IL34220 - QUANTITATIVE METHODS FOR DECISION MAKERS

Module Identifier

IL34220

Module Title

QUANTITATIVE METHODS FOR DECISION MAKERS

Academic Year

2005/2006

Co-ordinator

Dr Christine J Urquhart

Semester

Semester 1

Pre-Requisite

MA12710

Course delivery

Lecture

Seminars / Tutorials

Practical

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment Length/Details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Report-type assignment (= 2,5000/3,000 word essay)	50%
Semester Assessment	Report-type assignment (=2,500/3000 word essay)	50%
Supplementary Assessment	Re-submission of failed coursework

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Summarise categorical and quantitative data, explain averaging, variance and standard deviation

Explain probability distributions and identify when binomial and normal distributions may be applied.

Discuss various sampling methods, and when they should be applied.

Estimate confidence intervals, significance levels, and demonstrate hypothesis testing (parametric and non-parametric).

Demonstrate principles of Bayesian inference, and apply techniques such as decision trees.

Apply some simulation techniques for forecasting

Discuss how different methods of presenting risk can affect attitudes towards towards decision making.

Describe different research designs and evaluation methods and how, and when these should be applied to different problem situations.

Critically appraise a research article in the information systems field.

Brief description

The module should provide students with a `toolbox? of numerical and statistical techniques to enable them to use such methods for data analysis and presentation. The module is also intended to provide students with the skills to critically appraise research articles that have a strong quantitative component. There will be an emphasis on the problems of risk communication in the module as well.

Content

The following topics will be covered:Probability and probability distributions, Samples and populations, Summarising data (measures of variation), Confidence intervals, Hypothesis testing (parametric and non-parametric), Association of categorical variables, Use of SPSS, Experimental design, Evaluation designs, Critical appraisal of research articles, Presentation and interpretation of statistical/numerical data, Risk communication.

Module Skills

Problem_solving	Critical appraisal exercises and reflection on problems set to encourage student-centred learning
Research skills	Integral to the module - data analysis and presentation skills, statistical methods
Communication	Emphasis on the problems of presenting numerical/statistical information in a meaningful way for different audience
Improving own Learning and Performance	Problem-based learning approach should foster development of positive attitudes towards lifelong learning
Team work	Students will be encouraged to work in small groups on a problem
Information Technology	Use of statistical software packages such as SPSS
Application of Number	Integral to the module ¿ statistical methods, data analysis and presentation of numerical information
Personal Development and Career planning	Case study problems should enhance students¿ understanding of workplace problems
Subject Specific Skills	Skills specific to quantitative analysis

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6