Keele University

Keele University International College

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Quantitative Methods
KIC - 10013

Module Overview/Introduction

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 Module Aims
The aims of this module are to enable students to

• Be introduced to key mathematical and

statistical techniques applicable to business and
management in general;

• Develop an awareness of the circumstances in

which such techniques and methods should be
used.

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 Topics covered
• Week 1: Module Overview/Introduction.

• Week 2: Statistics: Measures of location and dispersion.

Representation of data.

• Week 3: Probability: Addition and multiplication rules

Expected values. Introduction to Excel

• Week 4: Project Management: Critical path analysis and

Crash costs

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 Topics covered
• Week 5: Optimization and Linear Programming:
Maximising profit. Use of the Excel add-in ‘Solver’

• Week 6: Correlation and Regression: Interpretation of

correlation coefficients and prediction

• Week 7: Revision for the In-class test using Excel, which

covers the topics from Weeks 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6

• Week 8: Time Series: Trends and forecasting using

Linear regression

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 Topics covered
• Week 9: Normal Distribution: Use of standard normal
distribution to solve simple problems

• Week 10: Weighted Average and Indices: Current

weighted averages and base weighted indices

• Week 11: Investment: Compound interest and Net

Present Value

• Week 12: Revision for the Final Exam which covers the
topics from weeks 8 ,9, 10, 11

A full weekly schedule is listed on the following slide.

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Week Theme /Topic Session content: Student tasks:

Revision of basic mathematical

1 Introduction Module overview techniques.
Seminar 1
Measures of location and dispersion.
2
Statistics Representation of data. Seminar 2.

3 Addition and multiplication rules Expected values

Probability Seminar 3.
Introduction to Excel

4 Project Management Critical path analysis Seminar 4

5 Optimisation and Linear Maximising profit. Use of the Excel add-in ‘Solver’ Seminar 5
Programming

6 Correlation and Interpretation of correlation coefficients and Seminar 6

Regression prediction

7 In – Class Test Covering topics from Weeks 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Mid Term Exam

8 Time Series Trends and forecasting using Linear Regression Seminar 8

9 Normal Distribution Use of standard normal distribution to solve Seminar 9

simple problems

10 Weighted averages and Current weighted averages and base weighted

indices Seminar 10
indices

11 Investment Compound interest and Net Present Value etc Seminar 11

12 Revision for Final Exam Revision covering topics from Weeks 3, 4 ,9, 10, Revision
11 included in the final exam 7
 Seminars
During seminars you can ask for help with any of the
following:
• Lecture content
• Seminar questions
• How to use Excel
• Any other aspect of this module

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 Dates to Note
• Assessment – 1:

• The In-Class Test is provisionally scheduled to take place in the week 7 commencing 06th

March 2023

• Covering the topics from Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6

• Weighing to final marks 40%

• Assessment – 2:

• The Final Exam In-Class Test is provisionally scheduled to takes place in the week 12

commencing 10th April 2023

• Covering the topics from Weeks 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, & 12

• Weighting to final marks 60%

• There is an aggregate pass but both parts must be attempted.

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 Assessments : Information on In-Class Test
• This test will be undertaken in a computer lab, as access to
Excel on a computer will be required during the exam
• No access to the internet, including KLE, will be allowed until
the end of the test
• Notes will not be allowed

• You will need to bring your student ID card

• Bring a pencil + eraser, or pen + correction fluid

• ALL answers must be entered in the answer book provided

• Only answers in the Answer book will be marked

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 Assessments: Information on In-Class Test
• The answers in the answer book will be compared to the
calculations on the spreadsheet to ensure there has been no
plagiarism
• Any answers with no valid supporting calculations will not receive a
mark
• You are not allowed to take exam question paper with you
• Answer books will be handed in at the end of the test along with the
question paper.
• Only University approved calculator may be uses

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 CALCULATORS
• Where their use is permitted in an examination, only University approved

calculators are allowed in the examination room

• Any other make of calculator will be confiscated by the invigilator until the end of

the examination, replacement calculators will not be supplied.

• Approved calculators (all variants of the following models):

Casio FX82, Casio FX83, Casio FX85, Casio FX260 & Casio FX300
• For example a Casio FX82MS or Casio FX82WA are approved for use in

University exams as they are variants of the Casio FX82 model. A Casio FX115MS

would be confiscated in an exam because the Casio FX115 is not an approved

model.
• So, if you do not already have a University Approved calculator, please make

sure you buy one as soon as possible!

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 Guide to Quants Success
• Attend all Lectures and Seminars

• A register of attendance will be maintained and action

will be taken with regard to poor attendance
• Make sure you bring your University Approved calculator
with you to both the Lectures and Seminars
• Participate fully in the Lectures and Seminars, and
please don’t be afraid to ask questions
• Make your own notes as necessary

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 Behaviour in Class
• Your full attention is required during Lectures
• Talking during lectures will not be tolerated
• The use of mobile phones is not allowed in class room strictly, as
this disturbs your fellow students
• Your phone may be confiscated and the incident reported to the
Academic team
• However, talking during the Seminars will normally be allowed as
students may find it helpful to work together to solve the Worksheet
questions
• Please ensure that you arrive for class no later than 10 minutes
after the timetabled start of the class
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 Global Sustainability
Institution of the Year
International Green Gown Awards 2021

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