Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Course Details
Course Description
This course will explore the facets of business-oriented data analysis from a statistics perspective. The students will be given broad exposure to a wide variety of industry-standard methods for analyzing business data. This course will emphasize the operational level of business decision making. By the end of the course, the students should feel confident in their ability to solve a specific set of business problems as well as to research and design the solution to the general set of business problems. This course will primarily operate on an Excel framework.
Assumed Prior Knowledge
- Math sufficient to perform non-calculus based business statistics and understand their derivations
- MIS 5602 Management Information Systems
- Familiarity with Microsoft Excel
Course Materials
Required Textbooks
- Business Analytics: Data Analysis and Decision Making, S. Christian Albright and Wayne L. Winston
- MS Excel
- Articles and Resources provided by Instructor
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Points/Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Quizzes | Students will take a multiple-choice comprehension quiz on the assigned reading chapters from the Albright Text, multiple retakes and open book. | 6 @ 5% (50 pts) = 30% (300 pts) |
| Exams | Students will take a multiple-choice exam over all of the material, 1 attempt, open book. | 2 @ 10% (100 pts) = 20% (200 pts) |
| Assignments |
Students will be assigned one or more problems from the section that corresponds to the demanded 8 topics from this course. Multiple submissions allowed. |
6 @ 5% (50 pts) = 30% (300 pts) |
| Discussion |
Students will independently research what the newest advances in analytics are and report back to the class. They will respond to two or more classmates. |
6 @ 2% (20 pts) = 12% (120 pts) |
| Attendance |
Students will be given credit for attending the Live Session or watching the recording. |
8 @ 1% (10 pts) = 8% (80 pts) |
| Total | 100% (1000 pts) |
Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90.00–100% | A |
| 80.00–89.99% | B |
| 70.00–79.99% | C |
| 60.00–69.99% | D |
| Below 60.00% | F |
Course Components
Quizzes
Business Statistics covers a large range of topics that can't be discussed in detail over the course of lectures; students will need to read through the material and be comfortable with the material for testing. The quizzes will be open book since real-world situations rarely require memorized recall and frequently require accuracy. They will also allow for retakes in order to ensure that students have every opportunity to demonstrate familiarity with the material.
Exams
The culminating assessment of this course will be a pair of exams taken at the midterm and the final of the course. These exams may only be taken once, but they will be open book. Students are encouraged to retake the quizzes to fully prepare for the exams and to discuss questions they may have with the instructor. As a reminder, all work submitted must be the student's own work.
Assignments
Every week, we will have one or more assignments that derive from the textbook. Students are encouraged to access the textbook from the mindtap site in order to take advantage of the extra study and guidance provided by the site. These assignments will directly correlate to the topics and methods highlighted by the program and deemed of primary importance by the departmental faculty.
Discussion Boards
A significant part of career readiness in the analytics field, as with any emerging field, is the ability to quickly assimilate new knowledge and to keep abreast of advances in the industry. Students will be expected to develop a suite of news sources that they use to maintain currency. In order to ensure that all students have a full range of options, weekly discussion boards will be required that allow students to share their news sources with their colleagues.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend and participate in the weekly Live Sessions. During these Live Sessions, guidance will be given on completing the assignments. Collaboration between students will also allow for a coherent approach to the assignments. Students may gain credit by attending the Live Session or by watching the recording.
Course Policies
Communication
E-mail is the best way to contact me: bjorn@ou.edu. My typical response time is 24 business hours (Monday–Friday), and I frequently respond much faster.
Assignment Feedback
For most assignments, my goal is to provide feedback within one week, and I will provide it sooner when possible.
Late Policy
This course is designed to provide a consistent flow throughout the week so that you know what you should be working on at any given point. That being said, there is certainly some leeway available for late work. Please communicate with your instructor should you need some extra time. Be prepared to share what your plan is to get caught up and when you expect to be done.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is basically no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism.
For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Student Support Services
OU offers a variety of services to support students. For more information, please refer to the Student Support Module in your Orientation course.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Copyright Statement and Privacy Information
Sessions of this course may be recorded or live-streamed. These recordings are the intellectual property of the individual faculty member and may not be shared or reproduced without the explicit, written consent of the faculty member. In addition, privacy rights of others such as students, guest lecturers, and providers of copyrighted material displayed in the recording may be of concern. Students may not share any course recordings with individuals not enrolled in the class or upload them to any other online environment.
Academic Integrity
As a member of the OU community, it is your responsibility to protect your educational investment by knowing and following the rules. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
Academic honesty is incredibly important within this course. Cheating is strictly prohibited at the University of Oklahoma, because it devalues the degree you are working hard to get. Should you know of someone else engaging in academic misconduct, please report it to your instructor or directly to the Office of Academic Integrity. Your instructor has a professional obligation to report academic misconduct.
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
Religious Observance
It is the policy of the University to excuse the absences of students that result from religious observances and to reschedule examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays, without penalty. [See Faculty Handbook 3.15.2].
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is committed to supporting students with disabilities to ensure that they are able to enjoy equal access to all components of their education. This includes your academics, housing, and community events. Please review OU's Accessibility Policy.
If you are experiencing a disability, a mental/medical health condition that has a significant impact on one or more life functions, you can receive accommodations to provide equal access. Possible disabilities include but are not limited to learning disabilities, AD(H)D, mental health, and chronic health. Additionally, we support students with temporary medical conditions (broken wrist, shoulder surgery, etc.) and pregnancy.
To discuss potential accommodations, please contact the ADRC at 730 College Avenue, (phone) 405-325-3852, or adrc@ou.edu.
Title IX Resources
Anyone who has been impacted by gender-based violence, including dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, harassment, and sexual assault, deserves access to resources so that they are supported personally and academically.
The University of Oklahoma is committed to offering resources to those impacted, including: speaking with someone confidentially about your options, medical attention, counseling, reporting, academic support, and safety plans. If you would like to speak with someone confidentially, please contact OU Advocates (available 24/7 at 405-615-0013) or another confidential resource (see "Can I make an anonymous report?").
You may also choose to report gender-based violence and discrimination through other means, including by contacting the Institutional Equity Office (ieo@ou.edu, 405-325-3546) or the police (911).
Because the University of Oklahoma is committed to the safety of you and other students, I, as well as other faculty, Graduate Assistants, and Teaching Assistants, are mandatory reporters. This means that we are obligated to report gender-based violence that has been disclosed to us to the Institutional Equity Office. This includes disclosures that occur in class discussions, writing assignments, discussion boards, emails, and during Student/Office Hours.
For more information, please visit the Institutional Equity Office.
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Mental Health Support Services
If you are experiencing any mental health issues that are impacting your academic performance, counseling is available at the University Counseling Center (UCC). The Center is located on the second floor of the Goddard Health Center, at 620 Elm Rm. 201, Norman, OK 73019. To schedule an appointment, call 405-325-2911. For more information, please visit the University Counseling Center.
Final Exam Preparation Period
Pre-finals week will be defined as the seven calendar days before the first day of finals. Faculty may cover new course material throughout this week. For specific provisions of the policy please refer to OU's Final Exam Preparation Period policy.
Required Policies for Students On Campus
Emergency Protocol
During an emergency, there are official university procedures that will maximize your safety.
Severe Weather: If you receive an OU Alert to seek refuge or hear a tornado siren that signals severe weather:
- Look for severe weather refuge location maps located inside most OU buildings near the entrances
- Seek refuge inside a building. Do not leave one building to seek shelter in another building that you deem safer. If outside, get into the nearest building.
- Go to the building’s severe weather refuge location. If you do not know where that is, go to the lowest level possible and seek refuge in an innermost room. Avoid outside doors and windows.
- Get in, Get Down, Cover Up.
- Wait for official notice to resume normal activities.
Additional Weather Safety Information is available through the Department of Campus Safety.
Severe Weather Preparedness Video
Armed Subject/Campus Intruder
If you receive an OU Alert to shelter-in-place due to an active shooter or armed intruder situation or you hear what you perceive to be gunshots:
- Avoid: If you believe you can get out of the area without encountering the armed individual, move quickly towards the nearest building exit, move away from the building, and call 911.
- Deny: If you cannot flee, move to an area that can be locked or barricaded, turn off lights, silence devices, spread out, and formulate a plan of attack if the shooter enters the room.
- Defend: As a last resort fight to defend yourself. For more information, visit:
OU's Emergency Preparedness site
Shots Fire on Campus Procedure
Fire Alarm/General Emergency
If you receive an OU Alert that there is danger inside or near the building, or the fire alarm inside the building activates:
- Leave the building. Do not use the elevators.
- Know at least two building exits
- Assist those that may need help
- Proceed to the emergency assembly area
- Once safely outside, Notify first responders of anyone that may still be inside the building due to mobility issues.
- Wait for official notice before attempting to re-enter the building.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|