Learning objectives
This course comprises the second unit of Statistics and presents the <br /> basic tools for comprehending sampling and inference procedures, <br /> starting from the skills acquired in the Data Analysis unit. In many <br /> business and economic applications, the information available refers to <br /> a sample (consumers, companies, etc.) and therefore the descriptive <br /> information must be extended from samples taken from a wider <br /> population. This extension represents the process of statistical <br /> inference. During the course, attention will be focused on a narrow <br /> range of techniques, but those which are widely used in a practical <br /> context. In particular, following an introduction to the basic concepts <br /> of the calculation of probability and sampling, the methods of <br /> estimation and hypothesis test will be examined. For each <br /> technique, the logical bases and cognitive goals will be explained, <br /> while the technical details and mathematical derivations are given <br /> secondary importance. Each technique is introduced in reference to the <br /> business and economic problems that the technique could contribute to <br /> solving: among these statistical quality control, study of market share <br /> and analysis of the relationships between economic variables. An <br /> important aspect is the use of computers for performing statistical <br /> analysis. In particular, the potentialities of Microsoft Excel, a <br /> spreadsheet widely used in business applications, will be explained and <br /> used in actual applications of the methods discussed in class.