Statistics for Business: Course Syllabus and Overview

General Course Information

Instructor and Contact

• Instructor: Dr. Fernanda Araujo Maciel ([e-mail])

• Office: TAH 2048

• Meetings: Tuesday and Thursday, 12:00–1:15 pm, ALP 224

• Office Hours: Tu/Th 2:15–3:15 pm (in person); Wed 12:00–1:30 pm (online via Zoom)

Required Textbook, Online System, and Statistical Software

• Pearson: MyLab Statistics – Online assignments platform accompanying the textbook.

• e-Textbook: Statistics for Business: Decision Making and Analysis, 3rd Ed. by Robert Stine and Dean Foster. Pearson, 2018. ISBN 9780134497464.

• JMP Pro software: Statistical software for data analysis. Download and install as per instructions on Canvas.

• Microsoft Office (Excel): Required for assignments. Download if not already installed.

Catalog Description

This course focuses on the application of statistical methods to business problems. Emphasis is placed on case studies, data analysis, model building, and the use of statistical software to solve real-world business issues.

Course Objectives

• Understand variation and differentiate between specific variation and common variation in managerial decision-making situations.

• Create and organize data files for appropriate data analysis.

• Choose suitable data analysis methods/models to solve business problems.

• Perform data analysis using statistical software.

• Verify assumptions of data analysis methods/models.

• Communicate findings clearly to management.

Course Overview

The course is designed to provide students with the background to execute data analysis in a managerial context. The focus is on statistical thinking and the ability to utilize statistical software (JMP). Memorization of statistical facts is not emphasized.

Grading

• Attendance: 5%

• Homework: 20%

• Midterms: 25%

• Final Exam: 25%

• Projects: 25%

Grading Notes

• Homework is completed in Pearson/MyLab. Unlimited attempts before the due date; late submissions incur a 10% penalty.

• Three midterms are scheduled; the lowest score is dropped. Missed midterms (except for excused absences) are recorded as zero.

• The final exam is cumulative and must be taken at the assigned time.

• Project information is available on Canvas.

• No extra credit is available.

Letter Grade Scale

Grade	Percentage
A	93–100%
A–	90–92.9%
B+	87–89.9%
B	83–86.9%
B–	80–82.9%
C+	77–79.9%
C	73–76.9%
C–	70–72.9%
D+	67–69.9%
D	63–66.9%
D–	60–62.9%
F	< 60%

Course Policies and Resources

• Tutoring: Available via the COB Office of Student Engagement (OSE) by appointment (Zoom or in person).

• Academic Honesty: Students must adhere to university policies on academic integrity.

• Drop and Withdrawal: Policies are available online; students are responsible for understanding procedures.

• Disability Accommodations: Students needing accommodations must register with the Services to Students with Disabilities and provide documentation in advance.

Tentative Schedule

Week	Topics	Date
1	Intro, Chapter 12	Aug 26, 28
2	Chapter 14, 15	Sep 2, 4
3	Chapters 16, 18	Sep 9, 11
4	Chapters 5, 18	Sep 16, 18
5	Review, Midterm 1	Sep 23, 25
6	Chapters 19, 20	Sep 30, Oct 2
7	Chapters 20, 21	Oct 7, 9
8	Review, Midterm 2	Oct 14, 16
9	Chapter 23	Oct 21, 23
10	Chapter 24	Oct 28, 30
11	Midterm 3, Review	Nov 4, 13
12	Chapters 17, 25	Nov 18, 20
13	Chapter 26	Nov 25
14	Project	Dec 2

Additional info: The schedule is subject to change; students should check Canvas for updates.