Description

Basic elements of statistics for students in business and economics. Descriptive statistics, elements of probability, probability distributions (including normal), sampling distributions, statistical inference for means and proportions (including estimation and hypothesis testing), simple linear regression and correlation. Applications of these topics in business and economics are emphasized. Students are required to explain the results of statistical computations using personal computer software.

Prerequisite

Math 103 or 105 or 150A or 255A. Transfer students must provide proof to avoid administrative drop.

Learning goals

i. Recognize statistical problems, ii. Analyze data in support of solving business problems, iii. Communicate results effectively to management. Goals will be enhanced by including recent trends in the field, practical learning experiences, and ethical issues in statistics.

Text

Lind, D.A., Marchal, W.G. and Wathen, S.A., Basic Statistics for Business & Economics, 5e, McGraw-Hill, 2006.

Grading

Quizzes: 10%; Exams I, II & III - 15% each; Final (cumulative) - 20% [Formula sheet for Final];  

Case Study -25 % (Important: Successful completion of the case study is required to pass the class).

Case study report is due in class on the date indicated. No late submission will be accepted. No make-up exams or assignments will be given.

Participation is based on attendance, preparation, professional conduct and active contributions during the class.

 >91%:A; >81: B; >71:C; >61: D; <61: F; (No + or - grading)

 Schedule

Week	Material	Text Chapter
1	Statistics and Business	1
2	Descriptive statistics	2
3	Numerical measures	3
4	Exploring data, Lab	4,Lab1
5	Exam I (3/1/07), Probability concepts	5
6-7	Distributions	6,7
8	Sampling	8
9	Estimation	9
10	Exam II (4/12/07), Hypothesis testing	10,Lab2
11	Hypothesis testing, contd.	11
12	Correlation	13
13-14	Linear regression	13,Lab3
15	Exam III (5/17/07)

Academic honesty

All students are to abide by the code of conduct described in the link http://www.csun.edu/busecon/ Violations would lead to failure in the course, suspension or expulsion from the University.