SM 221

STATISTICAL AND ECONOMIC DECISION MAKING Fall 2013

Mark G. Kean 595 Commonwealth, #606 Tel: 617-353-4164 e-mail: bird33@bu.edu COURSE OBJECTIVES
A. Introduce basic concepts and techniques in probability and statistics which: 1. can be used and are, in fact, used in many other courses in the program. 2. are the basis for introducing additional techniques in other courses in the program. Improve the student's ability to analyze systematically and interpret critically statistical information. Show how and under what conditions such quantitative techniques may be appropriately applied for making managerial decisions in a wide range of situations in industry, business, public administration, and for addressing social issues and problems. Develop the student's ability to identify situations where such techniques may be effectively applied, to communicate with specialists in the field, and evaluate critically, interpret properly, and utilize wisely the recommendations of experts. Provide a broad understanding of these techniques, so that the student may be better able to appreciate their potentialities as well as their limitations, and to recognize their relative contributions to systematic planning, wise decision making, and effective as well as efficient control of administrative processes. Develop students ability to use statistical software (Excel) in managerial decision making.

B. C.

D.

E.

F.

TEXT BOOKS AND OTHER REQUIRED MATERIALS Purchase at BU/Barnes & Noble Bookstore
Text: The Managers Guide to Statistics, 2013 Edition, by Erol Pekz. Text: 101 Plus Special Practice Problems in Probability and Statistics,4th Edition , by Berger, Hanna Kean and Maurer Text: Statistics for Managers, 3rd Edition, by Paul Berger and Mark Kean.

(1)

GRADING
Exam #1 Exam #2 Final Discussion Research 25% 25% 30% 15% 5%

EXAMS
There are two term exams and a final. The two term exams are tentatively scheduled for 10/2/13 and 11/6/13. The exams will be conducted during our regularly scheduled lecture times in the SMG auditorium. The final exam will be held during the final exam period. Travel plans should not be made until the end of that time period.

DISCUSSION
During the discussion segment of class, students will review assigned homework problems and cases. 15% of your grade is based on class participation during these times.

RESEARCH OBLIGATION
Details will be provided during class.

ACADEMIC CONDUCT
It is expected that all students at the School of Management will abide by the Academic Conduct Code.

Boston University School of Management Academic Conduct Code All students entering Boston University are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity. In no case should any student represent someone else's work as his/her own. The School of Management treats violations as extremely serious breaches of the code of conduct. The School acts promptly to resolve such violations, and acts severely in cases where guilt is determined. I Philosophy of Discipline The objective of the School of Management in enforcing academic conduct rules is to promote the kind of community academic atmosphere that provides optimal educational opportunities. This atmosphere can be maintained only so long as every student believes that his or her academic competence is judged fairly and that she or he will not be put at a disadvantage because of dishonesty of someone

(2)

else. The intent of the Academic Conduct Code is to protect the integrity of the educational process. II Academic Misconduct Academic misconduct is conduct by which a student misrepresents his or her academic accomplishments or impedes other students' chances of being judged fairly for their academic work. III Violations of the Code Violations of this code are acts that constitute an attempt to be dishonest or deceptive in the performance of academic work in or out of the classroom, to alter academic records, or to collaborate with another student or students in an act of academic misconduct. Violations include, but are not limited to: Cheating on examinations. Plagiarism. Any attempt by a student to represent the work of another as his own. Misrepresentation or falsification of data. Theft of an examination. Unauthorized conversation during examinations. Forgery, alteration, or knowing misuse of graded examinations. Theft or destruction of examination papers. Submitting the same work in more than one course. Altering or destroying another student's work or records. Having someone take an exam in your stead or prepare a paper for you. Submitting work completed by group or team members as your own. Failure to comply with the sanctions imposed under the authority of this code.

(3)