AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

 

BUSINESS STATISTICS BUSG 2371

SYLLABUS Fall 2008

T Th 5:20 TO 6:35PM

 

COURSE MATERIALS
            Statistical Techniques in business and economics; Douglas Lind & William Marchal, Samuel Wathen, Thirteenth edition; Irwin McGraw-Hill. 

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVE
            This statistics course is designed for business majors.  Topics include organization of measurements, determining measures of central tendency, discrete distributions, continuous distributions, confidence intervals, variability, counting, probability, statistical inference, hypothesis testing (large and small samples), simple and multiple regression and correlation analysis, and nonparametric methods.

            The objective of this course is to provide students with a basic understanding of statistical procedures, techniques and applications as used in business.

PREREQUISITE
            MTH 1324, MTH 1314, or Departmental approval

ATTENDANCE
            The ACC Business Division policy states that unexcused absences should not exceed 10% of the total number of class meetings.  Attendance at all class meetings is required and necessary in order to do well in this class.  The instructor may drop students missing more than 10% of the scheduled classes. Classes will start and end on time.  If you are late please come anyway.  It would be nice if we all arrived on time but due to the parking it is not likely.

WITHDRAWALS
            If you do not intend to complete the class, please inform me and then complete a withdrawal form at the Admissions Office.  It is your responsibility to drop this class should you decide not to the complete the course requirements.  Be aware that the last drop date is Nov 24.

 

CLASS PREPARATION
            Each class hour will require at least three preparation hours.  Significant responsibility is placed on you to properly prepare for class.  Students should read the assigned chapters in depth before coming to class.  Attempt the exercises on your own.  Bring your text, homework papers and a working calculator to all classes.  Class will start and end on time.  Ask questions.  Share your experiences from the business and financial world with others.

HOMEWORK
            Refer to the attached schedule for the homework assignments.  Additional problems may be assigned in class.  Homework should be completed in preparation for class and exams but will not be collected for credit.  However, if you do not do the homework you probably will not be able to pass the class.

 

ATTENDENCES
You need to attend class for the quizzes, details of what will be on the tests, to ask questions and to find out the quick and easy way to use Excel to work many of the problems.  Excel is not explained well in the text.  It is much easier to get it in class than to figure it out by yourself.

QUIZZES
            Quizzes are given in order to encourage frequent class attendance and timely preparation.  If you come to class prepared, your quiz grades should only help your final average.  No make-up quizzes.          

COURSE GRADE
            See Schedule for dates
            EXAM 1 (Chapters 1,2,3 & 4)                     22.5%        FINAL AVERAGE GRADE ASSIGNMENT
            EXAM 2 (Chapters 5,6 & 7)                             22.5%              A                 90 – 100%
            EXAM 3 (chapters 8,9 & 10)                           22.5%              B            80 – 89%
            EXAM 4 (Chapters 12, 13 & 14)                    22.5%              C            70 - 79%
            Quizzes                                                           10.0%              D            60 – 69%
                                                                                                            F            Below 60%
            FINAL AVERAGE                                          100%              
                                   
            Be warned that the exams are more difficult as the semester progresses.  You need to know the material well at the start of the course to do well at the end. It is advisable that you score as high as possible on the early exams.

LATE EXAMS
            Being on time in business is very important and so is it in business statistics.  For every day you are late taking an exam your score will be lower by 2%.  Be prepared and be on time.  Late exams must be scheduled with me for Exam 4, as computers are not allowed in the testing center.             

COMPUTER WORK
            We will use Excel as a part of our course work.  The computer assignments are a course requirement – you will not receive credit for the course unless the computer work is completed.  Many of the exam questions will be worked on the computer.  Therefore, you will need to practice outside of class to become proficient.

CALCULATORS
            The use of a calculator is strongly encouraged.  Use them during class, during exams, and when completing homework.  Any basic hand-held calculator will do - just be sure you know how to use it.  A square root function is most helpful.

BLACKBOARD
The course syllabus, homework, homework solutions, and grades are all available in BB.

COMMENTS FOR SUCCESS
You are responsible for all assigned readings, problems and materials even if we do not cover or review the material in class.  Read the assigned chapters before attending class and be prepared for class discussions.  Note that 10% of your final grade is based on your quizzes, attendance, positive and active participation and preparation. 

            Students are strongly encouraged to meet with the instructor for assistance whenever needed.  Refer to my office hours listed above.  If these are not convenient for you, I will be happy to schedule appointments at other times.  Many resources are available to help you succeed in this course - you need only ask for help.

 

 

 

This is a demanding course and everyone must work long hours to succeed.  Students can significantly improve their chances of success by using the following tips:
           
Ø         Attend all classes.  Get there on time and do not leave early. 

Ø         Read text chapters before you attend class.  Reread them after class.

Ø         Work all homework problems.

Ø         Get in a study group.  Work homework together.  Prepare for exams together
.
Ø         Take advantage of the free help available at ACC.

Ø         You do not have to be a math whiz to succeed in this class.  Relax.  Knowledge of algebra is adequate. 

Free Tutoring

Free tutoring is available  (223-3367).  There is also a free tutoring computer lab (223-3367).  Give them a try!

 

If you have any problems with anything let me know.   Don’t just spin your wheels!

SCANS

The Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Workplace Skills (SCANS) is a project of the Secretary of Education and Secretary of Labor.  The consensus is that students must develop and cultivate workplace skills as part of their college courses. 

The SCANS competencies (workplace skills) that will be assessed during this course include:

Responsibility

Exerts a high level of effort and perseverance toward goal attainment; works hard to become excellent at doing tasks by setting high standards, paying attention to details, and displaying a high level of concentration even when assigned an unpleasant task; and displays high standards of attendance, punctuality, enthusiasm, vitality and optimism in approaching and completing tasks.

Assessments
Attends class regularly.
Arrives on time.
Completes homework on a timely basis.
Participates positively in class group activity.
Prepares for class by reading material and attempting exercises ahead of lecture presentation.

Apply Technology

Understands the overall intent and the proper procedures for using a statistical portion of a spreadsheet program.  Demonstrates competence in how to use program to solve text assignments.  Accurately interprets output.

Assessments
Learns how to use Excel for text assignments.
Completes assignments using Excel.

 

Communicate Information

Selects and analyzes information and communicates the results to others using oral, written, graphic, pictorial or multimedia methods.  Competently performing the tasks of communications and interpreting information to others includes determining information to be communicated; identifying the best methods to present information (e.g., overheads, handouts); if necessary, converting to desired format and conveying information to others through a variety of means including oral presentation, written communication, etc.

 

Assessments
Communicates mastery of the material through examination and written assignments.
Meets with instructor to gain additional assistance as needed.
Assists other students to better learn the material.
Uses Excel to generate graphs as part of the Excel assignments.

Academic Freedom Statement

Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class. In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. These differences enhance the learning experience and create an atmosphere where students and instructors alike will be encouraged to think and learn. On sensitive and volatile topics, students may sometimes disagree not only with each other but also with the instructor. It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.

 

Scholastic Dishonesty Statement

 Acts prohibited by the College for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work. Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, research or self-expression. Academic work is defined as, but not limited to tests, quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either individual or group; classroom presentations, and homework” (Student Handbook, 2002-2003, p. 32). Penalties for scholastic dishonesty will depend upon the nature of the violation and may range from lowering a grade on one assignment to an F in the course and/or expulsion from this institution.

Student Discipline Statement 

Classroom behavior should support and enhance learning. Behavior that disrupts the learning process will be dealt with appropriately, which may include having the student leave class for the rest of that day. In serious cases, disruptive behavior may lead to a student being withdrawn from the class. ACC's policy on student discipline can be found in the Student Handbook, 2002-2003, p. 32.

Students with Disabilities Statement

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities.  Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes. Students are encouraged to do this three weeks before the start of the semester” (Student Handbook, 2002-2003, p. 14).

 

SUMMARY

These competencies will be assessed throughout the course as indicated above and through the student’s performance in group activities, in-class activities, writing assignments, computer assignments, homework assignments, class discussions and exams.

 

Fall 2008
Business Statistics - BUSG 2371
SEMESTER SCHEDULE (Subject to change- Latest is always available in BB)

Exams                Readings        Date                 Homework Assignments
                 
                        Chapter 1        8/26                 E1-2, 4, 6, 8, 10

                        Chapter 2        8/28                 E2-3, 5, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21

                        Chapter 3        9/2, 4               E3-16, 18, 20, 26, 27, 29, 35, 40, 42, 46, 53, 55
                                                                                     
                        Chapter 4        9/9, 11             E4-2, 8, 12, 13, 16, 19, 24, 26, 28, 29, 32, 34, 36        
                                                           
                                         

EXAM I (CHAPTERS 1-4) Sep 23 
           
                        Chapter 5            9/25, 30        E5-3, 4, 5, 12, 16, 18, 20, 22, 26, 30, 32, 40, 46, 48, 50, 58
                                                                                   
                        Chapter 6        10/2, 7             E6-2, 4, 6, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29
           
                        Chapter 7        10/9, 14        E7-2, 4, 8, 12, 13, 16, 18, 20, 24, 28                                                              
EXAM II (CHAPTERS 5, 6 &7) Oct 21
                       
                        Chapter 8        10/16, 21        E8-6, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 26, 28                                                                                                                         
Chapter 9            10/23, 28        E9-2, 4, 6, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22

                        Chapter 10      10/30, 11/4     E10-2, 4, 8, 10, 14, 16, 18, 24
                       
                        Chapter 11      11/6, 11        E11-2, 4, 8, 12, 14, 16, 20, 22, 24, 26              

EXAM III (CHAPTERS 8, 9, 10 & 11) Nov 18
                         
                        Chapter 12      11/13, 18        E-2, 4, 6, 8

Chapter 13            11/20, 25        E-2, 6, 8, 15, 16, 22, 24, 28, 30, 36, 49

                        Chapter 14      12/2, 4             E14-2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 16, 20
                         
                                                                                                                                               
FINAL EXAMINATION (Chapter 12, 13, and 14) Dec 9

Please note dates may change based on how the semester progresses.