Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit is designed to give students an introduction to statistical and quantitative methods within a business-related framework and to provide students with a sound foundation for more advanced statistical and quantitative studies. The unit will provide opportunities for the student to gain skills in the presentation of business and economic data, the use of frequency distributions, measures of central tendency and dispersion, principles of probability, use of probability distributions, sampling theory, estimation, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, the use of indices and forecasting methods.

Objectives

At the completion of this unit students will have -
A knowledge and understanding of:

• typical sources of data such as: market research surveys, mandatory reporting, census and Consumer Price Index, commercial sources;
• sampling techniques, sampling error;
• fundamental statistical concepts such as: probability, mathematical expectation, the Central Limit Theorem, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression.

• techniques for basic statistical analysis including: the calculation of summary statistics, graphic display of data including stem-and-leaf plots, boxplots and histograms;
• calculations required for problems based on concepts given in point-3;
• calculation of probabilities by: direct calculation from probability distribution, use of tables and spreadsheets;
• the use of computer software (eg SYSTAT) to perform all statistical techniques covered;
• communicating the results of descriptive statistical analysis through a written report.

Assessment

Examination (2 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr John Betts

Contact hours

2 hrs lectures/wk, 2 hrs laboratories/wk

Prohibitions

BUS1100, ETC1000, ETC1010, ETC2010, ETF2211, ETW1000, ETW1010, ETW1102, ETW2111, ETX1100, ETX2111, ETX2121, MAT1097

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/units/fit1006