Trident BUS520 2021 December Discussions Latest (Full)

BUS520 Business Analytics and Decision Making

Module 1 Discussion

Bias, Statistics, News and Lies.

Statistics and Lies

"There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics." - Mark Twain.

A mid-twentieth century book: Lessons on How to Lie with Statistics still holds true. 2020 was a year filled with lies and obfuscation which spread like wildfire on social media. What is real? What is fake?

Module 1 Discussion Week 1 Resources

Without learning to think statistically, we'll never know when people are bending the truth (2020)

3 Ways to Lie with Statistics (2021)

How To Lie With Statistics (2020)

Griggs: Chaos, butterflies, and numbers that lie (2021)

Week 1 Discussion Post

Based on the resources provided or your research, share how studying statistics, data analysis, and decision-making can provide a foundation for detecting lies or poorly supported “facts.” Consider a career/professional application rather than a personal one. (Research Support Required)

This post should be 2 paragraphs in length (150-200 words). Since you are engaging in research, be sure to cite in the body of the post and add a reference list in APA format. NOTE: failure to use research with accompanying in-text citations to support content will result in reduced scoring “Level 2-Developing” on the grading rubric.

WEEK 1 INTERACTIVE RESPONSES TO CLASSMATES

1st Interactive Response:

Analyze one student's application and compare/contrast it to your post.

2nd Interactive Response:

Analyze another student's coverage of lies or poorly supported “facts” and compare/contrast it to your post.

Each reply should be one paragraph in length (or about 75 words) and must be substantive. Do not simply say “I agree” or “That is great”; specify why and be detailed in your explanation. You may use research in your responses, but it is not required.

Bias, Statistics and News

You have seen poll results and heard about statistics reported in the news. And there have been instances when two different groups cover the same statistics/data with different results or interpretations. Is one group lying?

 

Module 1 Discussion Week 2 Resources

Why stats in the news don’t often add up – and how to spot a fake (2021)

Polls – can you really believe them? (2021)

The Number Bias by Sanne Blauw review – how numbers can mislead us (2020)

COVID-19, lies, and statistics: corruption and the pandemic (2021)

Coronavirus, and the Media's Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics (2020)

Based on the resources provided and internet research, find an example of two different sources promoting opposite points of view when reporting on the same statistics. Analyze how the arguments are laid out. Approach it scientifically rather than allowing bias to guide your interpretation. Provide hyperlinks to both sources. (Research Support Required)

This post should be 2 paragraphs in length (150-200 words). Since you are engaging in research, be sure to cite in the body of the post and add a reference list in APA format. NOTE: failure to use research with accompanying in-text citations to support content will result in reduced scoring “Level 2-Developing” on the grading rubric.

WEEK 2 INTERACTIVE RESPONSES TO CLASSMATES

1st Interactive Response:

Analyze one student's analysis and point out perceived bias that you see in the post.

2nd Interactive Response:

Analyze another student's coverage and share how your bias makes you more prone to believe one point of view over another.

Each reply should be one paragraph in length (or about 75 words) and must be substantive. Do not simply say “I agree” or “That is great”; specify why and be detailed in your explanation. You may use research in your responses, but it is not required.

In your own words, respond to the discussion and comments of classmates. Grades will be based on effectual, concise, and interactive feedback. The excessive use of quotes will directly impact performance since this indicates a lack of comprehension and shows that you may not have mastered the concepts.

Why a discussion post and reply each week? Planning and time management are invaluable skills for business professionals who juggle jobs, personal lives, and other endeavors. Coming to terms with balancing priorities in an academic setting is a transferable skill to the workplace. Making optimum decisions about scheduling can help you excel along the career path.

 

 

 

 

 

 

BUS520 Business Analytics and Decision Making

Module 2 Discussion

Was it Real or Fake?

Hypotheses 101

Hypotheses and hypothesis testing are important tools in analysis that use the scientific method. Most of us first learned about the topic for a science project in elementary school. As graduate students and business professionals, the stakes are higher when it comes to the activity.

Module 2 Discussion Week 1 Resources

Did a ‘Stanford/NIH’ Study Conclude Masks Don’t Work? (2021)

Coronavirus laboratory incident hypothesis extremely unlikely: WHO (2021)

How to Tell If People Are Paying Attention on Zoom (2021)

Week 2 Discussion Post

Based on your research, present a hypothesis test scenario you found online. Some of you will be describing a real study that is well-documented and the rest will be crafting fake results for an actual study. The background readings will provide ideas. Describe the study and the results but do not reveal the source, yet.

If your personal phone number ends in an even number, you will present FAKE results; those with an odd number as the last digit will offer a study with REAL results.

This post should be 2 paragraphs in length (150-200 words). NOTE: Research Support Required but it will not be revealed until next week.

WEEK 1 INTERACTIVE RESPONSES TO CLASSMATES

1st Interactive Response:

Select two students’ posts and explain why you think they are REAL. See how well you do…don’t cheat and look for the study.

2nd Interactive Response:

Select two other students’ posts and explain why you think they are FAKE. Wing it…don’t look for the study.

Each reply should be one paragraph in length (or about 75 words) and must be substantive. Do not simply say “I agree” or “That is great”; specify why and be detailed in your explanation. You may use research in your responses, but it is not required.

Were you Fooled?

It’s time for the big reveal. Did you craft an incredible fake and get classmates to believe it? Did you pick a study that was real but was seen as fake by others?

Module 2 Discussion Week 2 Resources

Hypothesis: Milk and Beef 'Causally Linked' to Colorectal Cancer (2021)

The "Big Nose Big Hose" Hypothesis Is True, According To Study On Corpses (2021)

There's a Weird Correlation Between Brain Size And Yawning, Study Reveals (2021)

The Best Times to Trade Forex — Traders Union Research Results (2021)

Title your post: REAL or FAKE. Share the reference information for your study. Critically analyze the actual study. If your study was real, was it well-done? If you faked your results, what did you do to make it believable? (Research Support Required)

This post should be 2 paragraphs in length (150-200 words). Since you are engaging in research, be sure to cite in the body of the post and add a reference list in APA format. NOTE: failure to use research with accompanying in-text citations to support content will result in reduced scoring “Level 2-Developing” on the grading rubric.

WEEK 2 INTERACTIVE RESPONSES TO CLASSMATES

1st Interactive Responses

Reply to one student’s post that you determined was REAL and share if you were right or wrong. Critique the student’s analysis of the study.

2nd Interactive Responses:

Reply to another student’s post that you determined was FAKE and share if you were right or wrong. Critique the student’s analysis of the study.

Each reply should be one paragraph in length (or about 75 words) and must be substantive. Do not simply say “I agree” or “That is great”; specify why and be detailed in your explanation. You may use research in your responses, but it is not required.

In your own words, respond to the discussion and comments of classmates. Grades will be based on effectual, concise, and interactive feedback. The excessive use of quotes will directly impact performance since this indicates a lack of comprehension and shows that you may not have mastered the concepts.

 

BUS520 Business Analytics and Decision Making

Module 3 Discussion

Regression Analysis in Real Life

Regression Basics

What do you know about how regression is used? How can you harness its power to gain an edge in the workplace?

Module 3 Discussion Week 1 Resources

5 Types of Regression Analysis And When To Use Them (2021)

Regression Analysis in Financial Modeling (2021)

What is Regression in Data Mining? (2020)

How to Use Regression Analysis to Forecast Sales: A Step-by-Step Guide (2020)

Week 1 Discussion Post

Based on the resources provided or your research, provide a compelling argument for how regression can be used in your career or profession. (Research Support Required)

This post should be 2 paragraphs in length (150-200 words). Since you are engaging in research, be sure to cite in the body of the post and add a reference list in APA format. NOTE: failure to use research with accompanying in-text citations to support content will result in reduced scoring “Level 2-Developing” on the grading rubric.

WEEK 1 INTERACTIVE RESPONSES TO CLASSMATES

1st Interactive Response:

Analyze one student's discussion and compare/contrast it to your post.

2nd Interactive Response:

Analyze another student's use in a specific industry and compare/contrast to how it is used in your discipline.

Each reply should be one paragraph in length (or about 75 words) and must be substantive. Do not simply say “I agree” or “That is great”; specify why and be detailed in your explanation. You may use research in your responses, but it is not required.

Regression Analysis in News Reports

Most people do not understand regression analysis, yet news articles will include discussions supported by the statistical tool. Some examples are provided below.

Module 3 Discussion Week 2 Resources

Yellowstone summers off-the-charts scorching, study says (2021)

Sperm Count Has Decreased By Around 60 Percent In Richer Countries (2021)

The Weak Case Against Repealing Prevailing Wage (2021)

COVID Fake News Detection with a Very Simple Logistic Regression (2020)

Based on your research, present a news article that uses regression for support. Provide a brief description. Rate the ease of understanding of the article’s content. (Research Support Required) Be sure to provide a hyperlink to the article. Do not use the examples provided.

This post should be 2 paragraphs in length (150-200 words). Since you are engaging in research, be sure to cite in the body of the post and add a reference list in APA format. NOTE: failure to use research with accompanying in-text citations to support content will result in reduced scoring “Level 2-Developing” on the grading rubric.

WEEK 2 INTERACTIVE RESPONSES TO CLASSMATES

1st Interactive Response:

Analyze the article presented by one classmate and assess how easily it can be understood by the general public.

2nd Interactive Response:

Analyze the article presented by another classmate and assess how easily it can be understood by the general public.

Each reply should be one paragraph in length (or about 75 words) and must be substantive. Do not simply say “I agree” or “That is great”; specify why and be detailed in your explanation. You may use research in your responses, but it is not required.

In your own words, respond to the discussion and comments of classmates. Grades will be based on effectual, concise, and interactive feedback. The excessive use of quotes will directly impact performance since this indicates a lack of comprehension and shows that you may not have mastered the concepts.

 

BUS520 Business Analytics and Decision Making

Module 4 Discussion

Business Analytics, Intelligence and You

Business/Data Analytics

What are trends in the field? User-friendly data, scalable artificial intelligence, machine learning, the augmented consumer.

Module 4 Discussion Week 1 Resources

Data and analytics to become 'core business function' in 2021: Gartner (2021)

Business analytics workforce development is key to success for companies and professionals (2021)

Why business analytics matters (2021)

What is business analytics? Using data to predict business outcomes (2020)

Week 1 Discussion Post

Based on the resources provided and your research, discuss how business analytics can be used in your workplace or profession to impact decision-making. Include the skills you possess to promote work in the discipline and those you need to acquire or further develop. (Research Support Required)

This post should be 2 paragraphs in length (150-200 words). Since you are engaging in research, be sure to cite in the body of the post and add a reference list in APA format. NOTE: failure to use research with accompanying in-text citations to support content will result in reduced scoring “Level 2-Developing” on the grading rubric.

WEEK 1 INTERACTIVE RESPONSES TO CLASSMATES

1st Interactive Response:

Analyze another student's application of business analytics and compare/contrast it to your post.

2nd Interactive Response:

Analyze another student's skills assessment and compare/contrast it to your post.

Each reply should be one paragraph in length (or about 75 words) and must be substantive. Do not simply say “I agree” or “That is great”; specify why and be detailed in your explanation. You may use research in your responses, but it is not required.

Business Intelligence

While the concepts have been around since the mid-1800s, the field grew exponentially over the last two decades. It is continuously evolving. But what is it? And how can it work for you?

Module 4 Discussion Week 2 Resources

How to explain Business Intelligence (BI) in plain English (2021)

What Is Business Intelligence? (2020)

How to Become a Business Intelligence Engineer? (2021)

Why Business Intelligence is a Big Deal (2021)

Important Business Intelligence Skills With Examples (2020)

Based on the resources provided or your research, explain how Business Intelligence is used to support enterprises. Include the skills you possess to promote work in the discipline and those you need to acquire or further develop. (Research Support Required)

This post should be 2 paragraphs in length (150-200 words). Since you are engaging in research, be sure to cite in the body of the post and add a reference list in APA format. NOTE: failure to use research with accompanying in-text citations to support content will result in reduced scoring “Level 2-Developing” on the grading rubric.

WEEK 2 INTERACTIVE RESPONSES TO CLASSMATES

1st Interactive Response:

Analyze one student's skills assessment and compare/contrast it to your post.

2nd Interactive Response:

Analyze another student's explanation of business intelligence and compare/contrast it to your post.

Each reply should be one paragraph in length (or about 75 words) and must be substantive. Do not simply say “I agree” or “That is great”; specify why and be detailed in your explanation. You may use research in your responses, but it is not required.

In your own words, respond to the discussion and comments of classmates. Grades will be based on effectual, concise, and interactive feedback. The excessive use of quotes will directly impact performance since this indicates a lack of comprehension and shows that you may not have mastered the concepts.

 

BUS520 Business Analytics and Decision Making

Module 4 Reflective Discussion

And Finally, We Reflect Back on the Course

As you complete this course, reflect back and answer these questions:  

What two concepts do you think are the most relevant to the business and your MBA degree and why?

Which one or two concepts do you think are the least relevant to the business and your MBA degree and why?

Which concepts did you find particularly difficult to learn and why?

After responding to the Reflective Discussion questions above, please complete an anonymous Course Evaluation Survey. Instructors are not able to view course evaluation reports until after the grade submission period is over. Thank you for your feedback.