STA 2023: Fundamental Business Statistics
Summer B 2003, Syllabus
Section: 3
Instructor: Kevin Krieger
Office: 201C OSB
E-mail: krieger@stat.fsu.edu
Phone: 644-1306
Office Hours: 9:30-10:30 Tueday or by Appointment
Meeting Time: 8:00-9:20 MTWRF
Prerequisite: MAC 1105 or equivalent (college algebra)
Text: The Practice of Business Statistics: Using Data for Decisions by Moore, McCabe,
Duckworth, and Sclove
Course Description:
This course is an introductory course in statistics for students interested in business.
Topics covered include basic descriptive statistics, elementary probability, binomial
distribution, normal distribution, sampling, and statistical applications in business.
Course Objectives:
Upon successful course completion, a student will be able to:
1. Describe the goals of various statistical methodologies conceptually
2. Provide examples where business can effectively use statistical tools.
3. Apply statistical techniques in the context of business processes, everyday life
and future courses in their discipline.
4. Understand different sampling strategies.
5. Use descriptive statistics and graphical methods to summarize data.
6. Use inferential statistics to make valid judgments based on data.
7. Select the appropriate course tools to analyze a particular problem.
TENTATIVE Course Content:
Chapter 1: Sections 1, 2, 3
Chapter 2: Sections 1, 2
Chapter 3: Sections 1, 2, 3
Chapter 4: Sections 1, 2, 3, 4
Chapter 5: Sections 1, 2
Chapter 6: Sections 1, 2, 3
Chapter 7: Sections 1, 2
Chapter 8: Sections 1, 2
Additional topics covered as time permits.
Course Policies:
Attendance: Attendance does not directly affect students’ grade in this course.
However, regular attendance is considered VERY important to success in terms of grades
and understanding material.
Quizzes: 5 Quizzes will be administered during the semester (on the first 5 Wednesdays
of class). Each quiz will have a value of 100 points. The best 4 of 5 scores will be used
when calculating the grade for this course. If one quiz is missed, the remaining 4 scores
will automatically count towards the final grade (NO EXCEPTIONS). If additional
quizzes are missed, a grade of zero will be recorded for these quizzes UNLESS proper
documentation (a doctor’s note or accident report, for example) within one week of the
missed quiz. Quizzes will be open book and open notes.
Exams: 3 Exams will be administered during the semester (on the 2nd, 4th, and 6th Fridays
of the semester). Each exam will have a value of 200 points. The final exam will be
cumulative and will address the topics of the last two weeks of class as well as earlier
topics. If the final exam score is better than one of the two earlier exam scores, the final
exam score will count AND replace the lower of the two earlier exam scores. If the first
or second exam is missed, the final exam will automatically count for this grade as well
as on its own. Exams are closed book. One index card (3” x 5”) of formulae will be
allowed with anything you desire written on it (front and back). It must be handwritten.
No Xerox copying or typing.
Calculator: A calculator will be needed on the quiz and exam dates. While an expensive
calculator isn’t necessary, it may be beneficial to have a calculator that correctly performs
order of operations (that is, dividing BEFORE adding, or raising powers BEFORE
multiplying, etc.)
Homework: Homework problems will be regularly assigned (most every day). They are
important to prepare for quizzes and exams. Homework is not collected. Solutions to
odd numbered problems will be in the back of the textbook.
Grade Breakdown:
Quizzes (best 4 of 5)
Exams (best 2 of 3)
Total
Grade Scale:
930-1000 A
900-929 A860-899 B+
830-859 B
800-829 B-
400 pts.
600 pts.
1000 pts.
760-799
730-759
700-729
660-699
630-659
C+
C
CD+
D
600-629 D< 600
F
Other Notes:
1. Working problems is the best way to understand the course material and assure
yourself that you will be ready for exams and quizzes. Hence, I’d suggest completing
all the problems I highlight, AND working through additional exercises. This being
said, it is important in this class (and many other math type classes) to really
understand WHY we are using certain formulas and taking certain steps. There is a
danger in just finding out how I or the book works a problem and memorizing the
pattern to get an answer. I would encourage you to go slowly through the steps of
problems and ask yourself “Why am I doing this step?”.
2. The easiest way to get in touch with me is via e-mail or speaking with me after class
or during my office hours. If you feel you are beginning to have difficulties with the
material, PLEASE speak to me. I want to help you to learn this material and for the
process to be as painless as possible.
3. If you bring pagers or cell phones to class, please set them to OFF or VIBRATE.
4. I encourage you to help me help you. That is, please feel free to speak up
immediately when you don’t understand something--- even if I simply have made a
math error during an example of have misspoke about something. A healthy give and
take seems to make the class more interesting and the material easier to remember.
Ask questions early and often!
5. Academic Honesty: Your work must be your own. Cheating on any work turned in
may result in a failing grade in this course. Cases of academic dishonesty are referred
to the University Judicial Officer.
6. Students with Disabilities: Students with disabilities needing academic
accomodations should do the following within the first week of class:
1) register with and provide documentation to the Studen Disability Resource Center
2) bring a letter to the instructor from the SDRC indicating you need academic
accomodations.
Syllabus Change Policy:
This syllabus is a guide for the course and is subject to change with advanced notice.