Brooklyn
College (CUNY)
COURSE OUTLINE-Fall 2009
Business/Economics
30.2:
Introduction to Economics and Business Statistics
INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. H. Friedman
TEXTBOOK: Essentials of Business Statistics by Bruce Bowerman, R. O'Connel, and J. Orris, McGraw-Hall, Latest Edition.
CALCULATOR:
Students must bring a scientific calculator to every class.
I recommend getting the Sharp or Texas Instrument scientific
calculator. Calculator should
have nPr (permutations) and nCr (combinations) keys.
EXPECTED
COURSE OUTCOMES:
At the conclusion of the course students should be
able to:
(1)
Develop the skills to identify the appropriate statistical technique for the
analysis of data.
(2)
Learn how to present and interpret data for people not familiar with
statistics.
(3)
Understand how to use the computer (e.g., MS Excel) for data analysis.
(4)
Statistical techniques covered will include Z-tests, t-tests, F-tests,
correlation and simple regression. One-sample and two-sample tests will be
covered.
TOPICS
1.
Introduction and data collection
Chapter 1
2.
Frequency distributions, scatter diagrams, and descriptive statistics
Chapter 2
3.
Basic probability and probability distributions, binomial distribution
Chapters 3, 4 (excluding information on Poisson Distribution)
4.
The normal distribution and sampling distributions
Chapters 5, 6
MIDTERM
5.
Estimation and hypothesis testing: One-sample Z and t-tests
Chapters 7, 8
6.
Estimation and hypothesis testing: Two-sample Z and t-tests, F-test
Chapter 9
7.
Simple regression and correlation
Chapter 11
8.
Chi-square distribution and tests of independence (Time permitting)
Chapter 10
FINAL
GRADES:
There
will be two exams and numerous homework assignments.
Homework must be done on time.
OFFICE
HOURS:
Tuesday and Thursday 7:30 to 9:30 AM
Sample
exams, class notes, handouts, and useful links are available at my website:
http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/economic/friedman/coursepa.htm