BUS 231 Assignment 3 Instructions and Template
Assignment Instructions
Pick a business related topic or issue where you can get real data, or reasonably create an appropriate data set. You can use data which you collect via a survey or historical data retrieved through on line data bases.
Some possible topics:
Consumption patterns of seniors
Price changes in stocks or commodities
Interest rate forecasting
Energy usage by households in the GVA
Using three quantitative methods studied in the course, analyze the data you collected.
Example: Suppose you collected a sample of quarterly average prime rates for the last decade in the US, Canada and Japan. Your three analytical methods might include 1) building a forecast model based on the time series, 2) conduct an analysis of variance, and 3) add data on GDP and unemployment and build a multiple regression model to forecast interest rates.
Prepare a written report with charts and tables where appropriate. The report should concisely state the business issue or topic which you are analyzing, your data source, your assumptions and or expectations prior to the analysis, and your conclusions after applying the quantitative method. You might also highlight why you chose the quantitative method used, and if appropriate a set of recommendations.
Template
Introduction-
One page max, citing your data source and describing what you are investigating and why.
Tests 1 through 3
One page max for each. Explain the test you chose and why. What is your expectation in terms of the outcome of the test? Does the result support your expectation? Include graphics and tables where appropriate, but all Excel calculations should be provided in the Appendix.
Conclusions
This should be one or two paragraphs tying your test results back to your opening introduction. In this section, you should describe what you might do different if the tests you conducted did not confirm your expectations.
Appendix
All Excel work supporting your 3 tests. Do not forget to include your data set (which may be abbreviated if it is quite large).
Grading
(10 pts) Overall appearance/presentation of written report-
Is it professional and easy to read? Are the Excel files included?
(10 pts) Introduction/Overview
(5 pts) Conclusions
For each of the 3 tests:
(5pts) Statement of issues, explanation of analysis and correct selection of variables to be analyzed
(15 pts) Correct selection and application of analytical tests
(5 pts) Conclusions and recommendations
Proposed topic due Mar 9, Project due Mar 31 in hardcopy in the drop box by the elevator.
