BUS 310 Master Syllabus

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BUS 310: Business Analytics II Master Syllabus

Course Instructor:
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Required Course Materials: 

  • Required textbook: Business Analytics, Methods, Models, and Decisions, 3rd edition, by James R. Evans, Pearson Higher Education, 2020, ISBN: 978-0-13-523167-8 
  • Additional readings will be assigned throughout the semester and will be posted on Canvas.

Course Website: Canvas

Course Description

Introduces modeling relationships contained in data and linear models to make predictions in business. Topics include estimation, hypotheses testing, statistical inference, analysis of variance and linear regression techniques. Fundamentals of linear programming to solve optimization problems in business. Apply analytical tools to gain insights from real-life datasets. Hands-on experience and application of the methods to data sets using spreadsheet software. 

BS Business Learning Goals

By the end of the BS Business program, students will master: 

  1. The social, global, ethical, and legal contexts of business and will be able to reflect on the role of the individual in business. 

  2. The ability to apply knowledge of professional skills necessary for success in business including effective business writing. 

  3. Technical and analytic skills appropriate for success in business. 

  4. The ability to apply knowledge of core business disciplines including accounting, finance, information systems, management, marketing, and operations management. 

  5. How research in the business disciplines contributes to knowledge and how such research is conducted. 

Course Objectives for both BUS 210 and BUS 310 

  • Understand how managers use business analytics to formulate and solve business problems. 

  • Prepare to be a strategic business partner in an organization. 

  • Think critically about whether and how data can improve business performance, create opportunities, and/or create risks. 

Course Objectives to BUS 310 

  • Understand the processes needed to analyze business data. 
  • Make data driven decisions by using analytic tools such as estimation and hypothesis testing. 
  • Gain skills to analyze business problems using more advanced functions in Excel. 
  • Integrate statistics and management science to cover a variety of useful analytical methods. 
  • Gain a basic understanding of linear optimization through an introduction to prescriptive analytics.

Course Topics

  1. Data Driven Decisions 
    1. Measuring Response 
      1. Sampling and Sampling Distributions 
      2. Estimation Theory 
    2. Comparing Results 
      1. Hypothesis Testing 
    3. Data analysis and statistical functions in Excel 
  2. Introduction to Predictive Analytics 
    1. Regression 
    2. Inference within Regression 
    3. Simple and Multiple Regression 
    4. Data analysis and statistical functions in Excel 
  3. Introduction to Prescriptive Analytics 
    1. Linear Optimization 
    2. Model Development and Excel Solver 

Approach to Learning 

This course examines the use of business analytics for understanding and analyzing business problems and for supporting business decision making. It is geared for the business professional engaged in decision making or decision support.  The emphasis is on business applications, and not mathematics. Students will possess an adequate level of proficiency in and comfort with spreadsheet software. The format will be lectures and hands-on exposure to data analytics tools, including complex Excel features. Discussions and questions are highly encouraged. 

Computer Hardware and Software 

Access to the Internet and a computer are required. A lot of the course material will be made available via Blackboard course website. The latest version of Microsoft Excel will be used in this class.  Excel is available for download for free by George Mason University students. It is your responsibility to make sure that your laptop meets the required minimum standards. You are required to bring a laptop with Excel to class. Please refer to the College of Business Minimum Computing Requirements. This course requires the use of LockDown Browser/HonorLock with a webcam and microphone for online exams. The webcam can be built into your computer (internal webcam) or can be the type of webcam that plugs in with a USB cable (external webcam).

Methods of Student Evaluation

Students will be evaluated based on homework, quizzes, exams, and other related class activities. 

 Grading

Homework, Excel assignments, case studies, class work, and quizzes 40% 

Exam 1 

 20%

Exam 2 

 20%
Exam 3 (final exam)  20%

Course Grade

  • Students must be officially registered in this section to receive a grade. It is the sole responsibility of the student to verify their own registration status. Specifically, you will not receive a grade if your name does not appear on the official class list. Registration problems should be directed to either the College of Business academic advisors or  to the Registrar’s Office. 

  • Disputes about a grade on assignments/exams/quizzes must be submitted in writing within a week after the grade has been posted. 

  • The final letter grade is assigned objectively and strictly according to the weighted average of the numerical scores of all exams, quizzes, and assignments. 

  • Final course letter grade assignments will be based on the following scale: 

Course Percent Grade Letter Grade Course Percent Grade Letter Grade
97.00 to 100 A+ 80.00 to 82.99 B-
93.00 to 96.99 A 77.00 to 79.99 C+
90.00 to 92.99 A- 70.00 to 76.99 C
87.00 to 89.99 B+ 60.00 to 69.99 D
83.00 to 86.99 B 0 to 59.99 F

Compliance with the University’s Honor Code

George Mason University Honor Code: To promote a stronger sense of mutual responsibility, respect, trust, and fairness among all members of the George Mason University community and with the desire for greater academic and personal achievement, we, the student members of the University Community have set forth this: Student members of the George Mason University community pledge not to cheat, plagiarize, steal, and/or lie in matters related to academic work.  

When turning in any assignment, you should not copy another student's response or submit somebody else's work as your own. You are encouraged to work together. However, make sure that all responses are written in your own words and that every file submitted is your own file created by you. George Mason University takes violations of the Honor Code seriously. You should take a moment to look at the last two pages of the syllabus to see the School of Business' sanctions for violations. There isn't a "slap on the wrist" or a "warning." The sanctions for a first offense, even on homework, are very serious. By choosing to take this course, you agree to uphold the George Mason University Academics Standard Code. Please note that faculty are obligated, without exception, to submit any Honor Code violations or suspected violations to the Honor Committee. In your work on all written assignments, keep in mind that you may not present as your own the words, work, or the opinions of someone else without proper acknowledgement. You also may not borrow the sequence of ideas, the arrangement of material, or the pattern of thought of someone else without proper acknowledgement.

Academic Standards Code

Students are required to abide by the university’s Academic Standards Code which governs policies on academic violations such as unauthorized assistance, fabrication, and plagiarism. Details about the (including a downloadable .pdf version) and sanctions for violations can be accessed at the Academic Standards Code website. 

Exams 

Exam dates are provided in the schedule. No make-up exams will be given except in a documented emergency. Each will involve a mix of mechanical skills and conceptual reasoning. The best possible preparation for them is regular attendance and completion of assigned homework and reading.

Attendance 

For in-person and synchronous sections, class attendance is an essential part of learning in this course. If you have to miss any lectures, you are responsible for obtaining any information given in the class. I will take attendance on random days. 

Homework, Quizzes, and Other Class Work 

Students are expected to read relevant sections of the textbook prior to attending class. Written homework, quizzes, and class work will be graded. Due dates are posted on Blackboard. Late assignments will not be accepted. Quizzes and class work are given at the discretion of the instructor and frequently reflect material that has recently been covered in class. To encourage attendance, instructors will not give makeup quizzes or class work.

Costello College of Business Standards of Behavior 

The mission of the Costello College of Business at George Mason University is to create and deliver highquality educational programs and research. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni who participate in these educational programs contribute to the well-being of society. High-quality educational programs require an environment of trust and mutual respect, free expression and inquiry, and a commitment to truth, excellence, and lifelong learning. Students, program participants, faculty, staff, and alumni accept these principles when they join the Costello College of Business community. In doing so, they agree to abide by the following standards of behavior:  

  • Respect for the rights, differences, and dignity of others  
  • Honesty and integrity in dealing with all members of the community  
  • Accountability for personal behavior

Integrity is an essential ingredient of a successful learning community. Ethical standards of behavior help promote a safe and productive community environment, and ensure every member the opportunity to pursue excellence.  The Costello College of Business can and should be a living model of these behavioral standards. To this end, community members have a personal responsibility to integrate these standards into every aspect of their experience at the Costello College of Business. Through our personal commitment to these Community Standards of Behavior, we can create an environment in which all can achieve their full potential.

Use of Electronic Devices and Disruptive Behavior During Class 

For in-person and synchronous online sections, personal and non-academic use of electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets, and computers for activities unrelated to class such as browsing social media, making phone calls, playing video games etc. is prohibited during class. Any behavior that causes disruption in class is not allowed. 

Online Courses 

Activities and assignments in this course will regularly use web-conferencing software (Blackboard Collaborate / Zoom). In addition to the requirements above, students are required to have a device with a functional camera and microphone. In an emergency, students can connect through a telephone call, but video connection is the expected norm.

Religious Accommodation 

Students who will miss class for religious reasons should inform the instructor of their anticipated absences during the first two weeks of the semester. Please review the University’s policy for class absences due to religious observances here.

Disability Services 

Disability Services at George Mason University is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students by upholding the laws that ensure equal treatment of people with disabilities. If you are seeking accommodations for this class, please first visit the Office of Disability Services (ODS) website for detailed information about the Disability Services registration process. Then please discuss your approved accommodations with me. Accommodation requests should be completed during the first two weeks of the semester. 

Email Communications

  • George Mason Email must be used at all times for correspondence with the instructor.  No exceptions.  Students should clearly identify themselves and their course number and section in any Email correspondence. I will not respond to messages sent from or send messages to a non-George Mason email address.
  • Students must use their George Mason email account to receive important University information, including communications related to this class. I will not respond to messages sent from or send messages to a non-Mason email address. 

Inclement Weather, Campus Closure, and Campus Emergencies

  • Information regarding weather-related changes in the University’s schedule (e.g., closing or late opening) will be provided on the George Mason University website and via MasonAlert.  Students can sign up for the Mason Alert system and learn about emergency procedures at the Mason Ready website. 
  • An emergency poster exists in each classroom explaining what to do in the event of crises and that further information about emergency procedures exists on the Be Prepared webpage at the Mason Ready website.
  • If the campus closes, or if a class meeting needs to be canceled or adjusted due to weather or other concern, students should check Blackboard for updates on how to continue learning and for information about any changes to events or assignments. 

Counseling Center 

George Mason University has a counseling center that can provide assistance if you find yourself overwhelmed by life, want training in academic or life skills, or the like. More information is available at Counseling and Psychological Services website. 

Sexual Misconduct and Interpersonal Violence 

George Mason University is committed to providing a learning, living, and working environment that is free from discrimination and a campus that is free of sexual misconduct and other acts of interpersonal violence in order to promote community well-being and student success. All incidents of sexual misconduct will be reported to the University Title IX Coordinator [ (703) 993-8730 | titleix@gmu.edu ]. 

Diversity and Inclusion 

Diversity is one of the university’s core values.  Please support the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Learn more at the Office of Access, Compliance and Community website. 

Tentative Timeline

Week Dates Topic/Exam Schedule Notes
1 8/26-9/1 Course orientation Introduction First day of fall classes: 8/26
2 9/2-9/8 Review of BUS 210 topics  Labor Day (holiday): 9/2 
3 9/9-9/15 Sampling and estimation (Chapter 6)   
4 9/16-9/22 Chapter 6   
5 9/23-9/29 Review for Exam 1   
6 9/30-10/6 Exam 1  
7 10/7-10/13 Statistical inference (Chapter 7)   
8 10/14-10/20 Chapter 7 Fall break (holiday): 10/14 
9 10/21-10/27 Trendlines and regression analysis (Chapter 8)   
10 10/28-11/3 Chapter 8   
11 11/4-11/10 Review for Exam 2 Election day (holiday): 11/5
12 11/11-11/17 Exam 2   
13 11/18-11/24 Linear optimization (Chapter 13)  
14 11/25-12/1 Chapter 13  Thanksgiving break (holiday): 11/27-12/1
15 12/2-12/8 Chapter 13   
16 12/9 Review for final exam Last day of fall classes: 12/9 
  Final exam period Final exam dates: 12/11-12/18 

Reading day: 12/10 

Final exam schedule

Note. All assignments except quizzes are due by 11:59 pm on the designated dates. Quizzes will be administered at the beginning of class. Exams are cumulative, closed-book with both in-class and take home components. This timeline is tentative, and dates may change. Please refer to the latest information posted on Canvas. See semester academic calendar. 

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