DE LA SALLE UNIVERISTY-MANILA

COURSE SYLLABUS
COLLEGE: Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business
COURSE CODE: CPROBS1 (Critical Problem Solving 1)
CLASS DAYS AND CLASS TIME:
INSTRUCTOR(S):
CONSULTATION HOUR(S):

DEPARTMENT: DSI
ROOM:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This is a three-unit course which provides business students with the necessary skills in
decision making anchored on the science of quantification. This covers the judicious use of
business information from the internal and external loci of the organization as bases in making
informed business decisions. Emphasis is made on critically solving business problems through
practical applications of quantitative data, descriptive tools for data analysis, and the methodology
for developing hypotheses and constructing inferences about ever changing and dynamic nature of
the business environment.
LEARNING OUTCOMES (LO):
Upon completion of the course, the student is expected to be able to do the following:
ELGA
Effective communicators

Critical and creative thinkers

Technically proficient and

competent professionals and
leaders

LEARNING OUTCOME
identify the correct nomenclature of statistical reasoning
discuss the assumptions underlying the different testing
methodologies
present business data using appropriate approaches
explain the results of the statistical methods employed to
solve a business problem
showcase an empirical paper of a critically solved and
research-based business problem
recognize
potential business problems requiring
substantial data analyses
determine the most appropriate statistical tool fit for a
particular business problem
formulate evidence-based decisions and construct reliable
and valid conclusions regarding small scale business and
corporate management situations
exhibit expertise in the collection, presentation, analysis,
and interpretation of statistical data
use the appropriate software packages in generating
statistical results
utilize the various statistical tools, both the descriptive and
inferential measures either of parametric or non-parametric
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Service-driven, ethical, and
socially responsible citizens

nature, in solving business related problems

illustrate best-fit models for particular business problems
based on the available data
demonstrate the value of honesty in the presentation of
statistical data and evaluation of results.
display the value of patience and perseverance in the
management of voluminous business data and the rigorous
process of generating statistical results
realize the significance of statistics in business decisionmaking of entrepreneurs and corporate managers and their
contributions to the life of the business
recognize the impact of statistical research on the
environment; hence, the necessity of truth and validity in
ones work as the researchers social responsibility;

FINAL COURSE OUTPUT:

As evidence of attaining the above learning outcomes, the student is required to do and submit the
following during the indicated dates of the term.
LEARNING OUTCOME

LO 1:
Collect, present and describe business data
using the most appropriate descriptive
statistical measures

LO 2:

Construct hypotheses and test them using

appropriate statistical tools

REQUIRED OUTPUT
DUE DATE
Within 2nd and
Graphical and tabular
3rd Week
presentation of business data
Homework/Seatwork both
manual and computer-aided
exercises on the calculation of
central tendency measures,
spread and dispersion or
variability measures, and
relative position measures
Solving Business Problems:
Case Analysis Approach
Formative Assessment 2
Formulate business research
problem (Statement of the
Problem)
Homework/Seatwork both
manual and computer-aided
exercises on performing tests
of hypotheses respective of
their conditions (one set of
data, two sets of data,
multiple sets of data), using
business data bases (costs,
sales, revenues, etc)
Solving Business Problems:

Within 5th and

6th Week

LO 3:
Explain the magnitude and significance of
the relationship of the different variables or
factors within a given a business situation
and eventually develop business models to
predict plausible outcomes based on
established data

LO 4:
Present an empirically tested research
paper in an attempt to critically solve an
existing business problem

Case Analysis Approach

Formative Assessment 2
formulate business research
problem (Statement of the
Problem)
Homework/Seatwork both
manual and computer-aided
exercises on performing
correlation and regression
analyses using business data
bases (productivity,
profitability indices, asset
growth, etc)
Solving Business Problems:
Case Analysis Approach
Formative Assessment 3
Collaborative Work Output:
Presentation of the approved
Mini-Research as an
exposition of students
understanding and
proficiency in solving specific
business problem with the use
of the statistical tools

Within 9th and

11th Week

Within 12th
and 13th Week

RUBRIC FOR ASSESSMENT of FINAL TERM GROUP PROJECT:

CRITERIA
Formulation of
the Research
Problem (10%)

Correct
Application of the
Statistical
Concepts (30%)

EXEMPLARY
4
Research problem is
clearly defined and the
need for research to solve
the problem is made
evident.
All of the statistical
concepts are appropriate,
necessary and sufficient.
They completely lead to
the solution of the
management problem

SATISFACTORY
3
Research problem is
justified on the basis of
a well-presented
management problem

DEVELOPING
2-1
Research problem or
management problem
or dilemma is vague

Some of the statistical

concepts applied are
appropriate and
necessary. They
partially lead to the
solution of the
management problem

The statistical
concepts applied are
inappropriate,
unnecessary and do
not lead to the
solution of the
management problem

RATING

Depth of Analysis
(30%)

The analysis convinces the

reader about the wisdom of
conclusions, implications
and consequences on the
basis of statistical methods
and findings

The analysis engages the

reader to appreciate the
wisdom of conclusions,
implications and
consequences on the
basis of statistical
methods and findings

The analysis have

limited ideas that do
not explain the
wisdom of
conclusions,
implications and
consequences on the
basis of statistical
methods and findings

Clarity and
Organization of
Written Report
(20%)

Develops ideas
rationally, organizes
them logically with
paragraphs and connects
them with effective
transitions. Clear and
specific introduction and
conclusion.

Develops and
organizes ideas in
paragraphs that are
not necessarily
connected. Some
ideas seem illogical
and/or unrelated.

Presentation and
Format (10%)

The writing is
essentially error-free in
terms of spelling and
grammar. It uses the
proper format and
follows the APA style

Develops unified and

coherent ideas within
paragraphs with
generally adequate
transitions; clear
overall organization
relating most ideas
together, good
introduction and
conclusion
While there may be
minor errors, the
writing follows
normal conventions of
spelling and grammar
throughout and has
been carefully
proofread. It uses the
proper format and
follows the APA style

Frequent errors in
spelling and
grammar distract
the reader. It does
not use the proper
format and does not
follow the APA
style

TOTAL:

OTHER REQUIREMENTS AND ASSESSMENTS:

Quizzes, seatwork, homework, submission of papers on statistical applications using computer
software, final examination.
GRADING SYSTEM:
Formative Assessments (at least 3 quizzes)

50%

Attendance
Creative Assessment 1:
Case analyses,
assignments, seatwork, computer lab exercises,
class participation (any activity analogous to
these)
Creative Assessment 2: Group Project-MiniBusiness Research Paper
Summative Assessment: Departmental Final
Examination

5%
5%

TOTAL

10%

4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.0

95 - 100
90 94.9
85 89.9
80 84.9
74 79.9
67 73.9
60 66.9
< 60

30%
100%

LEARNING PLAN:
LEARNING
OUTCOME
Discuss the
fundamental
elements and
principles of
statistical
reasoning in aid
of critically
solving business
problems

Explain the
underlying
principles in
sampling and its
techniques, and
sampling
distributions

Elucidate the
process in
collecting,
presenting and
describing
business data
using the most
appropriate
descriptive
statistical
measures

TOPIC

WEEK NO.

I. Basic Concepts in
Statistics

Weeks 1
1.5 hours

II. Determining and

Justifying
Sample Sizes

Week 1-2
3.0 hours

III. Profiling
Business Data
using
Descriptive
Statistical
Measures

Weeks 2-3
4.5 hours

LEARNING
ACTIVITIES
Class Discussion and Case Analysis
(Business Problems) on:
Definitions of a Problem (with
emphasis on Business Problems
Steps in Solving a Problem
The Importance of Statistics in
Solving Business Problems
The Rudiments of Statistics
Branches and Divisions of
Statistics
Variable and its Types
Population versus Sample
Types of Data and Scales of
Measurement
1
= Ref.: Chapter 1
Class Discussion and Case Analysis
(Business Problems) on:
Counting Techniques and
Probabilities
Sample Size Determination
and the Fundamentals of CLT
Sampling Techniques both
Random and Non-Random
1
= Ref.: Chapters 4 and 8
Class Discussion and Case Analysis
(Business Problems) on:
Presentation of Data in
Tabular, Graphical or Textual
Forms
Measures of Central
Tendency/Location (mean,
median, mode)
Measures of Spread and
Dispersion/Variability
(range, standard deviation,
variance)
Measures of Relative Position
(quantiles, skewness, kurtosis)
Note: discussions will cover only on
ungrouped data
= 1Ref.: Chapters 2 and 3
5


Establish Ranges
of Values as
Statistical
Parameters to
Approximate
Possible results

Demonstrate
Conceptual
Understanding
and
Computational
Fluency

IV.

Estimating
Possibilities of
Business
Outcomes

Week 4
1.5 hours

Formative
Assessment #1

Week 4
1.5 hours

Identify the steps

in the
Development of
Scientific
Hypotheses and
Formulate
Decisions and
Conclusions
based on the
established
implementing
guidelines and
standards

I. Implementing
Guidelines in the
Formulation of
Evidence-Based
Business Decision,
and the Construction
of Scientifically
Drawn Conclusion

Week 5
1.5 hours

Determine and
create alternatives
for decisionmaking in cases
where there are
unavailability of
certain business
data

II. Making Meaning

of the Unknown
Business Data out of
what is Known: The
Single-Case Business
Data Analysis

Build business
decisions derived
from comparative
data analysis

III. Appraising the

Magnitude of the
Difference and
Determining its
Substance and
Significance: The
Double-Case

Class Discussion and Case Analysis

(Business Problems) on:
Interval Estimation
Case 1: Population
Standard Deviation Known
Case 2: Population
Standard Deviation
Unknown
= 1Ref.: Chapter 8
Pen-Paper and Computer-Generated Data
Analysis

Simulation with argumentation on

the formulation of logical
assumptions and/or presumption
based on established business
data as empirical evidences
Null Hypothesis
Alternative or Researchers
Hypothesis
* conditions and limitations
based on business variables
and sample market
respondents
1
= Ref.: Chapter 9

Week 5
1.5 hours

Single-Firm Analysis of Data

derived from individual company
operations with reference to
previous and current business
data

= 1Ref.: Chapters 9-10

Week 6
3.0 hours

Analysis of Data derived from

Two Independent Businesses
Analysis of Data derived from
Business Interventions/Treatment
Analysis of Data derived from
Two Comparable Businesses
= 1Ref.: Chapters 10-11
6

Business Data
Analysis

Examine business
variables
significantly
affecting or
contributing to
variances in its
operations, and
identify
significantly
interacting
variables leading
to best business
results

Exhibit
Conceptual
Understanding
and
Computational
Fluency

Understanding
Decisions Derived
from the Degree of
Discrepancies: The
Multiple-Case
Business Data
Analysis

Week 7 8
6.0 hours

Multiple Comparison of Two or

More Business Data: Analysis of
Variance (ANOVA)
Vertical Analysis: Within Firm
Data
Horizontal Analysis: Between
Firms Data
One-Factor Analysis of Business
Data

Factorial Analysis of Data

derived from Business
Experimentation with and without
repeated measures
= 1Ref.: Chapters 11-13
Formative
Assessment #2

Week 9
1.5 hours

Formulate
business
decisions based
on establish
significantly
related variables

Determining
Significant Factors
both from the
Internal and
External
Environments of the
Business
Contributing to the
Firm-Industry
Operations

4.5 hours
Week 9 - 10

Construct
customized
business models
needed for
estimating and/or

Developing Business
Models

7.5 hours
Weeks 10 - 12

Business Firm and Computer-Generated

Data Analysis

Analysis of Factors known to be

significantly related to or associated
with each other affecting business
operations
interval/ratio business variables
categorical/ordinal business
variables
* decision analysis on business
demand and supply functions
* market equilibrium point
* cost-profit functions and breakeven analysis
1
= Ref.: Chapter 14
Analysis of Predictive Models BestFit to particular business profile and
situations (scenario-based models)
bivariate business factor analysis
multivariate business factor
analysis
7

forecasting
business-related
operations
respective of
certain conditions
(time, market,
amount, degree of
certainty, etc)
Manifest
Conceptual
Understanding
and
Computational
Fluency
Showcase skills
in managing and
analyzing
research data
geared towards
formulating valid
and reliable
business
decisions based
on gathered data
as empirical
evidences

* marginal and instantaneous rate

of change
* marginal analysis
* consumer expenditure analysis
*Cost-minimization and revenueprofit maximization analysis
= 1Ref.: Chapter15-16

Formative
Assessment #3

1.5 hours
Week 13

Business Firm and ComputerGenerated Data Analysis

Business Research
and Data
Management
Integration

1.5 hours
Week 13

Group-Independent Business
Research Presentation

Research Work

1.5
hours
2.0 hours /
Week 14

Final Examination

TBA by adviser for library

work/survey

REFERENCES:
1

Williams, T. A., Sweeney, D. J., & Anderson, D. R. (2012). Contemporary Business Statistics (4th ed.,
International ed.). Cincinnati, OH: South-Western/CENGAGE Learning.
Anderson, D. R., Sweeney, D. J., Williams, T. A. (2003). Modern Business Statistics with Microsoft Excel.
Cincinnati, OH: South-Western/Thomson Learning.
Aczel, A. D., & Sounderpandian, J. (2002). Complete Business Statistics (5th ed.). Boston, MA: McGrawHill/Irwin.
Berenson, M. L., Levine, D. M., Krehbiel, T. C. (2006). Basic Business Statistics: Concepts and
Applications (10th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall.
Bowerman, B. L., & OConnell, R. T. (2007). Business Statistics in Practice (4th ed.). Boston, MA:
McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
Evans, J. R., & Olson, D. L. (2000). Statistics, Data Analysis, and Decision Modeling. Upper Saddle River,
NJ: Prentice-Hall.

Keller, G., & Warrack, B. (2003). Statistics for Management and Economics (6th ed.). Pacific Grove, CA:
Thomson/Brooks/Cole.
Knight, K. (2000). Mathematical Statistics. Boca Raton, FL: Chapman & Hall.
Lind, D. A., Marchal, W. G., Wathen, S. A. (2005). Statistical Techniques in Business & Economics (12th
ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill Irwin.
Mann, P. S. (2007). Introductory Statistics (6th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
Taylor, S. (2007). Business Statistics for Non-mathematicians (2nd ed.). Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
ONLINE RESOURCES:
Business Statistics Book Companion Site: http://asw.swlearning.com
CLASS POLICIES: The policies stated in this syllabus conform to that of the student handbook. The
following reminders should guide students on classroom policies.
1. Attendance will be checked. Student incurring absences of more than 20 percent of the total number
contact hours may be dropped from the class roll. This rule applies even if the majority of the absences
are excused. Any missed quiz due to absence or tardiness is the responsibility of the student. Students
with extracurricular activities duly officiated by the school may be excused only for the attendance.
They should be responsible for any missed quiz/exam or class activity.
2. Homework should be turned in on time. Late homework is not accepted.
3. Professionalism is expected of all students.
4. Copying other peoples work with or without their consent is punishable as per the student
handbook. Students caught plagiarizing other peoples work is considered cheating. Cheating is
considered a serious academic offense.
5. No make-up work would be given to any missed class activity without a duly authorized excuse
letter/medical slip. Make up exams is subject to the professors approval.
6. Phones-off policy during classes. Phones or any other gadget must at least be put in silent mode. The
use of these gadgets must not in any way interfere with classroom or any academic activity.
7. Students caught cheating will be sent to the discipline office for necessary disciplinary action and
shall automatically be given a grade of 0.0.
8. Students cannot request for special projects in order to curve his/her grade. Scholars should be
especially mindful of the required grade needed for scholarship retention.
9. Peer review will be used in the grading system, particularly on the group term paper. There shall
be no free-riding to group mates or class mates to any group-related activity.

10. Papers (term papers, research papers and the like) require sources. For every 1000 word essay,
there should be at least five academic sources. This requirement shall be strictly enforced so as to train
students in academic research writing. The topics for the term paper should be developed early on the
term and should conform to the UN PRME principles and declaration, of which DLSU is a signatory
university. These can be gleamed through http://www.unprme.org/the-6-principles/index.php. The
format of the paper will be announced early on by the lecturer. The term paper aims to elucidate
students understanding of the application of statistical concepts discussed in the class. Papers will be
graded based on the rubric stated in this syllabus.

For other Class Policies, please refer to the student handbook.

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