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MMBA8160 – Information and Decision Analysis

2020 – MGSM term 2, Intensive attendance, North Ryde

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, any references to assessment tasks and on-campus delivery may no longer be up-to-date on this page.

Students should consult iLearn for revised unit information.

Find out more about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and potential impacts on staff and students

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Brad Smith
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MBA or PGDipMgt or GradDipMgt or MSocEntre or GradCertSocEntre
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit provides quantitative/statistical research tools, data analysis and computer modelling necessary to help the modern business manager with strategic planning, tactical decision-making, and resolving business problems. It also covers the efficient use of all resources to enhance management effectiveness. The overall aim is to improve the reliability of decisions made and to develop better strategy through the use of scientific method.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Evaluate disparate data and information using appropriate quantitative tools to evidence and formulate well-informed and robust strategic business decisions.
  • ULO2: Use appropriate quantitative research tools, evaluate and synthesise quantitative data to help assess the implications of strategic decisions from a whole of entity perspective, and across a wide spectrum of stakeholders.
  • ULO3: Critically assess and integrate ethical, social and environmental factors into business decision-making and management practices that are also commercially viable from a quantitative point of view.
  • ULO4: Apply a range of research tools and models of business performance and productivity to measure and track sustainable value creation across organisational processes and projects.

Assessment Tasks

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Assessment details are no longer provided here as a result of changes due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Students should consult iLearn for revised unit information.

Find out more about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and potential impacts on staff and students

Delivery and Resources

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Any references to on-campus delivery below may no longer be relevant due to COVID-19.

Please check here for updated delivery information: https://ask.mq.edu.au/account/pub/display/unit_status

Croucher, John. S. (2020). Quantitative Analysis for Management, 6th edition. McGraw-Hill Education. ISBN: 9781760425029

You should bring this textbook to all lectures as it is also a workbook.

Please note: Students should only attain the 6th edition of this textbook, which is the only edition this class will be taught from. Furthermore, this course relies heavily on the learning material provided in the textbook (which also acts as an exercise book for in-class demonstration and activities). It is highly advised that students attain the required textbook as soon as possible and familiarise themselves with the textbook material, especially before the start of each class session for sessions with specific allocated chapters (which is made available in the unit schedule below as well as the class iLearn page). 

Where to purchase the textbook?

McGraw Hill Education Australia – Online store: This textbook is also available for order via the publisher’s online store. For information on textbook prices and online ordering, please refer to the McGraw Hill Education Australia online store at https://www.mheducation.com.au/quantitative-analysis-for-management-6e-9781760425029-aus

Additional Recommended Text

The text listed below are optional only. It is not compulsory to attain a copy.

  • Croucher, John S. (2016). Introductory mathematics and statistics for business (6th edition- revised). McGraw-Hill.
  • Render, B., Stair, R., Hanna, M.E. and Hale, T.S. (2018). Quantitative analysis for management (13th edition). Pearson.
  • Bowerman, B.L., O’Connell, R. and Murphree, E. (2016). Business statistics in practice (8th edition). McGraw-Hill

Calculator

A basic calculator with specific keys shown below is required in this unit since it will be used in all class tests and final exam. You may find it useful, but it is not necessary, to have a statistical calculator that has in-built statistical functions. There are several types of these: 

  • The lowest level statistical calculator has function keys such as the mean and standard deviation but no other statistical function keys.
  • The next level above also has function keys for correlation and linear regression. An example is one of the Casio fx series such as the 82 or 100 series, but there are many others.

In any case, your calculator should include the following keys:

 x!        ex       nCr

You need to bring your calculator to every session class.

Access to Technology

Access to a personal computer and internet connection is required to access learning material/resources online on Macquarie University's online learning management system called iLearn.

Students will also be required to gain access to statistical software called Minitab 16. While the text refers to Minitab 16, version 17 & 18 may be used. Further instructions are provided in the class iLearn page.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Changes from Previous Offering

The prescribed text is the 6th edition of Croucher, published in 2020.  However, the previous unit guide noted incorrectly that the publish date was 2018.  This error has been addressed. The additional recommended texts have been updated to reflect current editions.