UCW Course Syllabus for MBAF 502

Course Syllabus

Course Name and Number: MBAF 502: Quantitative Reasoning & Analysis

Course credits: 3

Method of Delivery: Face to Face - Vancouver Campus

Course Start Date: 2018-04-03

Course End Date: 2018-06-17

Name of Instructor: Dr. Erik C. Korolenko

Instructor Contact Information: The main point of contact for all instructors is through
MyUCW.

Additional Contact Information: text message at 604-250-9182

1.0 Course Description: Students beginning MBA studies often require an introduction or re-
introduction to basic quantitative skills (e.g. basic algebra, statistics) that are important to core
MBA courses like accounting, economics, finance, operations and project management. Topics
include the basic tools and techniques for understanding and utilizing quantitative information
for business decision-making. This course helps students develop critical thinking as related to
the design of study, data collection, descriptive statistics, selection of appropriate statistical
tools, interpretation of the statistical results and understanding of merits and shortcomings of
various statistical models.

1.5 Course Prerequisite(s): None

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 UCW Course Syllabus for MBAF 502
2.0 Learning Goals: This course introduces the student to modeling skills and managerial insight in a
variety of business settings. Concepts, tools, and techniques necessary to succeed in the MBA program
and today’s challenging business decision-making environment are also addressed. The course covers
the concepts of uncertainty, probability, and risk analysis. These concepts are analyzed and applied
using contemporary state-of-art computer software packages. Computer simulation, acquisition and
analysis of real-life data are extensively used throughout the course.

 Application are drawn from situations that occur in the real world
 Data for analysis are collected from on-line databases, newspapers, magazines,
journals, and other media.

3.0 Learning Outcomes: At the end of this course, students will be able to

 Identify the different types of data and their numerical and graphical
representation
 Use probabilities to solve business problems
 Describe elementary concepts related to game theory
 Assess the effects of estimates to evaluate populations
 Perform hypothesis testing for decision making
 Choose the statistical model best suited for the analysis of a given data set
 Evaluate various forms of regression analysis and time-series forecasting

4.0 Required Course Materials, Resources, Textbook(s):

 Statistics for Business and Economics with Pearson eText -- 12/E (James T.
McClave, University of Florida, P. George Benson, College of Charleston, Terry
Sincich, University of South Florida). ISBN-10: 0321946588 • ISBN-13:
9780321946584 - ©2014 • Pearson

5.0 Recommended Course Materials, Resources, Textbook(s):

 Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, APA, 6th edition ISBN: 978-
14338-0561-5

 Statistics for Business and Economics, 8/E, Paul Newbold, William Carlson, and
Betty Thorne. ISBN-10: 0132930196 • ISBN-13: 9780132930192 ©2013 •
Pearson, 792 pp Published 07/25/2012
 Course content and materials along with useful internet links are available at
MyUCW and should be used throughout the course to study, review, and
support the course content covered online. The student is expected to spend
time going to the links provided to obtain course-related information that he or
she can use in the assignments.

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 UCW Course Syllabus for MBAF 502
6.0 Course Schedule:

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 UCW Course Syllabus for MBAF 502
Week Topic Learning Objectives

Statistics, Data & 1. Demonstrate how statistics applies to business

1
Statistical Thinking -
Introducing the field 2. Introduce the language of statistics and the key elements of any
of statistics statistical problem

Readings: 3. Differentiate between population and sample data

4. Differentiate between descriptive and inferential statistics

Chapter 1
5. Introduce the key elements of a process

6. Identify the different types of data and data-collection methods

7. Discover how critical thinking through statistics can help improve

our quantitative literacy

Methods for 1. Describe data using graphs

2
Describing Sets of
Data 2. Describe data using numerical measures

Readings:

Chapter 2
Probability 1. Develop probability as a measure of uncertainty
3
Readings: 2. Introduce basic rules for finding probabilities

Chapter 3 3. Use probability as a measure of reliability for an inference

4. Provide the Bayesian and frequentist probability estimates

Random Variables & 1. Develop the notion of a random variable

4
Probability
Distributions 2. Learn that numerical data are observed values of either discrete or
continuous random variables
Readings:
3. Study two important types of random variables and their
Chapter 4 probability models: the binomial and normal model

4. Present some additional discrete and continuous random variables

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 UCW Course Syllabus for MBAF 502
Week Topic Learning Objectives

Sampling 1. Establish that a sample statistic is a random variable with a

5
Distributions probability distribution

Readings: 2. Define a sampling distribution as the probability distribution of a

sample statistic
Chapter 5
3. Give two important properties of sampling distributions

4. Learn that the sampling distribution of both the sample mean and
sample proportion tends to be approximately normal

Inferences Based on 1. Estimate a population parameter (means, proportion, or variance)

6
a Single Sample based on a large sample selected from the population

Readings: 2. Use the sampling distribution of a statistic to form a confidence

interval for the population parameter
Chapter 6
3. Show how to select the proper sample size for estimating a
population parameter

Tests of Hypotheses 1. Introduce the concept of a test of hypothesis

7
Readings: 2. Provide a measure of reliability for the hypothesis test, called the
significance level of the test
Chapter 7
3. Test a specific value of a population parameter (mean, proportion
or variance) called a test of hypothesis

4. Show how to estimate the reliability of a test

Design of 1. Discuss critical elements in the design of a sampling experiment

8
Experiments and
Analysis of Variance 2. Learn how to set up three experimental designs for comparing
more than two population means: completely randomized,
(ANOVA) randomized block, and factorial designs

Readings: 3. Show how to analyze data collected from a designed experiment

using a technique called an analysis of variance (ANOVA)
Chapter 9
4. Present a follow-up analysis to an ANOVA: Ranking means

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 UCW Course Syllabus for MBAF 502
Week Topic Learning Objectives

Simple Linear 1. Introduce the straight-line (simple linear regression) model as a

9
Regression means of relating one quantitative variable to another quantitative
variable
Readings:
2. Assess how well the simple linear regression model fits the sample
Chapter 11 data

3. Introduce the correlation coefficient as a means of relating one

quantitative variable to another quantitative variable

4. Employ the simple linear regression model for predicting the value
of one variable from a specified value of another variable

Methods for Quality 1. Return to an examination of processes (i.e., actions/operations that

10
Improvement transform inputs to outputs)

Readings: 2. Describe methods for improving processes and the quality of the
output they produce
Chapter 13
3. Present control charts for monitoring a process mean, variance, or
proportion

4. Present control charts for monitoring process variation.

5. Introduce some advanced methods for improving quality.

Time-Series 1. Focus on methods for analyzing data generated by a process over

11
time (i.e., time series data).
Readings:
2. Present descriptive methods for characterizing time series data.
Chapter 14
3. Present inferential methods for forecasting future values of time
series data.

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 UCW Course Syllabus for MBAF 502

7.0 Required Assignments or Activities, Distribution of Marks and Due Dates: All assignments
are due at the end of each course week (Sunday midnight).

Assignment Description Percent of Due Date

Total Course
Grade

 Class Participation and engagement with 15% W1-W11

participation course materials and class, measured by
estimated evaluation of effort and through
 Discussion performance in class activities and
Question discussions. Attendance is absolutely
participation necessary to earn the class activity
points.
 Class
activities Group work in class is permitted.

 Discussion
Question and
chapter
presentations
These assignments are based on current 10% W2-W10
Weekly assignments
material. Provided weekly by the
instructor. Group work is permitted.

This assignment is on all the materials 20% W4

Individual assignment
covered in weeks 1-3 through your
readings, lecture points, class activities,
and discussions. This is an individual
assignment in which collaboration /
group work are NOT permitted.
Midterm assignment is on all the 25% W7
Midterm Assignment
materials covered in weeks 4-6 through
(given out 2 weeks
your readings, lecture points, class
before deadline)
activities, and discussions. This is an
individual assignment in which
collaboration / group work are NOT
permitted.
Final assignment is on all the materials 30% W11
Final Assignment.
covered in entire course through your
(given out 3 weeks
readings, lecture points, class activities,
before deadline)
and discussions. This is an individual
assignment in which collaboration /
group work are NOT permitted.

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 UCW Course Syllabus for MBAF 502

8.0 Assessment Rubrics:

The followings are 3 criteria that are used in marking your written papers:

1 Content/Development that includes --

Subject Matter --

• Key elements of assignments covered

• Content is comprehensive/accurate/persuasive

• Displays an understanding of relevant theory

• Major points supported by specific details/samples

Higher-Order Thinking --

• Writer compares/contrasts/integrates theory/subject matter with work

environment/experience

• At an appropriate level, the writer analyzes and synthesizes theory/practice to develop

new ideas and ways of conceptualizing and performing

2 Organizing includes
• Central theme/purpose is immediately clear

• Structure is clear, logical and easy to follow

3 Style/Mechanics that includes

Format
• Properly cites ideas/info from other sources

• Paper is neat/shows attention to detail

Grammar/Punctuation/Spelling

• Rules of grammar, usage, punctuation are followed

• Spelling is correct

Readability/Style

• Sentences are complete, clear, and concise

• Sentences are well-constructed with consistently strong, varied structure

• Transitions between sentences/paragraphs/sections help maintain the flow of thought

• Words used are precise and unambiguous

• The tone is appropriate to the audience, content, and assignment

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 UCW Course Syllabus for MBAF 502

Submission Guidelines

 Using critical thinking and online research, you will work through the decision-
making process, analyzing issues, assessing different perspectives, and answering
questions with respect to real organizational situations.
 Read the question, and answer it.
 Provide any additional thoughts and commentary you believe is appropriate.
 Do not fill space by repeating material from the question unless it is relevant to
your analysis and response.
 Assertions need support with sufficient evidence, references, and proper
citations: this means avoid writing personal unsupported opinions.
 Support your arguments with valid and appropriate academic references.
 Spelling, grammar, formatting, and APA errors carry penalties.
 Follow APA.
Hint: Re-read APA 6th edition, chapter 3 on “Writing clearly and concisely.”

Important:
1. AVOID using GOOGLE for your research. Preferably use UCW’s library or Google
Scholar.
2. Verify your sources – again, verify your sources.
3. Any dictionary or encyclopedia does not constitute a valid academic reference.
You may use them for informational purposes only.

9.0 Grade Point and Letter Grades:

This course will be graded using a class “curve.” Grading on a curve means your professor is distributing
grades on a relative basis instead of on an absolute scale. Basically, when your professor grades on a
curve, they assign average grades to a set number of students. Then, they assign above and below
average grades based on the size of your class – often to a smaller number of students. Each grade,
then, has a certain percentage of students, forming a bell curve.

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 UCW Course Syllabus for MBAF 502
DESCRIPTOR GRADE
Exceptional: Normally achieved by a small minority
of students who have consistently exceeded 90-100% A+ (4.33)
performance expectations in all evaluation criteria.
Excellent: Demonstrates a comprehensive
knowledge and understanding of subject matter
and achievement of learning outcomes at high 85-89% A (4.00)
levels of performance in almost all of the
evaluation criteria.
Very good: Demonstrates a comprehensive
knowledge and understanding of the subject
matter and achievement of learning outcomes at 80-84% A- (3.67)
well above average levels of performance in most
of the course evaluation criteria.
Good: Demonstrates substantial knowledge and
understanding of the subject matter and
76-79% B+ (3.33)
achievement of learning outcomes at average to
72-75% B (3.00)
above average performance levels in most of the
course evaluation criteria
Satisfactory: Demonstrates sufficient knowledge
and understanding of the subject matter and
achievement of learning outcomes at average 68-71% B- (2.67)
levels of performance in most of the course
evaluation criteria.
Pass: Demonstrates acceptable knowledge and
understanding of the subject matter and
achievement of learning outcomes at low to 60-67% C (2.00)
average level of performance in many of the course
evaluation criteria.

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 UCW Course Syllabus for MBAF 502
DESCRIPTOR GRADE

Fail: Unacceptable performance in most or all of

0-59% F (0)
the course evaluation criteria

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 UCW Course Syllabus for MBAF 502
10.0 Class Participation / Expectations: Students are expected to attend every class. If you
must be absent, please contact the instructor as soon as possible. For international students
within Canada, or Canadians on student loans, the university must report any absences over 8
hours in a semester (all classes combined) to the appropriate authority. This may result in the
revoking of a student’s study permit or student loan status. Students for whom this doesn’t
apply, still run the risk of grade penalties to their participation mark.

11.0 Late Assignments: Late Assignments will be penalized at a rate of 10% per day.

12.0 APA Guidelines: UCW follows the Publication Manual of the American Psychological
Association (APA). All assignments must be submitted with the correct APA formatting and all
sources cited according APA standards. The UCW Library provides resources and reference
materials for students and faculty to utilize in order that their work meets APA standards.

13.0 Copyright Policy: University Canada West abides by all copyright legislation, regulations,
and agreements. All copying must be in accordance with these. Please refer to the Access
Copyright Repertoire Lookup Tool and/or consult the UCW Library."

14.0 Privacy Policy: University Canada West is committed to using personal information
collected in accordance with applicable provincial and federal privacy legislation. Use of the
information collected during this course will be used solely for purposes consistent with
academic and support services of a post-secondary educational institution. This statement is
consistent with UCW's Information Privacy & Security Policy.

15.0 Turnitin Policy: This course requires you to submit some material in electronic form. When this
requirement is in place, it will be noted in the course outline, the assignment, or both. The electronic
material will be submitted to a service to which UCW subscribes, called Turnitin. This is a service that
checks textual material for originality. Turnitin.com is used increasingly in North American universities.
For additional information please visit:
https://turnitin.com/static/resources/documentation/turnitin/sales/
Turnitin_FAQ_Questions_and_Answers.pdf

16.0 Plagiarism and Academic Misconduct:

Please ensure that you read the section on Academic Misconduct in the University Canada West
Calendar located in MyUCW. To find the calendar, click on ‘Library Resources’ then ‘Forms and
Calendar.’

Plagiarism: includes, but is not limited to:

 Submission of another person’s work as original;
 Inadequate attribution given to an author or creator whose work is incorporated in
the student's work; and
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 UCW Course Syllabus for MBAF 502
 Paraphrase or use of material verbatim from a source without sufficient
acknowledgement.

Falsifying Materials: includes, but is not limited to:

 Fraudulently manipulating laboratory processes, electronic data, or research data in
order to achieve desired results;
 Submitting work prepared by someone else (e.g., commercially prepared essays) as
one's own;
 Citing a source from which material was not obtained; and
 Submitting false records, information or data, in writing or orally.

Cheating : includes, but is not limited to:

 Submitting the same work for different courses without prior permission from the
faculty member;
 Copying another person’s answers or other work;
 Sharing information or answers when doing take-home assignments, tests, and
examinations except where the instructor has authorized collaborative work;
 Having any unauthorized materials or equipment in an examination or test;
 Submitting an assignment completed (or partially completed) by someone else;
 Falsifying or making up data or bibliographic information;
 Impersonating a candidate in an examination or test, or being assigned the results
of such impersonation;
 Reproducing, sharing or otherwise making unauthorized copies of UCW materials in
any format;
 Using technological means such as cell phones, data storage units and other
electronic devices without prior permission from the faculty; and
 Assisting others or attempt to help others to engage in any conduct described
above or any other activities prohibited by UCW.

Penalties for Academic Misconduct

Penalties for academic misconduct include, but are not limited to:
 At the course level:
o Written reprimand for retention in the student file (no transcript entry)
o Repetition of the assignment or completion of a different, but similar,
assignment (no transcript entry)
o Failing grade for the assignment (no transcript entry)
o Failing grade for the course (recorded on transcript)
 At the program level:
o Disciplinary probation for a defined period with written documentation
retained in the student’s file (transcript notation for period of
probation)
 At the University level:
o Suspension (permanent transcript entry)
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 UCW Course Syllabus for MBAF 502
o Expulsion (permanent transcript entry)
o Rescission of degrees granted (permanent transcript entry)

17.0 Instructor Biography:

I have extensive educational and industrial experience in science, mathematical modeling,

business mathematics and statistics. I have taught a variety of courses for universities and colleges in
Canada. I have been involved in research, teaching and consulting on various projects for different
industries. I hold a B.Sc. [Russia] and a Ph.D. [Russia]. I have a great appreciation and sensitivity to
cross-cultural issues, as I have successfully lived, studied and worked in very different cultures (Europe,
Japan, and North America), and have taught many classes with predominantly international students.

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