ETX1100/ETX5900 Business Statistics

Business Statistics develops the data, probability, inference and modelling skills needed to make evidence-based business decisions using Microsoft Excel.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  1. classify different data types and apply appropriate visualisation tools for effective data presentation;
  2. apply probability calculations and interpretations in a given business problem;
  3. apply random sampling concepts to interpret statistics calculated from business data and conduct hypothesis testing;
  4. analyse relationships between business data using appropriate tools;
  5. build simple and multiple regression models in Excel and communicate the results in relevant business contexts; and
  6. formulate and solve basic business-modelling problems in Excel.

Teaching team

Learning resources

Weekly readings, datasets and supporting resources will be provided through Moodle.

Weekly schedule

The weekly 3hr workshop runs on Tuesdays from 13:00 to 16:00.

Week Week commencing Topic Classroom activity Assessments
1 23 Nov 2026 From business question to an effective data story Exercise 1 Quiz 1
2 30 Nov 2026 Probability and distributions Exercise 2 Quiz 2
3 07 Dec 2026 Sampling and estimation: confidence intervals for means and proportions Exercise 3 Quiz 3
4 14 Dec 2026 Testing business claims: hypothesis tests for means and proportions Exercise 4 Quiz 4; written assignment due at the end of Week 4
— 21 Dec 2026 Mid-semester break
5 04 Jan 2027 Relationships and simple linear regression Exercise 5 Quiz 5
6 11 Jan 2027 Multiple regression and model evaluation Exercise 6 Quiz 6
7 18 Jan 2027 Spreadsheet business modelling and optimisation Exercise 7 Quiz 7
8 25 Jan 2027 Integrated business case, communication and revision Exercise 8 Quiz 8

Assessment summary

Assessment task Weight Timing Mode
Weekly classroom exercises 15% In class each week Group
Weekly quizzes 15% End of each week Individual
Written assignment 20% End of Week 4 Individual
Examination 50% Examination period Individual