QM 2241 BUSINESS STATISTICS I
Syllabus
Spring Semester, 2014
Sorrell College of Business Mission and Vision statements
Mission Statement
Through operations that span the State of Alabama, the United States, and the world, Sorrell College of Business
equips our students with the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies to become organizational and community
leaders who make a difference in the global village and global economy. Through this endeavor, we serve students,
employers, faculty, and Troy University at large as well as the local and global communities.
Vision Statement
Sorrell College of Business will be the first choice for higher business education students in their quest to succeed in a
dynamic and global economy. Sorrell College of Business will create the model for 21st century business education
and community service.
INSTRUCTOR:
Alan Gunter, MSME, MBA
OFFICE HOURS:
Mondays:
5:00 – 6:00 and after class as necessary
Wednesdays: 5:00 – 6:00 and after class as necessary
OFFICE LOCATION:
Bibb Graves, Room 238-K
OFFICE TELEPHONE:
Contact Secretary Lynn Hughes 334-670-3143 or Sue Beasley 334-670-3459
EMAIL:
qmlag@troy.edu
WEB SITE:
http://troy.blackboard.com
TIME OF CLASS and
CLASS LOCATION:
Mondays & Wednesdays 6:00 – 7:15
Bibb Graves, Room 201
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
An introduction to descriptive and inferential statistical concepts and methods. Topics
include grouping of data, measures of central tendency and dispersion, probability
concepts, sampling, statistical estimation, and statistical hypothesis testing.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of the course, the student should:
 Be able to identify, collect, display, and analyze the numerical type of
information generated by business operations.
 Understand probability theory and be able to use it for solving problems
encountered in business.
 Be able to sample data for drawing inferences about the population from which
the sample was taken.
 Understand the limitations of statistical analysis.
 Be able to perform statistical hypothesis testing.
PURPOSE:
To develop statistical-analysis skills appropriate for entry-level employment in business
fields. Core requirement for all undergraduate business programs.
TEXTBOOK:
Lind/Marchal/Wathen, Statistical Techniques in Business and Economics, 15th Edition,
McGraw-Hill Publishers, copyright 2010. ISBN 0078082358. *
* The text package sold by the campus bookstore includes a two-semester access code to
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Connect, which is a required homework manager that all students must purchase. If you
buy a used book, you MUST buy an access code to Connect from the publisher's website.
OTHER MATERIALS:
Connect Homework Manager access code (included in textbook package sold by the
bookstore above. (REQUIRED)
NOTE: Access codes cannot be transferred or sold to other students and may not be
included in used textbooks or books sold on the internet. The code included with the
book sold in the bookstore is good for two semesters only; codes purchased elsewhere
may be good for less time. The same access code can be used for QM3341 if both
courses are completed within two semesters. If you do not complete both courses within
that time frame then you will need to purchase a new access code. Having a useable
access code is your responsibility - contact the publisher directly if your code does not
work. Blackboard technical support cannot help you with Connect -- contact the
publisher's technical support numbers listed in the Assignments area of our Blackboard
course website if you have questions or problems.
CLASS PROCEDURE AND
REQUIREMENTS:
This course will be delivered in a lecture/discussion format. Primary delivery will
through PowerPoint, problem examples and overhead presentations. PPT Presentations
will be posted to the web site prior to class.
GRADING METHODS &
EXAMINATIONS:
Final grades will be calculated as a weighted average as follows:
20%
 Homework, & Pop Quizzes
20%
 Test 1 – Chapters 1-4
20%
 Test 2 – Chapters 5-7
20%
 Test 3 – Chapters 8-10
20%
 Final Exam – comprehensive (all chapters)
The student's final grade will be determined using the traditional grading scale:
A: 90-100, B: 80-89, C: 70-79, D: 60-69, F: Below 60.
ATTENDANCE/POP QUIZZES:
Students are expected to attend every class since attendance has a strong
correlation with your grade. To encourage regular attendance, "pop" quizzes may
be given at random throughout the term. Pop quizzes missed cannot be made up. If a
student misses a class, they must have an excused absence (see policy in attendance
section) in order to have a missed quiz exempted from the grade.
CONNECT HOMEWORK:
Students will complete homework problems using the web-based software program,
Connect. Scores are calculated for each homework assignment completed by the due
date based on number of questions correctly answered. If you are unsatisfied with a
particular homework grade or if you simply wish to practice more, you may redo the
homework up to three times before the deadline assigned (highest score counts). There
will be no dropped homework grades. Any missed or late assignments will be given a
score of zero. See schedule at the end of the syllabus for due dates.
TEST 1-3 RULES:
Tests 1-3 will be given in class during the normal class time. Exam rules:
 Tests in this class are closed book, but a formula sheet may be used. Formula
sheets can contain any hand-written notes on the front and back of an 8.5 x 11
sheet of paper. Statistical tables will be provided for exams.
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Students may use an electronic calculator without text storage capability or
statistical functions. Example: Texas Instruments BA-II+
Students may NOT share calculators, nor can a telephone be used as a calculator.
Translators may not be used during any examination.
Tests 1-3 will be reviewed in class, but students will be permitted to review the
tests in the instructor's office during office hours.
FINAL EXAM RULES:
 The Final Exam is a comprehensive test given the School of Business. It will
occur on last class day of the semester unless otherwise notified. The exam is
given on a computer and no calculators or notes are allowed. The student must
present a student ID, or other government issued picture ID, to take the exam. A
valid excuse is required to schedule the exam at a different time.
Violations of the above policies may result in your receiving an F for the exam.
See the Incomplete/Missed work section of the syllabus for the policy on missed
tests.
DROP/WITHDRAWAL/FA POLICY:
 A WP or DP grade can only be given to students who file paperwork after the
academic penalty deadline and who have a C or better in the class at the time they
withdraw or drop.
 An FA grade will be given to students who miss 35% or more classes in the term
without an excuse AND/OR those who miss any test without an excuse.
 In no event may a student drop or withdraw from the course after the final
examination is completed and final course grades are assigned.
All grades will be earned -- NOT given. No tests will be dropped, no tests will be given
less emphasis and no additional work will be given to boost final grades. Students
needing a particular grade in this class to graduate, to keep a scholarship, to be eligible
for sports, etc., will need to score high enough to earn the grade. Students should plan for
computer failure by completing graded homework ahead of schedule.
ATTENDANCE &
STUDENT
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Students are expected to:
1. Punctually attend all scheduled classes. Students who arrive after roll is taken or
who miss pop quizzes without an excuse will be counted as absent that day.
2. Be responsible for all instructions and assignments given in class as well as for the
supporting textbook content. If you miss a class, do not email your professor
asking what you missed. Similarly, do not come to my office expecting a private
tutorial session covering the missed material. Finding out what you missed and
getting a classmate's notes is your responsibility.
3. Read the textbook material before the lecture covering that material and attempt
the suggested problems before the material is covered in class.
4. Be an active participant in this class while being respectful of everyone else in the
class.
5. Stay for the entire class session. If you need to leave the class early, inform your
instructor before the class begins. Students who leave early without an excuse risk
having their attendance voided for that day.
6. Complete homework by the deadlines given in this syllabus and attend all
examinations.
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EXCUSED ABSENCE POLICY:
Excused absences have the following characteristics:
a. The professor was informed prior to the absence,
b. The professor determines that the absence is excusable*, and
c. Written documentation acceptable to the instructor (e.g., on letterhead) is provided
within one week of the missed class. Additional regulations apply to absences
which occur on the day of a scheduled exam. See the Incomplete/Missed Work
Policy section for more information.
* Excusable absences include:
 Participation in a documented official University function that does not permit the
student’s class attendance (e.g., athletic events, field trips, etc.).
 Severe illness, a hospital stay, or a doctor's excuse saying that it is impossible for
student to attend class(es). NOTE: This does not include scheduled medical or
dental appointments or driving someone else to doctor. You should schedule
appointments or personal errands outside of class time.
 Death of immediate family member (parent, grandparent, sibling, or child, or
spouse).
 Appearance in court (if mandatory)
 Personal situations that are approved by the instructor in advance of the time the
student is to be absent.
DAILY ASSIGNMENTS:
See schedule below.
INCOMPLETE/MISSED
WORK POLICY:
If a student will miss a test, they must notify the instructor in advance and provide
acceptable documentation within one week of the missed test. If they are unable to
notify the instructor in advance (e.g., they were in the hospital), they must notify the
instructor as soon as they are able to return to class and provide acceptable WRITTEN
documentation on that day.
 If the absence is excused by the instructor, the student will take a special
comprehensive makeup test on Dead Day, to be taken on the computer with a
proctor. No individual makeup exams for particular tests will be given. This
comprehensive makeup test will be in addition to the formative exam taken during
the final exam period.
 If the absence is not excused by the instructor, the student will receive a zero for any
missed test.
Only in very special circumstances will a student be allowed to make up Connect
homework. Assignments not completed by the deadline without a pre-approved excuse
will be given a zero. "Computer problems" do not constitute an acceptable excuse. Use
the tutorials posted in Blackboard which explain how to enroll into the website for this
class in Connect. NOTE: Don't wait until the last minute to sign up or to start your
homework! If you have problems with Connect, please contact technical support using
the methods listed in Blackboard.
GENERAL SUPPORT:
The computer labs in 119 & 207 McCartha are available for student use when other
classes are not in session.
CHEATING POLICY:
It is expected that students will abide by the Honor Code, Academic Code, Technology
Use Policy, and Standards of Conduct as outlined in the most current version of the
Oracle, the student handbook. Any student not abiding by these codes/policies/standards
will be subject to the penalties outlined in the Oracle.
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AMERICANS WITH
DISABILITIES ACT
(ADA):
Troy University supports Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which insure that postsecondary students with
disabilities have equal access to all academic programs, physical access to all buildings,
facilities and events, and are not discriminated against on the basis of disability. Eligible
students, with appropriate documentation, will be provided equal opportunity to
demonstrate their academic skills and potential through the provision of academic
adaptations and reasonable accommodations. Further information, including appropriate
contact information, can be found at the link for Troy University’s Office of Human
Resources at
http://www.troy.edu/humanresources/ADAPolicy2003.htm
CELLPHONES AND
OTHER ELECTRONIC
DEVICES:
Use of any electronic device by students in the instructional environment is prohibited
unless explicitly approved on a case-by-case basis by the instructor of record or by the
Office of Disability Services in collaboration with the instructor. Cellular phones,
pagers, and other communication devices may be used for emergencies, however, but
sending or receiving non-emergency messages is forbidden by the University.
Particularly, use of a communication device to violate the Troy University “Standards of
Conduct” will result in appropriate disciplinary action (See the Oracle.)
In order to receive emergency messages from the University or family members, the call
receipt indicator on devices must be in the vibration mode or other unobtrusive mode of
indication. Students receiving calls that they believe to be emergency calls must answer
quietly without disturbing the teaching environment. If the call is an emergency, they
must move unobtrusively and quietly from the instructional area and notify the instructor
as soon as reasonably possible. Students who are expecting an emergency call should
inform the instructor before the start of the instructional period.
COURSE OUTLINE AND
DATES TO REMEMBER:
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Detailed solutions to odd-numbered text exercises are provided in your textbook (see
the appendix)
The topics are listed in the approximate order in which they will be covered.
See due dates below for homework. Late homework will NOT be counted for a
grade in this class, even if Connect gives you a score.
Please note that this outline is subject to change. Any changes will be announced in
lecture. If you miss a lecture, you are responsible for finding out what you missed,
including any deadline or exam date changes.
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LECTURE
CHAPTERS
ASSIGNMENTS DUE
DATE
Wed. 1/8
Introduction, Chapter 1
Register at Connect course website
Mon. 1/13
Chapter 2
Do practice homework assignment in Connect
Wed. 1/15
Chapter 3
Read text, start homework & work recommended problems
Mon. 1/20
N/A
HOLIDAY – Martin Luther King Day
Wed. 1/22
N/A
NO CLASS
Mon. 1/27
Chapters 3 & 4
Read text, start homework & work recommended problems
Wed. 1/29
Chapter 4
Read text, start homework & work recommended problems
Mon. 2/3
Chapters 1-4
Review for Test I
Tues. 2/4
Chapters 1-4 Connect HW due 11:55pm Central time
Weds. 2/5
TEST 1 - Chapters 1-4
Mon. 2/10
Chapter 5
Read text, start homework & work recommended problems
Wed. 2/12
Chapter 5
Read text, start homework & work recommended problems
Mon. 2/17
Chapters 5 & 6
Read text, start homework & work recommended problems
Wed. 2/19
Chapter 6
Read text, start homework & work recommended problems
Mon. 2/24
Chapters 6 & 7
Read text, start homework & work recommended problems
Wed. 2/26
Chapter 7
Read text, start homework & work recommended problems
Mon. 3/3
Chapter 5-7
Review for Test II
Tues. 3/4
Ch. 5-7 Connect HW due 11:55pm Central time
Wed. 3/5
TEST 2- Chapters 5-7
Mon. 3/10
N/A
SPRING BREAK
Wed. 3/12
N/A
SPRING BREAK
Mon. 3/17
Chapter 8
Read text, start homework & work recommended problems
Wed. 3/19
Chapter 8
Read text, start homework & work recommended problems
Mon. 3/24
Chapter 9
Read text, start homework & work recommended problems
Wed. 3/26
Chapter 9
Read text, start homework & work recommended problems
Mon. 3/31
Chapter 9
Read text, start homework & work recommended problems
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Wed. 4/2
Chapter 10
Read text, start homework & work recommended problems
Mon. 4/7
Chapter 10
Read text, start homework & work recommended problems
Wed. 4/9
Chapter 10
Read text, start homework & work recommended problems
Mon. 4/14
Review for Test III
Tues. 4/15
Chapters 8, 9, 10 Connect HW due 11:55pm Central time
Wed. 4/16
TEST 3- Chapters 8-10
Mon. 4/21
Review for Final
Wed. 4/23
Review for Final
Mon. 4/28
Final Exam
Dates to Remember
 Wednesday, 1/8: Classes begin
 Monday, 1/13: Add deadline; drop/withdraw deadline without financial penalty
 Monday, 1/20: Martin Luther King Day holiday (campus closed, no office hours)
 Tuesday, 1/14: Census date
 March 10-16: Spring Break (no classes or office hours)
 Monday, 3/24: Last day to drop/withdraw WITHOUT academic penalty *
 Monday, 4/28: Last day of classes
 Wednesday, 4/30: Dead Day; Drop/withdraw deadline WITH academic penalty**
NOTES:
* After April 30th and prior to Dead Day (May 1st), any student with less than a C average will be given a grade of D,
F, or WF if they file for a drop or withdrawal.
** Students may not drop or withdraw from the course after the final exam has been taken and course grades have been
assigned.
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