SUMMARY OF LEARNIGS

A Reflections in Statistics MASTAT030 (Business Statistics)

I believe that in the verge of realization, in everyday life’s undertaking we are facing and practicing statistics. I was been into a typical students thinking that statistics was a basic foundation of computation and interpretation. But my instinct was right. I was able to compute (using MEGA STAT), manually (using basic formulas), and interpret data with the aid of our humble professor.

Below are the summary of learnings I learned from the entire semester:

Statistics is a tricky business. The casual reader doesn't understand statistics in any great depth, while the experienced reader often knows a lot about the subject. Balancing between these two extremes is often difficult, and far from natural

Business statistics is the science of good decision making in the face of uncertainty and is used in many disciplines such as financial analysis, econometrics, auditing, production and operations including services improvement, and marketing research in relation to our target profession.

            After the discussions on the definition, function, uses, and importance of statistics, I realized that in everything we are doing, wherever we are, and whatever is happening, statistics is always present. For instance, there are 100 kilograms of in waste being collected in Himamaylan City per day, think of how much garbage is produced by the entire Southern Negros per day if Himamaylan City is the Sample size of the whole population of the mentioned area. Just think of how this garbage will affect our mother earth. This is just a simple application of statistics on whatever we are doing. To accept it or not, statistics has been a part of our lives ever since the existence or the human kind and it will continue to be with us until the end.

Variables: Subject Matter of Statistics and Research

            Learning variables is interesting. I was able to see the interrelatedness of every individual and everything in this world while we are studying variables.  As the lyrics of the song by Joey Ayala say, “ang lahat ng bagay ay magkaugnay, magkaugnay ang lahat,” we are related to anyone and anything in any way. We, people of this planet, should be careful on whatever we are doing especially to our environment for it can affect anyone at any time and at any place. Simple clogging garbage in the canal in front of your house, if not given attention can cause a flood in your entire place especially during rainy days. We should also take note that whatever is our status in life, we should stay humble and simple, like variables. We know that variables can be classified as we do, but still they are variables and nothing else but variables.

Measure of Central Location

            Besides the knowledge I acquired on measure of central tendency, I was able to manipulate Microsoft Excel in solving problems on measures of central tendency. Taught us to be more literate in terms of using the technology around us. I realized that the technology available around us offers lot of things we can use to be more efficient and more effective in teaching our students and in doing what we do to the fullest. It just passed by in my mind, and I wonder if up to this time, how many teachers out of all the teachers here in the Philippines, still do not know how to use computer. Hmmm...Statistically thinking, I supposed more than fifty percent still do not utilize the benefits of technology in their classes (This is only my own opinion).

Measures of Variation

            Patience and determination are the values that I acquired from this module. I learned how to take time and make time for my studies after our professor discussed to us the measures of variation. It was a wakeup call to me when we were given lot of equations and concepts to study. I thought it was already a time for me to get serious in my studies and to be focus on what I am doing (palaging  ningas kugon eh). In our lesson, I realized also that each one of us is unique with distinct characteristics and different talents and abilities. So, keep doing good things guys. We are excellent in each specialization we chose.

Measures of Correlation

            We discussed the degree of relationship of one variable with another variable. In our discussion with Prof. Jubelag, I got an idea that there are things which are directly related to the other while the relationship of other things to each other is somewhat negligible. From my own point of view, either you are directly or you do not have any relationship to other people, you still relate to them in any way. Like you and someone you do not know who live under the same sun and moon in this irreplaceable planet. So, why fight and argue? Make friends guys, for a person who is a stranger to you will be related to you after you have given your sweet smile!

The Normal Probability Distribution

            Out of this topic that had  been discussed, I was able to learn the characteristics of the normal curve. I learned also that the median is always at the center of the plotted data. I learned as that even though we have a normal life, problems and challenges are inevitable. The skewness of the curve in the distribution is similar to the imperfections in our live.

Nevertheless, we still have hope for in the words ABNORMAL and IMPERFECT; the words NORMAL and PERFECT are present respectively. Meaning, even though we have an abnormal or imperfect lives, we can still make our lives beautiful and worth living for the way we like our lives to be.

Sampling Theories and Hypothesis Testing

            To get the correct result/s in your research study, you should start doing the right thing starting from selecting a sample. This is the first thing I learned from this topic. Second, the smaller the sample size, the greater is the probability of committing errors in a study. Lastly, errors are unescapable in any study even if we perfectly followed the procedure. But, these errors can be reduced if we will increase the number of samples we are studying, by conducting the study honestly and appropriately, and by having no biases in interpreting the results of the study. In short we are not perfect, but we can still make great things and we can be excellent in whatever we do. Form great quotations and I quote: “Nobody is perfect, but we can do great.”

The T-Test, Z-Test, and Chi-Square Test

            Based on these topics, I was been into deep thoughts and fascinated me the beauty not only in calculation but the beauty in interpretations. I learned how to apply the following test to each data. According to our professor, it is important to know the nature of the data so that we can use the appropriate test in treating our data. Similar to our lives, we should know where and when to put ourselves. We should be aware of the situations we are in and not to do things in the right place and time. The question is, are you in or are you out?

Analysis of Variance       

            ANOVA! Of course I learned lot of things in this module for this was our report. I learned to face my classmates and deliver the concepts of one-way anova as what the reporter discussed. I was able to eliminate (let us say minimize) the huge amount of stage freight in me. Another thing I leaned was to adjust to my classmates varied attitudes especially during reporting for I knew they are also varied individuals like varied data or sets of data that need analysis. Like ANOVA, my classmates should be analyzed and should be understood for each of them is unique.

Linear and Multiple Regression Analysis

            Talking about regression analysis, the most important lesson I learned is to do a research with a much higher degree of difficulty than researches being done by college students. We were challenged by our professor to have a study that will either use this module's concepts or a study which will use ANOVA or regression and not to settle to less by using simple statistical tests. And, I am challenged!

Computer Statistical Applications    

            This is the best part for me. I was able to learn the use of technology specifically the use of Microsoft excel in doing computations in statistics. Also, we were happy for we are done with our statistics subject with lot of learning and we were able to do our own interpretations which makes my nerve cells died. We are getting global and maybe universal.

I had never taken a statistics class before this one so I was not sure what to except. I figured it had a lot of math involved in it but that was all I assumed. I also did not realize why stats were so important in the business world. Overall I felt this class was a good and helpful class for my future. This class not only taught me how to plug in data correctly but it also showed me how to figure out which equations needed to be used. The biggest skill that I feel I gained was excel. Even though I had some prior experience with Excel I had no idea all the features that were offered. This class really taught me how to use all of them and how to find data all by typing in different equations through excel. Lastly, I did not understand how ethics related to stats so the final paper on this was a great idea. This helped me realize how they directly correlate. This class has been helpful and I would recommend it any business majors that want to learn skills with plugging in data or to improve your computer skills.

Personally, I found Business Statistics to be a very interesting and relevant class. At first I was apprehensive about the course after hearing how challenging statistics is, and not recognizing any of the “difficult sounding” lessons we would be covering when I read the syllabus. However, my initial impression quickly changed through focus on relating our material to statistical applications in the real world and his ability to concisely explain the lessons. I also appreciate that this class introduced programs that are used in the workplace such as Excel and Statistics. I had not had experience with either of these programs previously, and now feel that they will not only help me perform statistical analysis outside of this class but make me more valuable to employers as well. My favorite part of the course was when we covered hypothesis testing because it taught me how to use data to inform my decisions instead of simply relying on subjective intuition. I think it is a very valuable skill to be able to properly set up a hypothesis, perform the correct analysis, and then simply look to the “P” value to decide whether to reject or accept Ho (null hypothesis). Overall, I strongly recommend this course to future students because of its relevance to “the real world.”

Overall, I am very glad that I took Business Statistics. It was so informational, and I really learned a lot of interesting things. I was also able to learn how to use different functions and formulas in Microsoft Excel, a program I previously knew absolutely nothing about. I was also able to work with a program I had never even heard of, SPSS. This class and the assignments were really unique in that they were mostly based off of situations that could very well happen in real life, which made applying the topics we needed to comprehend much easier. The ethics paper was also very interesting to work on. I had never given it any thought as to how ethical a statistician, as well as professional business people need to be.

Business statistics was a very informative classes. It was a class that when completed you feel like you did something worthwhile, and that you will use again. The Excel components were very very useful for anyone going into a job in most any professional field. It showed in real life examples how the software can be used to get real world results not just how it may work for making a budget at home. The math components of the class taught skills that I could not have learned elsewhere, and Dr. Bansal’s class content made it very worthwhile. Overall, the class was a good use of time and a good class.

Business stats was definitely an interesting and somewhat tougher course for me. I have never done a stats class before this one. It can be easy to get lost in the class but since we had about a week to do each assignments, it really made sure you didn’t fall behind in it. I’m so glad it was set up the way it was though. I’m glad it wasn’t really self-paced, where all the assignments were due by midterm and by the end of the semester. That made it help that I knew I wouldn’t fall behind that way.

I had never taken a statistics class before, so I was a little worried, since I had friends take different statistics courses and struggle with them, I was pleasantly surprised to find that this wasn’t too difficult and that I didn’t struggle with understanding and learning the concepts and formulas and other things like that. I enjoyed the excel assignments, and the ethics assignment was really good at making me think about statistics outside of just business applications, reading the articles about where it is used in other places and how often it is used made me realize how important this class is to take.

This business statistics class with Professor Jubelag was great! I learned so much throughout the semester and Professor Jubelag was extremely helpful. I was able to work one on one with him in his office hours to get help with assignments and he always guided me in the right direction. I would recommend this class to anyone because not only does it teach you how to use programs like Excel – the MEGASTAT, but it teaches you how to think critically. By the end of this class you will understand the importance of analyzing data and learn how to pay attention to every little detail. Every number means something! You must put in a lot of time and effort to fully understand all of the dynamics of this class, but it is well worth it! Make sure to attend as many classes as you can because going through practice problems and slides in class really helped me understand the information. I personally will take away so much from this class that will not only help me in my future career, but in my life.

Overall the course was very well taught and set up. The power points helped very much along with the recordings explaining each slide. Some of the content was difficult to learn but the connect homework had hints to help out. Having unlimited attempts to get the homework right helped a lot. The instructions for the MEGASTAT was usually straight forward and easy to figure out. The class was well taught and I was given everything needed to succeed.

This class was required for my major; otherwise I probably wouldn’t have taken it. I would highly recommend taking this class with Dr. Jubelag if you plan on taking statistics. He is very straight forward about his grading and explains the percentage that all assignments will count for. I also like that we had many different things counting towards the grade, therefore if you worked hard , but didn’t do well in one area, you would probably still be okay grade wise.

He is very helpful and truly wants you to succeed. I am glad this class is done, because it is a lot of work, but considering it is a 4 credit class that should be expected. Taking it in person would probably be much easier than online, it didn’t work for me to go in person, but if you have the chance in class would be easier to understand.

Business statistics was a very interesting course this semester. I had taken statistics in high school, but there were some new things we learned in business stats that I found to be very helpful. The extensive use of Excel and SPSS helped to freshen my skills and also add to my data analysis abilities. If it were not for this class I would have never taken the time to figure out how SPSS works and I find that is a very critical program for statistics. Other than the programs I thought the connect homework was a very useful tool. I really like the fact that we had to option to check our work and unlimited submissions. I thought this was so helpful because then I was able to recognize what I was doing wrong and fix it before I continued on to the next question and continue to do it all wrong. Over all I really did enjoy the class and found that the information we learned will be very helpful in the future.

I liked doing the excel using MEGA STAT, they were a welcome diversion. I also enjoyed the discussion every reporting it was a two-way process of communication. Business Stats was a class that was required for my major, and I’m glad it was because otherwise I probably would not have taken it. I enjoyed how to class covered a wide variety of topics, from learning the difference between qualitative and quantitative data to learning linear regression.

My personal favorite part of taking the class was learning the MEGASTAT. The experience of applying them in business statistics is extremely valuable. In addition, a lot the information that we researched in our ethics paper can be applied to the business world, such as how you should always be willing to share your data if you are confident in your work. I personally found this class to be very smooth and very helpful. At the beginning, it seemed as if it could be difficult to keep pace but the way the class was laid out and everyday lectures made it a breeze. Our hand-outs for each chapter could not have been any more helpful. Every tool brought a great deal of ease to class lectures and made homework a great learning experience. Although, it can be easy to get lost, you just need to pay attention every class and get help when you need it. This is one class you do not want to fall behind in. If you show up, do your work, and get help, you will do fine. Dr. Bansal will do everything he can to make sure you succeed. You just have to want it.

Luckily, I caught on pretty well. I learned a variety of things that I would have never have learned if it wasn’t for this class. For example, becoming more familiar with Excel because I didn’t use it much before this class. Also, learning a whole new program MEGA STAT, which was a struggle because I never even heard of it before this class. The chapter homework each week was challenging and time consuming. If you focused and put time into it, it was fine. During the classes, we had the chance to ask any questions at anytime which was nice.

NOW I AM CONFIDENT TO FACE THE REAITY OF MY CAREER IN THE MBA – HTM endeavors. I can now admit the fact that I can be a STATISTICIAN.