University of the Witwatersrand

Johannesburg

School of Statistics and Actuarial Science

Business Statistics

STAT1000A

Information Booklet

Second semester, 2024

0
1. Objectives

The objective of this half-course in statistics is to familiarise you with some of the concepts of statistics.
Statistics is a useful subject. It is applied in commerce and industry every day. A broader objective is to teach
you to identify the types of situations in commerce that require the use of statistics. By the end of the course,
students are expected to be able to understand how statistics can be used to:
• develop a feel for data
• attach probabilities to events of interest model practical situations using appropriate probability
distributions
• make deductions based on a sample of data
• use relevant data for forecasting
• examine relationships between variables.

2. Content of this half-course in statistics

The material covered in the course is as follows:
Chapter 1: Descriptive statistics
Chapter 2: Descriptive regression
Chapter 3: Time series
Chapter 4: Probability
Chapter 5: Probability distributions
Chapter 6: Inference
Chapter 7: p-values
Chapter 8: Chi-squared test for independence
In descriptive statistics and descriptive regression, we learn how to describe data/information that has been
collected. Descriptive statistics give one a feel for one's data. Regression involves relating two variables: for
example, we may be interested in the relationship between advertising expenditure and sales. We use a sample
of corresponding sales and expenditure figures to estimate the relationship in general, and then use this
relationship to predict sales for any proposed expenditure.

The section on time series introduces the complex procedures available for analysing datasets where
observations are made sequentially in time. Most data in commerce and industry are time series data since
they are collected over several successive days, weeks, months, or years - for example, the closing price of a
share is recorded every day. We then learn about probability and realise that the data sets that we studied in
descriptive statistics represent only part of the picture rather than the whole picture. However, our data sets
give us some indication of the whole picture. For example, an opinion poll gives us some indication of the
results of a future election. Only the election itself can tell us which way the whole population is leaning. In

1
the section on probability distributions, we learn to formulate models that describe ‘the whole picture’. In the
sections on inference and p-values, we generalise from our sample of data to a whole population of data:
specifically, we use the data to estimate measures that describe the population and to see whether the data
support claims about these measures. The last topic examines whether two variables (for example, eye colour
and hair colour) are related.

3. Prescribed Materials
The following materials are required for the course.
1. Information booklet.
2. Lecture outlines,
3. Tutorial Pack and Test Pack.
4. A statistical calculator. (i.e. Casio FC-100/FC-100V, Sharp EL-531VH, etc.)

Item 4 is any calculator that will carry out elementary univariate and bivariate statistical calculations. It is
required to have the following minimum capabilities: Basic arithmetic operations, powers and roots,
logarithms, and exponents to base e, one addressable memory, means and variances, correlation, and simple
linear regression. Please note that the onus is on the student to find out how to perform the required
operations on the calculator, so be sure to obtain (and read!) the instruction booklet for your calculator.

NB: Printed versions of the items 2 and 3 are available and students are required to come pick up the same
from the administrator Mrs Amritha Orie on Monday 15 July 2024 on floor 2 of MSB202 (Mathematical
Sciences Building, West Campus – opposite the Science Stadium) during the following times:
A Diagonal: 09h00-10h00
C Diagonal: 13h00-14h00
D Diagonal: 11h00-12h00
E Diagonal: 10h00-11h00

4. Lecturers
This half-course in statistics runs on four diagonals and the lecturing team is as follows:
A Diagonal:
• Dr H. Dhlakama – Block 3: [email protected]
• Dr J. Majakwara – Half of Block 4: [email protected]
C Diagonal:
• Dr S. Mamane – Block 3 & Block 4: [email protected]

2
D Diagonal:
• Dr H. Dhlakama – Block 3: [email protected]
• Dr H. Hove – Block 4: [email protected]
E Diagonal:
• Ms N. Ndebele – Block 3: [email protected]
• Mrs A. Hazra – Block 4: [email protected]

5. Lectures
Weekly, pre-recorded lecture videos will be posted in the modules folder on Ulwazi. Students must watch the
videos for each week whilst working through the lecture outlines and also attempt the practice tutorial
questions after watching the lecture videos. A major challenge in statistics arises from the fact that it involves
problem solving. Students must work consistently through the lecture examples, tutorial and test packs.

6. Compulsory Online Q&A (BBB, Ulwazi) and Physical Tutorial Sessions (On-Campus)
The 14h15-16h00 session for each diagonal will be used for online Q&A. This is a compulsory session,
starting the second week of lectures (Monday, 22 July 2024). The online Q&A is meant to clarify problem
areas from the lecture videos. Below are the times for the online Q&A sessions:

A Diagonal: Thursday 14h15-15h00 (BBB, Ulwazi)

C Diagonal: Monday 14h15-15h00 (BBB, Ulwazi)
D Diagonal: Tuesday 14h15-15h00 (BBB, Ulwazi)
E Diagonal: Wednesday 14h15-15h00 (BBB, Ulwazi)

The 10h15-12h00 session for each diagonal will be used for a face-to-face tutorial on campus. Face-to-face
tutorials start in the second week of lectures (Monday, 22 July 2024) and are compulsory. Students are given
a printed copy of tutorial questions with final answers to work through after watching the lecture videos. You
are expected to work through the tutorial questions from the tutorial pack you received prior to the tutorial.
The lecturer will be available during these tutorials to assist with challenging questions. Furthermore, you will
be given an online tutorial of additional questions during a tutorial week. The tutorial is designed so that you
can test your knowledge on the work covered in the lecture videos. You can work individually or in groups.
The ability to solve problems cannot be taught or passed on from one person to another. You can work
individually or in groups. Below are the times for the physical tutorials on campus:

A Diagonal: Tuesday 10h15-12h00 (Venue: FNB102, West Campus)

C Diagonal: Thursday 10h15-12h00 (Venue: NCB1, West Campus)
D Diagonal: Friday 10h15-12h00 (Venue: WSS2, West Campus)
3
E Diagonal: Monday 10h15-12h00 (Venue: MPT, West Campus)

NB: Note that mini assessment activities may be given at random during these sessions to gauge understanding
and could count towards the year mark.

7. Test Dates
Every student has a test approximately every three weeks. Four tests will be written on the following dates:
Test 1: Monday 12 August 2024 in Flower Hall
Test 2: Monday 26 August 2024 in Hall 29
Test 3: Monday 23 September 2024 in Hall 29
Test 4: Monday 14 October 2024 in Hall 29
*These test dates and venues are subject to change. Please check your announcement tab on Ulwazi regularly!

NB: All tests will be invigilated on campus. Test times will be communicated towards the test date.
Students are required to write all four tests. Students who have missed a test (for a valid reason) should
submit a letter with supporting documents to the course administrator - Mrs Orie ([email protected])
within 3 working days. In lieu of the missed assessment, a deferred test, spanning all the work
examined in all 4 tests, will be written at the end of the semester. The deferred test will only be
granted for ONE missed assessment. If you miss more than one assessment, a mark of ZERO will be
given for the other missed assessments.

All tests will consist of ten multiple choice questions. Students will need only pencils, pens, calculators and
erasers. Pencil cases, cellphones, and bags, etc have to be left at the back or front of the test venue.

Note: Your written test script may be selected and hand marked, in which case the mark of your written
script will override the mark you obtained from the answers on your computer card. Thus, you should make
sure you write your name and student number on your test scripts and ensure that you write down each
solution as clear and fully as possible (as though it would be marked). This will also give you practice in
setting out your solutions for your final exam. The selection of test scripts to be marked will be done on a
random basis.

8. Completing computer sheets.

Basic Guidelines: Invest in a wooden 2B pencil. Clutch pencils tend to make ridges in cards. No correcting
fluid. Do not punch holes in computer sheets, even in the corner. Sheets that have been bent, folded, torn or
that are not smooth are not readable.

4
Step 1: Complete the back of the sheet with the relevant information, ie your name, the date etc.
The group number is not relevant. You must use a pen on this side of the sheet only!
Step 2: Fill in your student number on the front of the sheet. Ignore the alphabetic character at the end of
the student number.
Step 3: Answer the questions in the test by making pencil marks on the computer sheet in the relevant
positions. Please do not hesitate to ask your lecturer or tutor or the secretary MSB 149 if you are not sure
about filling in your number on the computer sheet.

Make sure that all pencil marks are dark enough. The pencil mark should be so dark that the pink
numbers inside the circles cannot be seen through the pencil mark.

9. Evaluation and Year Mark.

Test, practice quizzes and examination questions are based on the lectures and tutorial exercises. The final
mark for STAT1000A will be calculated as follows:

Final mark = [0.3 x Block 1 Assessments] + [0.3 x Block 2 Assessments] + [0.4 x Final Exam]

where:

Block 1 Assessments = [0. 9 x (Average of Test 1 and Test 2)] + [0.1 x (Average of Online Tuts/Quizzes for
Test 1 and Test 2)]

Block 2 Assessments = [0. 9 x (Average of Test 3 and Test 4)] + [0.1 x (Average of Online Tuts/Quizzes for
Test 3 and Test 4)]

Each of the tests will consist of ten questions and will be subjected to negative marking. The topics covered
for each test is specified in the lecture breakdown at the end of this document. Any changes to the syllabus
to be tested will be specified under the Announcement tab on the STAT1000A Ulwazi site. The onus is on
the student to attend all lectures so that he/she knows what each test covers. The final exam consists of
multiple-choice questions interspersed with questions that require written answers. The date of the final
exam will be published by the Exams Office.

NOTE:
• A subminimum of 40% for the written exam will be enforced to obtain a pass result.
• The final exam covers the whole semester's work: no work is “written off” before then.

5
 • Students who miss the final exam for any reason should contact their Faculty of registration
immediately to apply for a deferred examination. The school/course coordinator does not review
deferred applications.

10. STAT1000/A Ulwazi site.

An e-learning course has been set up for STAT1000/A on Ulwazi. The course can be accessed from the e-
learning link on the Wits homepage (https://ulwazi.wits.ac.za/). To access the course, you will use the same
password that you use to access your email and when using the WITS computer labs.
Contact: Mrs Orie ([email protected]) if you are having difficulties accessing your STAT1000/A
on Ulwazi.
The e-learning course will contain past tests with memos, past exam papers and solutions, practice quizzes
(released a week before each test), online tutorial (released on Fridays prior to each tutorial.)

11. Satisfactory Participation (SP) Requirements.

You will be permitted to write the exam ONLY if:
• You have attended the compulsory online Q&A sessions and face-to-face tutorials
• You have attained at least 35% for your year mark
If the SP requirements are not achieved, you will not be permitted to write the examination.

12. Extra Lessons.

In the past extra lessons (at extra cost) were offered by organisations external to the University. Analysis of
the Business Statistics results in the past found NO statistically significant increase in the marks of students
that attended extra lessons. You are therefore urged to work consistently and to make use of tutorials and the
lecturer's consultation times for additional assistance in the course.

13. Responsibility.
Please note that one of the rules at this university is that “employment or involvement in student affairs will
not be considered as extenuating circumstances if [students] fail their course”. Employment or involvement
in student affairs or sport are not considered to be valid reasons for missing lectures, tutorials and/or tests.

14. Communication.
PLEASE CHECK THE STAT1000A CANVAS SITE ON ULWAZI FREQUENTLY FOR NEW
NOTICES. Please talk to/email your lecturers in/out of Q&A and Tutorial sessions for any assistance that
you require.

Lecturer and course co-ordinator: Dr. Salha Mamane ([email protected])

6
CALENDAR OF TUTORIALS AND TESTS FOR 2024 SEMESTER 2

July 2024
M T W T F S S
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Lectures start. Students to watch weekly videos.
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Additional Tut 1 (Descriptive Statistics)
29 30 31 Additional Tut 2 (Descriptive Regression)
August 2024
M T W T F S S
1 2 3 4 Additional Tut 2 (Descriptive Regression)
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Additional Tut 3 (Time Series)
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 TEST 1 (Covering work from Tuts 1&2)
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Additional Tut 4 (Probability to P2/22 in outlines)
26 27 28 29 30 31 TEST 2 (Covering work from Tuts 3&4)
September 2024
M T W T F S S
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Study Break
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Additional Tut 4 part 2 & Tut5 (Discrete Distributions)
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Additional Tut 6 (Continuous Distributions)
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 TEST 3 (Covering work from Tuts 4, 5, part of Tut 6)
30
October 2024
M T W T F S S
1 2 3 4 5 6 Additional Tut 7 (Norm Distr., CLT, Conf. Intervals)
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Additional Tut 8 (Hypothesis testing)
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 TEST 4 (Covering work from Tuts 6,7,8)
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Study Break
28 29 30 31 Exams Start

7
Section No. of Topics
lectures
Chapter 1: 7 Summarise data into frequency tables, stem and leaf plots. Plotting bar
Descriptive graphs, histograms, pie graphs, frequency polygons, and ogives.
Statistics Understanding and calculating measures of central tendency (mean, median,
mode, percentiles, quartiles) and measures of spread (range, inter-quartile
ranges, standard deviation, variance, and coefficient of variance.
Chapter 2: 3 Fit a regression line to paired observations
Descriptive Calculation and interpreting the correlation coefficient using the regression
Regression line to predict the dependent variable for some value of the independent
variable
Chapter 3: Time 6 Identify the form of a time series in terms of the included components and
Series their method of combination – addition or multiplication. Obtain
exponential smoothing forecasts using appropriate models and smoothing.
Calculate decomposition forecasts using appropriate models
Chapter 4: 9 Concept of probability. Permutations and combinations to count the number
Probability of outcomes in an event. Various probability laws. Set up, understand, and
use trees and tables. Recognise and use conditional probabilities and
statistical independence
Chapter 5: 8 Understand the need for creating a random variable in probability theory.
Discrete random Identification and application of Discrete distributions: binomial and
variables Poisson
Chapter 6: 5 Exponential, t and Normal distributions
Continuous
random variables
Chapter 7: 21 Make inferences about population means and proportions (for the 1 sample
Inference case only) using small sample data.
Estimating parameters of the population using point estimates and
confidence intervals.
Testing hypotheses relating to claims about values of the population means
(for one and two sample case) and proportions (for the 1 sample case only).
Calculating and interpreting p values
Chapter 8: Chi- 4 Test whether two variables are independent.
squared test