University of Utah
David Eccles School of Business
MBA 925 – Quantitative Refresher (Algebra & Statistics
Class Times: Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:00 – 10:00 PM, WEB-1230
& Saturdays 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (if needed)
Summer Semester 2009, Course Syllabus
REQUIRED TEXT:
1. Finite Mathematics for Managerial, Life, and Social Sciences by
Soo T. Tan Shannon (for the Algebra Class)
2. Business Statistics by Groebner. Prentice Hall Custom Business
Resources (for the Statistics Class).
INSTRUCTOR:
Tariq Mughal, Director MStat Program, Chair University Statistics Comm.
EMAIL:
OFFICE:
PHONE:
CONSULTATION:
tariq.mughal@business.utah.edu
BUC-17
(801) 585-9547
Prior to or after class or with appointment.
Web Link for the class:
Please check WebCt for Class Notes.
Overview & General Info:
MBA-925 –First Session
This is a Pre-MBA course in college Algebra (financial math). The objective of the course is to serve as a
refresher for your Algebra skills. We will accomplish that by doing large number of practice problems in
class, particularly those problems with business applications flavor.
We hope to cover the following topics in the Algebra portion:


Mathematics of finance
Linear programming – geometric approach
MBA-950
The statistics portion of the course encompasses the fundamental tools of descriptive and inferential
statistics. We may also use/analyze business cases for better reinforcement of the subject matter. The
material presented requires good understanding of concepts completed in classes like College Algebra and
Business Calculus (will review needed material). Formula use and formula manipulation play a large part in
this course. Along with the usual homework and exams, a term project as well as computer projects may be
assigned as necessary. We will examine statistics by analyzing business data, with the analyses being done
by the computer as well as manually (calculator).
In the statistics portion we will cover the following topics:
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
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Graphs, charts, and tables – describing your data
Describing data using numerical measures
Using probability and probability distributions
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
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Discrete and continuous probability distributions
Sampling distributions
Estimating population values
Confidence interval estimates
Other Policies
Attendance: No attendance is taken but you are responsible for everything that is discussed in class. Since
this is only a six weeks class your absence will adversely affect your score on active class discussion.
You will do some work individually and some in teams. There will be some in-class quizzes and some take
home quizzes. Your total grade will be a composite of both.
It is important that you do show up to class. If for any reason you have to miss class, please keep in touch
with your classmates and make up the missing work.
Homework: Homework will be assigned to help prepare for exams. However, they will not be collected and
graded. Instead, they will be discussed in class.
Make-up exams: No make-ups will be given. If you are going to be absent during an exam for an official
school function or medical reasons, please contact me so that arrangements can be made.
Academic honor code: We will follow University’s policy and procedures on academic honesty.
Americans with Disabilities Act: If you have a disability for which you will need accommodation in this
class, please let me know as soon as possible.
Tentative Course Schedule
Week 1, May 18th
Financial Mathematics
Week 2 , May 25th
Financial Mathematics
Week 3, June 1st
Systems of Linear Functions and Linear programming
In-class & take home exam
Week 4, June 8h
Graphs, charts, and tables – describing your data, describing data
using numerical measures, Using probability and probability
distributions
Week 5, June 15th
Discrete and continuous probability distributions, Sampling
distributions
Week 6, June 22nd.
Estimating population values, Confidence interval estimates
In-class & take home exam
Grading:
Your course grade consists of two parts. First 70% of your grade in each of the classes is based on
your performance in the in-class and take home quizzes. The second 30% is based on your class
participation.
Class participation is defined as asking questions (any questions), actively participating in class
discussions, getting to know your classmates and lastly, class attendance.
93 or above
90-92
87-89
83-86
80-82
77-79
=
=
=
=
=
=
A
AB+
B
BC+
73-76
70-72
67-69
63-66
60-62
below 60
=
=
=
=
=
=
C
CD+
D
DF