Reference no: EM132285642
Learning Activity 4.1: Devotional
Introduction and Purpose of Assignment
Applying perspectives throughout our learning process is an important aspect for recognizing and pursuing personal Christian development. Each week a devotional is shared that applies to the learning objectives and activities for that week.
Objectives
• Apply Christian principles in critical thinking and decision-making.
Instructions
1. ReadChapters 7 and 8of“Gods at War: Defeating the Idols That Battle for your Heart.”Consider the following question:
a. How and where do you see entertainment fitting in your life?
2. Post your thoughts on this devotion in the discussion forum titled 4.1 Devotional.
3. Response to the posts of other students is not required, but is encouraged.
Learning Activity 4.2:Underlying Assumptions Discussion
Introduction and Purpose of Assignment
No matter how impartial we may think we are, we all have biases that impact our decisions. This discussion focuses on the importance of understanding those biases in order to increase the accuracy of our analysis.
Objectives
• Examine the impact of underlying assumptions in the analysis process. (4.1)
Theory and Context
While numbers are often thought to be “neutral,” existing bias can influence which numbers are looked at, and how the analysis is interpreted. Recognizing the underlying assumptions that exist in the organization makes it possible to address those assumptions prior to analyzing the data.
Instructions
1. In this discussion,
a. Consider the impact that using analytics had on the decisions made in the video.
b. Identify underlying assumptions that exist in an organization you are familiar with or have researched.
i. How could these assumptions impact the interpretation of analytical data?
ii. How could this be prevented or moderated?
2. Post your responses in the discussion forum titled 4.2 Underlying Assumptions Discussion.
3. Use the Discussion Rubric below to ensure you have met all the criteria for this assignment.
Learning Activity 4.3: Diagnostic Approach Discussion
Introduction and Purpose of Assignment
In this discussion we will be talking about a number of diagnostic tools that we have seen in use in our own businesses along with additional options that exist in today’s marketplace.
Objectives
• Discuss diagnostic techniques and business applications. (4.2)
Theory and Context
For organizations that use business analytics, a wide range of analytical tools exists. The organization must choose a diagnostic technique that aligns well with the purpose for the analysis or the type of data collected.
Instructions
1. In this discussion, select one of the diagnostic techniques available (avoid using a technique previously discussed by a class member if possible).
a. Briefly describe the diagnostic approach.
b. Explain where this approach would be beneficial and why.
c. Include an example of how you have seen this diagnostic approach used in an organization you are familiar with or one you have researched.
2. Post your responses in the discussion forum titled 4.3Diagnostic Approach Discussion.
3. Use the Discussion Rubric referenced earlier in this document to ensure you have met all the criteria for this assignment.
Learning Activity 4.4: Team Project: Scatterplot/Sparklines
Introduction and Purpose of Assignment
During this class you will work in a team to evaluate a publicly traded company using various business analytical approaches.
Objectives
• Create a scatterplot to visually present analytical data. (4.3)
Theory and Context
Finding a relationship between two different variables can be done in a variety of ways. Companies are always looking for possible ways that one variable impacts another.
In Week Two you used predictive modeling relating net profit to sales. A scatterplot (or scatter chart) plots information at different times in order to visually see relationships.
Bartlett (2013) compares actual sales to projected sales. Sharma (2011-2021) provides some additional insights into how a scatterplot (scatter chart) is developed.
Instructions
1. Using a scatterplot (scatter chart) complete a comparison of annual net profit for the publicly traded company your team has been studying for the last seven years to two of its competitors.
2. After completing the scatterplot, apply the use of sparklines to the data collected for all three companies. Information on adding sparklines is found above.
3. In a one-page summary, review both the tools used and the information gained in comparing the three companies.
4. Use the Team rubric below to guide your collaboration efforts. The points in the Team rubric represent only your collaboration (10 pts). The remaining points assigned to this activity will represent the quality of the work (40 pts).
a. All group assignments should have a list provided after the References that indicates each individual’s contribution to the project.
Learning Activity 4.5: Mean/Median Comparison
Introduction and Purpose of Assignment
Analysis can involve the use of both the mean and the median. While these are similar concepts, the calculation of a mean versus a median can arrive at very different results. This assignment provides the opportunity to calculate the mean and median and evaluate the results.
Objectives
• Evaluate the concepts of mean and median and the importance of the difference. (4.4)
Theory and Context
Evaluating the mean and median can provide different information. Mean can be interchanged with the concept of average: take a set of numbers and determine the average amount; that would be the same as the mean.
The median however, requires ordering a set of numbers from lowest to highest and finding the number that is in the middle of that set of numbers. While often thought to be similar to mean, the answers can be quite different.
Instructions
1. Select two publicly traded companies. Using the historical stock values located at Yahoo! Finance to find the stock values for the past 31 days.
2. For each company:
a. Find the mean
b. Find the median
c. Create a graph of information
3. Write a one-page analysis of the information that you have compiled.
a. In that analysis, determine the stock that you would buy based on the information.
b. Which method of analysis was more important to you in your decision: mean or median?