concepts completed

in pre-requisite classes like College Algebra and Business Calculus. Therefore, a thorough

knowledge of basic algebraic manipulations is expected. A grade of C or better in one or both of

those classes and a class in basic computer literacy like Information Systems 2010 are essential

prerequisites. Along with the homework and exams, a term capstone project is assigned as part

of the course. We will examine statistics by analyzing business data in a modern spreadsheet

environment. Some use of a calculator will also be required.

Course Objectives:

Our main objective in this course is to acquire analytical skills through tools which will enable us

to make sense out of data. Data analysis is an integral part of decision support activities in

modern corporations. As this is an introductory course, there is emphasis on terminology as well

as basic concepts. Major themes in this course are statistics used to describe information

(descriptive statistics), statistics used for prediction (inferential statistics), and classical

probability. On a more fundamental basis, we will try to master basic skills needed to perform

analysis and create a foundation upon which we can begin to explore statistical modelling and

problem solving.

http://undergrad.business.utah.edu/page/business-tutoring-schedule

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Specifically in this class we will investigate and master the following concepts:

Major Concept I: Descriptive Statistics

• Graphs, charts, and tables – describing your data

• Describing data using numerical measures

Major Concept II: Probability and Probability Distributions

• Games of chance, relative frequency probability and subjective probability

• Discrete probability distributions

• Continuous probability distributions

• Sampling distributions

Major Concept III: Inferential Statistics

• Estimating population values

• Confidence interval estimates

• Hypothesis testing

Course Materials:

Text: Business Statistics, A Decision Making Approach, 6th Custom Edition for David Eccles

School of Business. ISBN# 9781323770795. You can also use the standard 10th edition of

business statistics by David Groebner, but it may be more expensive.

Access to a computer with Excel Data Analysis Tool Pack is recommended. NOTE: Excel for

Mac 2016 has this, but earlier versions do not. The University offers the Microsoft Office Suite

to students at this link:

https://software.utah.edu/news/ms_/campus_agreement/student_licenses.php

Course Grading:

How to Pass the Class

The method for success in this class is simple: read the text, watch the videos and do the

examples with me, do the suggested homework problems in the textbook and extra

problems until you understand the methods for completing statistical problems, and keep

up on the homework assignments. Many students find that forming study groups with other

students is an effective way to master Business Statistics.

Please note, for most students, excelling in this class will require more than the standard 3

hours of study for every class hour. Past data shows that to obtain an average grade of a C,

students spend six hours/week outside of the classroom processing and practicing the material. If

you are unable to spend at least this much time, please take this course during a different

semester.

Evaluation

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Assessment/Assignment Percentage

Midterm 1 15%

Midterm 2 15%

Midterm 3 15%

Midterm 4 15%

The highest six out of the seven graded homework assignment 25%

Two Excel Exercises 5%

Capstone Project (You may work in groups of up to 5 people) 10%

Total 100%

Please note that according to the grading policy at the DESB, a 2000 level class should have

an average between a 2.4-2.8 (around a C+ or a B-).

Grades

Scores are determined according to the following scale:

A 93% or higher C 73% – under 77%

A- 90% – under 93% C- 70% – under 73%

B+ 87% – under 90% D+ 67% – under 70%

B 83% – under 87% D 63% – under 67%

B- 80% – under 83% D- 60% – under 63%

C+ 77% – under 80% E under 60%

Please note that it is not a policy to round the grades up to the nearest percentage. In other

words, a 92.9% is an A- grade.

Assignments, Testing, and Participation:

Reading Assignments

All reading assignments will come from the required textbook. Please see the reading schedule

below for details.

Lecture Videos

Video lectures replace traditional in class lectures and discussions and are designed to help you

better understand the material that will be on the homework and exams.

Weekly Live Webinar

Webinars will act as a question and answer session as well as a time for me to assist with

homework problems or lecture examples with which you might need further help. If you are

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unable to tune in to the live webinars, you are expected to watch the recordings that will be

posted on Canvas.

Homework Problems From the Book

Though they will not be graded, it is extremely important that you do (and understand) the

assigned homework problems in order to be ready for the end-of-chapter graded homework. This

in turn will prepare you for the proctored midterm exams. The homework assignments are listed

below. The solutions to these problems come in the solutions manual you will purchase with the

book. I will also post the solutions manual on canvas so you don’t have to carry it around with

you.

These exercises are considered the minimum required for understanding of the material.

With few exceptions, students will need to do more than the graded problems to develop an

understanding of the material. Students are encouraged to work more exercises than those

assigned (e.g., the suggested homework problems below). Regular practice is essential for

success in business statistics.

Graded Homework on Canvas

There will be seven graded homework assignments on CANVAS. These chapter assignments

have no time limit, but you only have one submission. You can log on and off as many times as

you would like until the due date and time. THE DUE DATES FOR THE CANVAS HW

ASSIGNMENTS ARE LISTED IN THE ATTACHED SCHEDULE. You can also find the

availability dates on Canvas. To be safe, you should save and submit your answers a few hours

before the assignments are closed.

You are allowed to skip/miss one assignment. However, you are advised to complete and submit

all homework assignments as this work will help you perform better in your midterms. If you do

all assignments, THE LOWEST HOMEWORK GRADE WILL BE DROPPED from your

grade calculation. A second missed homework assignment will receive zero points.

I WILL NOT RE-OPEN ANY HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS EXCEPT IN THE CASE OF

AN UNFORSEEN MEDICAL EMERGENCY. The dropped assignment is built in to account

for forgetting about an assignment, computer or network issues, work conflicts, etc.

CAUTION: DO NOT HIT SUBMIT BEFORE YOU ARE TOTALLY DONE!

Note: You can only submit your HW assignments in CANVAS once.

You will need Microsoft Excel to help you solve some of the problems on the graded homework.

Excel Tutorials are available on your class website in Canvas if you need assistance.

For general CANVAS Support Help Desk call (801) 585-5959 / (801) 587-3310

Excel Exercises

There are 2 Excel Exercises assigned throughout the class. The details of these exercises will be

given on Canvas. Each will require you to solve problems using Excel. You may work with

other people in the class, but each student will have a unique data set.

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Capstone Project:

You will also be required to use Excel to complete a group capstone project. The description will

be posted on Canvas.

Exams:

You will have four proctored midterms on the dates specified in the attached class calendar. You

are responsible for staying abreast of this information. You will need to schedule proctors at the

beginning of the semester, following the instructions on the following link

(https://utahtacc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/208496466--Student-Scheduling-of-Computer-

Based-Exam-Taken-At-Home). Details about testing procedures will also be posted in Canvas.

Extra Notes

Free Problem Solving Help: The Operations and Information Systems (OIS) Department

provides us with TAs. Please see the schedule above. The TAs are there to assist you in solving

assigned problems/questions from your homework and capstone projects.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Students with disabilities needing accommodations such as:

accommodated testing, interpreting, note taking, taped textbooks, assistive technology,

equipment, accessibility arrangements, etc., must contact the instructor and/or the office of

disability resources at the university.

All students are encouraged to read and be aware of the regulations set forth in the class

schedule and the University of Utah catalog. Please see/email me ASAP about any problems

that are affecting your work in this class.

OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT: I encourage you to investigate Operations Management as a

possible major for you. To learn more about Operations Management as a possible major within DESB

please click on the link below (http://advising.utah.edu/majors/operations-management.php) or see me.

https://utahtacc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/208496466--Student-Scheduling-of-Computer-Based-Exam-Taken-At-Home

https://utahtacc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/208496466--Student-Scheduling-of-Computer-Based-Exam-Taken-At-Home

http://advising.utah.edu/majors/operations-management.php

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Suggested Homework Assignments

These problems are for your understanding and enjoyment purposes. They will not be turned in,

but are a good place to start practicing. Make sure you do more problems if you are still

struggling with the concepts.

Section Number Problems Number

1.1 1

1.3 35, 37, 41

1.4 49, 50, 51, 52, 54, 55, 56

2.1 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 13, 17, 18, 19

2.2 24, 26, 29, 33, 36, 42

2.3 47, 48, 49, 53, 56, 57

3.1 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 18, 19, 21

3.2 25, 27, 30, 32, 33, 42, 43

3.3 47, 50, 51, 52, 53, 57, 66

4.1 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22

4.2 26, 27, 33, 34, 35, 36, 40, 41, 51

5.1 7, 8, 9, 12, 21

5.2 23, 27, 29, 30, 33, 35, 38, 47

5.3 51, 52, 55, 61, 64, 66, 69

6.1 1, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 22, 28, 29, 30

7.1 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 11, 13, 14, 18 19

7.2 22, 23, 26, 28, 31, 33, 36, 40, 44

7.3 45, 46, 47, 49, 53, 56, 63

8.1 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 15, 17, 20, 21, 24

8.2 27, 28, 29, 33, 35, 36, 37, 39, 47

8.3 48, 51, 54, 56, 60, 62, 66

9.1 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 22

9.2 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 34, 37, 38, 40, 42, 46, 47

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Course Schedule:

The class schedule is subject to change. Please check the Canvas Announcements for updates to

the schedule. Please note that deliverables are due Saturday by 11:59 pm unless otherwise

specified. These deliverables will be opened one week before the due dates, so please plan

accordingly.

Module Weekly Assignments Due Date

Module/Week 1

(January 8-14)

Reading

• Textbook: Chapter 1

• Lecture Videos: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Homework

• Suggested Homework: Section 1.4

No submission

this week

Module/Week 2

(January 15-21)

Reading


• Lecture Videos: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4

Homework

• Suggested Homework: Section 2.1-2.3

• Deliverable: Chapter 1 and 2 Graded Homework

Saturday, Jan

20, 11:59 pm

Module/Week 3

(January 22-28)

Reading


• Lecture Videos: 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5

Homework


• Deliverable: Chapter 3 Graded Homework

Saturday, Jan

27, 11:59 pm

Module/Week 4

(January 29-

February 4)

Homework

• Deliverable: Excel Exercises # 1 (if you’d like

feedback for this assignment, submit by

September 14)

Exam

• Exam # 1

Saturday, Feb

4, 11:59 pm

Module/Week 5

(February 5-11)

Reading


• Lecture Videos: 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5

Homework



Saturday, Feb

10, 11:59 pm

Module/Week 6

(February 12-18)

Reading


• Lecture Videos: 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6

Saturday, Feb

17, 11:59 pm

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Homework



Module/Week 7

(February 19-25)

Exam

• Exam # 2

Saturday, Feb

24, 11:59 pm

Module/Week 8

(February 26-

March 4)

Reading

• Textbook: Section 6.1 and 7.1

• Lecture Videos: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 7.1

Homework

• Suggested Homework: Section 6.1 and 7.1

No submission

this week

Module/Week 9

(March 5-11)

Reading

• Textbook: Sections 7.2-7.3

• Lecture Videos: 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6

Homework

• Suggested Homework: Sections 7.2-7.3

• Deliverable: Chapter 6 and 7 Graded Homework

Saturday, Mar

10, 11:59 pm

Module/Week 10

(March 12-18)

Exam

• Exam # 3

Saturday, Mar

17, 11:59 pm

Module/Week 11

(March 19-25) Spring Break! Have Fun!!

Module/Week 12

(March 26-April

1)

Reading

• Textbook: Section 8.1

• Lecture Videos: 8.1, 8.2

Homework

• Suggested Homework: Section 8.1

• Deliverable: Excel Exercise #2 (if you’d like

feedback for this assignment, submit by

November 10)

Saturday, Mar

31, 11:59 pm

Module/Week 13

(April 2-8)

Reading


• Lecture Videos: 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6

Homework



Saturday, Apr

7, 11:59 pm

Module/Week 14

(April 9-15)

Reading


• Lecture Videos: 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4

Homework

No submission

this week

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Module/Week 15

(April 16-22)

Reading

• Textbook: Section 9.2-9.3

• Lecture Videos: 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9

Homework



Saturday, Apr

22, 11:59 pm

Module/Week 16

(April 23-29)

Homework

• Suggested Homework: Practice Exam

• Deliverable: Capstone Project

Exam

• Exam # 4 Due

Saturday, Apr

28, 11:59 pm

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David Eccles School of Business – Statement of Professional and Ethical Conduct

Because of the importance of professional and ethical behavior in business, and its emphasis in

our program, professional or academic misconduct is not tolerated in the David Eccles School of

Business. Students are expected to adhere to the standards of behavior outlined in the University

of Utah Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities (Policy 6-400). Students engaging in

behavioral misconduct could be subject to suspension or dismissal from the University. Students

involved in any form of academic misconduct, including but not limited to cheating on tests,

plagiarism and collusion may, at the instructor's discretion, receive a failing grade in the course,

examination, or academic assignment. In addition to or instead of this sanction, the instructor

may refer the case to the Student Behavior Committee for hearing. If the instructor chooses not

to do so, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, after appropriate investigation, may do so

along with a recommendation to dismiss the student from the Business School. If, after hearing

the evidence, the Committee determines that the student in question is guilty of the misconduct

charged, the Committee may impose sanctions in addition to those taken by the professor. If the

academic dishonesty is not proven, the instructor must rescind any sanctions imposed and will be

required to evaluate the student's performance with the assumption that there has been no

misconduct. The School will treat the student likewise. If a student suspects another student of

academic misconduct, he/she should refer the incident to the instructor, the appropriate

department, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, or the Student Behavior Committee,

administered by the Associate Dean of Students, 270 Union.

David Eccles School of Business – Statement of Grading Policy

Grading provides feedback to students on how well they have mastered the content and learning

objectives of a particular course to allow students to capitalize on strengths and work to improve

weaknesses through future courses of action. The DESB grading policy is intended to ensure

grades offer reliable feedback regarding student performance, and to ensure fairness and

consistency across the School. The faculty member is responsible for arriving at a grade for each

student that the faculty member believes appropriately reflects the student's mastery of the course

material and learning objectives. The faculty member will then consider the class' overall

performance in terms of School guidelines. These guidelines are provided to ensure that grading,

on average for the School as a whole, is sustained at a reasonable level over time. The guidelines

are as follows:

COURSE LEVEL GUIDELINE

1000-2000

3000-3990

4000-5990

6000-6990

2.4-2.8

2.6-3.0

2.8-3.2

3.1-3.5

If students have a concern about their grade in a particular course, they should consider whether

it reflects an accurate evaluation of their mastery of the course material and learning objectives,

in terms of the above descriptors. If they need clarification of the instructor's evaluation, they

should meet with the instructor to obtain additional information and feedback. If after doing so,

they believe their grade was arrived at in an inappropriate manner, they may pursue an appeal

through the School's appeals process as described in Section 5.15 of the University of Utah Code

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of Student Rights and Responsibilities (Policy 6-400).

David Eccles School of Business – Statement on Use of Electronic Devices in Exams

Use of any and all electronic devices (e.g. pagers, cell phones, language translators, laptops,

tablets, calculators, etc.) is forbidden during an exam unless otherwise specifically authorized by

the instructor. A student who uses an unauthorized device may be subject to penalties for

academic misconduct.

Please note: In OIS 2340 you are allowed to use calculators and laptops for your online midterm

exams with only the CANVAS browser window open. If you open other windows (including

Excel), it would be considered cheating.

Americans with Disabilities Act Statement

The University of Utah seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services and activities for

people with disabilities. If you will need accommodations in the class, reasonable prior notice

needs to be given to the Center for Disability Services, 162 Union Building, 581-5020 (V/TDD).

CDS will work with you and the instructor to make arrangements for accommodations.

All written information in the course can be made available in alternative format with prior

notification to the Center for Disability Services.

Important Course Information for the Department of Operations and Information Systems

Adding a course: Students have the option of adding a class the first week of the term if seats

are available. During the second week of the term, students must have a permission number to

add the class until the last day to add. The University Registrar allows students to add a course

late by completing the Late Add Form and paying a fee; however, the departments have

discretion on permitting late additions to their courses. The OIS Department will not permit

students to add courses past the add deadline. In the case of compelling, non-academic

emergencies students can add a course by submitting a Late Add Form and supporting, written

documentation to the instructor and the Chair of OIS Department.

Dropping a course: The last day for students to drop a term-length class is found in the fall 2015

calendar Dropped classes are deleted from the student’s record, and no tuition is charged.

Beginning the eighth calendar day of the term and extending through the midpoint of the term, a

student may withdraw from a class or from the University. A “W” is recorded on the academic

record. Students may appeal the deadline for withdrawal in the case of compelling, non-

academic emergencies by submitting a petition and supporting documentation to the Dean of the

College of their major department. For extraordinary reasons approved by the student’s Dean

and the Registrar, the grade of “W” may be given after the end of the term. Such requests must

be submitted within three years of the affected term(s) or prior to graduation from the University,

whichever comes first.

The above information on adding and dropping courses applies mainly to undergraduate courses.

http://www.sa.utah.edu/ds/

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Prerequisites: If you have not completed the prerequisites for the class, please drop this course

as soon as possible. If you have questions concerning the prerequisites, please contact the

Business Undergraduate Advising Office in SFEBB building first floor.

Final Examinations and Papers: There is no final exam for this class.

Student Absences: Excused Absences: Students absent from class to participate in officially

sanctioned University activities (e.g., band, debate, student government, intercollegiate athletics)

or religious obligation, or with instructor’s approval, shall be permitted to make up both

assignments and examinations. The University expects its departments and programs that take

students away from class meeting to schedule such events in a way that will minimize hindrance

of the student’s orderly completion of course requirements. Such units must provide a written

statement to the students describing the activity and stating as precisely as possible the dates of

the required absence. The involved students must deliver this documentation to their instructors,

preferably before the absence but in no event later than one week after the absence.

Student Responsibility: If you have any issues challenges questions, please contact me right

away.

Business Statistics I OIS 2340, Spring 2018 Professor ...

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