Introductory description

This module is core for Foundation Year students only.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Fundamental statistical concepts with the emphasis on critical appraisal of real-world statistics:

• Introduction to statistics and data visualisation.
• Descriptive statistics.
• Rules of probability.
• Correlation.
• Normal distribution.
• Binomial distribution.
• Introduction to Hypothesis Testing.
• Summarising information and statistical report writing. Statistical analysis for lay audiences, pulling together and summarising statistical information from diverse sources and good practice in reporting statistics (what to do and what not to do).
• Using software (e.g. SPSS / Excel) for statistical analysis.
• Poisson Distribution.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Apply their repertoire of statistical tools and techniques to a variety of business problems.
• Construct rigorous arguments by framing precise statements that lend themselves to statistical inference.
• Undertake basic statistical analyses of data using appropriate statistical software.
• Interpret the results of statistical analyses, and use them to inform decision-making.
• Critically appraise reported statistical results, carefully considering the validity of the underlying assumptions.
• Produce well-written statistical reports.
• Critically appraise statistical data and to assess the accuracy, validity and reliability of reported results.
• Have the awareness to take responsibility for their own learning, and to evaluate their own development.

Indicative reading list

Bland M (2002) An Introduction to Medical Statistics (3rd ed., OUP).
Goldacre B (2009) Bad Science (Harper).
Siegel A (2012) Practical Business Statistics (6th ed., Elsevier).
A. Croft and R. Davison (2016) Foundation Maths, (6th Edition., Pearson).
D. Willoughby (2015) An Essential Guide to Business Statistics (1st ed., Wiley).

Subject specific skills

By the end of the module students should:

1. Have gained statistical knowledge and skills necessary for successful subsequent degree-level study in Accounting and Finance or Management.
2. Have developed a critical awareness of the power of statistical tools for modelling the key characteristics of 'real world' business situations, and an appreciation of both their scope and limitations.
3. To be able to interpret, report and critically appraise statistical information.
4. To have developed the fundamental skills of statistical report writing.

Transferable skills

By the end of the module students should :

1. Be able to critically appraise statistical data and to assess the accuracy, validity and reliability of reported results.
2. Have the awareness to take responsibility for their own learning, and to evaluate their own development.
3. Have gained the fundamental skills of statistical report writing.