statistic

INFO 1020: ANALYTICS II

RAY BOERSEMA, instructor

COURSE PROJECT

AUTUMN 2015

The INFO 1020 Course Project is a three-phase project that reinforces the basic business presentation skills developed in INFO1010, and begins to develop the modeling skills expected of all business analysts. The project will set students up for success in INFO2020, but more importantly will help prepare them for success in any business environment.

PHASE I: Data Collection (40 points)

You may collect data from (almost) any source(s). The requirement is to include a numerical response (dependent) variable that can be predicted from some other (independent) variables. These data do not have to come from the same source, but should be compatible as data sets (i.e., if your response is a monthly result over a ten-year period, your other data should cover the same time period and increments). The minimum requirement is 50 observations with ten independent variables.

The data may be from any field (preferably business-related) and should be collected so that you can establish relationships among your data to support some sort of conclusion.

DELIVERABLE: An Excel file turned in via CANVAS with a summary of your data tables. (Ensure you identify your sources.) Due on Saturday, October 10.

PHASE II: Preliminary Data Analysis (40 Points)

Apply descriptive statistics to your data set. This can include graphical depictions as well as some basic calculated statistics, to include exploring the individual relationships between your independent variables and your response variable. You should, at this point, be able to make some preliminary observations about your data and the potential strengths and types of relationships.

DELIVERABLE: A document turned in via CANVAS. Due on Saturday, October 31.

FINAL PROJECT (120 Points)

Your mission (should you choose to accept it) is to find the strongest relationship between your independent variables and your response variable. This should include looking at all (at least ten) linear relationships, and as many nonlinear relationships as appropriate. (The Excel curve-fitting feature under the scatterplot trend line should be particularly useful in this regard.) You might also want to consider the relationships within your set of dependent variables.

When you have identified the strongest relationship(s) in your data set, as well as the weak relationships, summarize your findings in a one-page, comprehensive “infographic,” and organize all of your supporting analysis (to include everything you did in Phase II) in well-documented enclosures (appendices or tabs). Include in your summary which independent variables have strong (and weak) linear relationships, and strong (and weak) nonlinear relationships.

The “flavor” for this submission should be in terms of “infographics.” Present your findings in a useful (informative) manner that captures the information you would like to convey, that is quickly understood, but that is also visually appealing (think: “marketing”).

DELIVERABLE: A hard paper copy of your report, due at the beginning of class on Wednesday, November 18.