Syllabus

SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENTBC 303: Statistics

5 Credit HoursEffective: July 2010

BC 303: Statistics

Access to the Internet is required.All written assignments must be in Microsoft-Word-compatible formats.

See the library’s APA Style Guide tutorial for a list of resources that can help you use APA style.

Copyright 2008-10 by City University of Seattle All rights reserved.

Faculty

Faculty Name:

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Course Description

This course focuses on the usefulness and limitations of statistical processes and their present day applications. Topics include: descriptive statistics, probability theory and distributions, sampling, hypothesis testing, regression, and correlation models. Students will focus on problem formulation, technique selection and results interpretation. It is strongly recommended that College Math be taken prior to this course.

Course Resources

Required and recommended resources to complete coursework and assignments are listed on the My.CityU portal at Library>Resources by Course.

CITYU Learning Goals

The content of this course addresses the following CityU Learning Goals:

Critical Thinking; Lifelong Learning.

Course Outcomes

In this course, learners will:

Formulate a Research Plan for statistical investigation; Critically evaluate statistical data; Apply statistical problem solving techniques; Construct graphical interpretation of data; Summarize statistical investigation findings; Formulate projections and recommendations based on statistical evaluation.

Core Concepts, Knowledge, and Skills

Hypothesis statements; Sampling and sampling design; Probability;

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Measures of Central Tendency; Correlation analysis; Linear regression analysis; Hypothesis testing; ANOVA; Frequency distributions; Data ethics.

Overview of Course Grading

The grade you receive for the course will be derived using City University of Seattle’s decimal grading system, based on the following:

Overview of Required Assignments % of Final GradeResearch Plan 10%Research Progress Report 10%Research Project 20%Assigned Problems 20%Final Exam 20%Participation/Discussions 20%

TOTAL 100%

Specifics of Course Assignments

Research Plan You will develop a research plan for the research project. You should include within this research plan: the research question and hypothesis statement, the objectives of the project, proposed data gathering plan and/or sampling methodology and justification, a draft of survey questions if a survey or questionnaire is going to be implemented for the project, and a proposed timeline in which the project will be completed.

Grading Criteria for Research Plan

Presentation of Research Question: How well does the student define the research question? Is it sufficiently narrow and manageable?

15

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Objectives: Does the student clearly articulate the objectives in carrying out the research paper?

15

Organization: How well is the research plan organized? 10Timeline: Does the student provide a workable timeline for the research paper? 25

Data Collection Methodology: How well does the student discuss the particular data collection/sampling methodology that is to be used for this project?

25

Writing Mechanics: How well does the student incorporate grammar, spelling, syntax, punctuation, and style into the assignment?

10

TOTAL 100%

Research Progress Report You will submit a 4-5 page progress report on your research project. You should include within this progress report: a restatement of your initial research question with discussion on any modifications that may have been made, the status of your data collection including both the limitations and well as the strengths of your chosen methodology, a synopsis of at least three statistical tools that will be utilized in the final research project, and a revised timeline with a discussion on any adjustments which have been made since the submission of the research plan.

Grading Criteria for Research Progress Report

Restatement/Reevaluation of Original Research Question: Does the student adequately discuss changes, modifications or insights in the formulation of their original research question?

15

Data Collection Status & Analysis: How well does the student report the status of data collection as well as the limitations vs. strengths of their chosen methodology?

25

Use of Statistical Tools & Analysis: Does the student clearly identify at least three statistical tools to be utilized in the final report? Does the student provide some preliminary analysis to data trends?

25

Organization: How well is the Research Progress Report organized? 15

Timeline: Does the student provide workable timeline for the time remaining for the final research paper? 10

Writing Mechanics: How well does the student incorporate grammar, spelling, syntax, punctuation, and style into the assignment?

10

TOTAL 100%

Research Project The research project will be the culmination of the work that you have put into the research project throughout the duration of the course. You should include within the final research project: a statement of the research question which outlines the initial hypothesis statement, project objectives,

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sampling methodology, statistical tools used, all data analysis, summary of the data analysis, presentation of visual aids and graphs, conclusion, recommendations and projections based on the evaluation of the data including identification of further areas of study.Grading Criteria for Research Project

Objectives: Does the student clearly articulate the objectives in carrying out the research paper?

10

Data Collection Methodology: How well does the student report the status of data collection as well as the limitations vs. strengths of their chosen methodology?

15

Use of Statistical Tools & Analysis: Does the student clearly identify at least three statistical tools to be utilized in the final report? Does the student provide some preliminary analysis to data trends?

30

Organization: How well is the Research Progress Report organized? 10

Use of Visual Aids and Graphs: Does the student provide visual aids that are utilized and well explained. Do the graphs and charts contribute to the overall argument? 15

Writing Mechanics: How well does the student incorporate grammar, spelling, syntax, punctuation, and style into the assignment?

10

References: Are the selected resources appropriate and sufficient for the purpose of this work?  Are they formatted in APA style?

10

TOTAL 100%

Final Exam You will take a final exam in the course to reinforce the course materials. The final exam will test your ability to utilize statistical terminology as well as the identification and application of proper statistical tools for a given statistical problem.

Grading Criteria for Final Exam

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Formula Identification: Can the student identify the correct formula to utilize in a given exam question?

20

Statistical Terminology: Does the student demonstrate a thorough understanding of statistical terminology and variables? Is the student able to utilize terminology in solutions with skill?

20

Problem Solving: Do solutions address all of the mathematical and statistical components presented in the problems?

30

Understanding & Connections: Does the student demonstrate a deep understanding of the problems in their contexts? 20

Communication: Are there clear and detailed explanations of the solutions? Are all steps are included and clearly labeled? 10

TOTAL 100%

Assigned ProblemsYou will be assigned problems from the text to practice and assess your knowledge of the various statistical concepts and tools discussed in the chapters for each session. The length and content of the assigned problems will be determined by the individual instructor.

Grading Criteria for Assigned Problems

Formula Identification: Can the student identify the correct formula to utilize in a given question?

20

Statistical Terminology: Does the student demonstrate a thorough understanding of statistical terminology and variables? Is the student able to utilize terminology in solutions with skill?

20

Problem Solving: Do solutions address all of the mathematical and statistical components presented in the problems?

30

Understanding & Connections: Does the student demonstrate a deep understanding of the problems in their contexts? 20

Communication: Are there clear and detailed explanations of the solutions? Are all steps are included and clearly labeled? 10

TOTAL 100%

Participation/DiscussionsWhether in class, online, or in a mixed mode setting, students will be graded on their participation in classroom discussions; their ability to present, explain, or defend alternative viewpoints; and the degree to which they have mastered the concepts and principles inherent in the study of accounting at this introductory level. Written work will be assessed not only on relevance to the subject presented, but also on adherence to good written form and professional presentation.

Grading Criteria for Participation/Discussions

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Meets requirements in a timely manner: Posts submitted on multiple days throughout the discussion time?

20

Quality of responses: Rich in content, thoughtful and insightful problem analysis well supported by referenced materials provided by instructor and other academically appropriate resources? Detailed new ideas with connections made to previous sessions and real life situations? Addresses instructor’s comments? Few grammar or style errors?

50

Quantity of response: Exceeds the minimum number of required quality postings?

30

TOTAL 100%

Course Policies

Late Assignments (Instructors will put their late policy here. Below is an example.)

A 10%, per each day late, penalty will be assessed for all late work. Assignments more than 7 days late will not be accepted and receive a grade of zero.

Participation

Students are expected to be actively engaged in a discussion or other activities. Active engagement means contributing substantive, thoughtful and reflective responses. For online classes, students must submit at least one quality posting, response to another’s posting, or other assigned work on four separate days during the school week (Monday through Sunday). Additionally, students must post their initial responses during the first three days of the week, and their responses to other students’ postings during the last four days of the week.

Professional Writing

All assignments for this course should be of professional quality. The writing should always take into consideration the intended audience. Hand written work will not be accepted.

This course requires you to use the American Psychological Association (APA) style in preparing any required research papers, or any written work where other sources are used. References should be cited for all facts, ideas, conclusions, and opinions that are not your own.A proper title page should preface all written assignments, unless otherwise stated. The title page should include: your name, the title of the paper, the name and number of the course, your course start date, the date submitted, and the name of the instructor.

Your work should be typed or word-processed on white 8 ½ by 11 inch paper. Any narrative sections should be double-spaced. Some assignments many require that your work be prepared on a computer spreadsheet.

University Policies

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You are responsible for understanding and adhering to all of City University of Seattle’s academic policies. The most current versions of these policies can be found in the university catalog that is linked from the CityU Web site.

Academic Integrity

Scholastic honesty in students requires the pursuit of scholarly activity that is free from fraud, deception and unauthorized collaboration with other individuals. You are responsible for understanding CityU’s policy on scholastic honesty and adhering to its standards in meeting all course requirements. A complete copy of this policy can be found in the university catalog in the section titled Scholastic Honesty under Student Rights & Responsibilities.

Attendance

Students taking courses in any format at the University are expected to be diligent in their studies and to attend class regularly. Regular class attendance is important in achieving learning outcomes in the course and may be a valid consideration in determining the final grade. For classes where a physical presence is required, a student has attended if s/he is present at any time during the class session.  For online classes, a student has attended if s/he has posted or submitted an assignment during the session. A complete copy of this policy can be found in the university catalog in the section titled Attendance Policy.

Support Services

Disability Resources

If you are a student with a disability and you require an accommodation, please contact the Disability Resource Office as soon as possible. For additional information, please see the section in the university catalog titled Students with Special Needs under Student Rights & Responsibilities.

Library Services

In order to help you succeed in this course, you have access to library services and resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week. CityU librarians can help you formulate search strategies and locate materials that are relevant to your coursework. For help, contact a CityU librarian through the Ask a Librarian service. To find library resources, click on the Library link in the My.CityU portal.

SmartThinking

As a CityU student, you have access to 10 free hours of online tutoring, including writing support, from certified tutors 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Contact CityU’s Student Support Center at info@cityu.edu to request your user name and password.

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