Assignment
Learning Activity 5.1: 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.
Theory and Context
The god of achievement distracts us from following Jesus by distracting us with all the things that need to be done (Idleman, 1997, p. 173).
Resources
Idleman, K. (2013). Gods at war: Defeating the idols that battle for your heart. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Instructions
1. Read Chapters 9 through 11 of"Gods at War: Defeating the Idols That Battle for your Heart."Consider the following questions:
a. How often do we live with the good intentions of spending time with Jesus and turning our heart toward him only to find out that this is the one item on our checklist that never gets done?
b. What can we do to prevent success and achievement distractions from hindering our relationship with Him?
2. Post your thoughts on this devotion in the discussion forum titled 5.1 Devotional.
3. Response to the posts of other students is not required, but is encouraged.
Learning Activity 5.2: Types of Data Discussion
Introduction and Purpose of Assignment
Part of business analytics is determining the type of data necessary. Not all data may provide the same answers or as good an insight into the issue being analyzed.
Objectives
• Examine the six types of data and the best use of each type in business analytics. (5.1)
Theory and Context
Bartlett (2013) divides data into six categories: a) Observation, b) Census taking, c) Anecdotal sampling or non-representative sampling, d) DoS (Design of Samples or statistical sampling, e) DoE (Design of Experiments) or experimentation, and f) Simulation.
Instructions
1. In this discussion,
a. Select one of the types of data available (Avoid using the same type of data previously discussed by a class member if possible).
i. Briefly describe the type of data.
ii. Explain where it would be useful to use this type of data and why.
iii. Include an example of how you have seen this type of data used in an organization you are familiar with or one you have researched.
2. Post your responses in the discussion forum titled 5.2 Types of Data Discussion.
3. Use the Discussion Rubric below to ensure you have met all the criteria for this assignment.
Learning Activity 5.3: Data Accuracy Discussion
Introduction and Purpose of Assignment
The video "3 - Data Accuracy - John Marshall" talks about how accurate web analytics are versus other forms of data collection, but cautions that the information is still not perfect. This discussion focuses on the problem of data accuracy and how issues with data accuracy can differ depending on the data collection method used.
Objectives
• Discuss the challenges in collecting appropriate data. (5.2)
Theory and Context
For analysis to be useful in decision-making, the data collected must be accurate. First the company must determine the type of data needed and then make every effort to ensure that the data is accurate.
Resources
InteractiveAlex. (2008, January 1). 3 - Data accuracy - John Marshall [Youtube Video file].
Instructions
1. In this discussion:
a. Comment on various ways that data can be collected. From these various approaches, select one data collection method.
i. Identify problems associated with that method that could impact accuracy.
ii. Provide a recommendation(s) regarding how to ensure data is as accurate as possible (Avoid using the same data collection process as another class member if possible).
2. Post your responses in the discussion forum titled 5.3Data Accuracy Discussion.
3. Use the Discussion Rubric referenced earlier in this document to ensure you have met all the criteria for this assignment.
Learning Activity 5.4: Team Data Collection Analysis
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
• Compile data to address an identified business problem. (5.3)
Theory and Context
Collecting the right data is critical to answering any business issue using an analytical approach. Bartlett (2013) identifies three elements that are important when determining how to find the information necessary: a) Element: the actual unit that is measured, b) Population: the group of "elements" that is necessary, and c) Data: contained in row (descriptive information about "elements") and column (variables) format.
Resources
Sharma, H. (2011-2021). How to select best excel charts for your data analysis and reporting.
for-your-data-analysis-reporting/
Instructions
1. Using the visual map your team developed in Week Three as a basis, determine how to collect data to gather information that will bring analytical insight for the decision-making process of the Business Purpose being evaluated.
a. Collect the appropriate data needed.
b. Record the data in Excel.
c. Generate an appropriate chart that visually represents the data collected.
2. Use the Team rubric below to guide your collaboration efforts. The points in the Team rubric represent only your collaboration. The remaining points assigned to this activity will represent the quality of the work.
a. All group assignments should have a list provided after the References that indicates each individual's contribution to the project.
3. Have one member of your team submit your exercise to your facilitator using the dropbox titled 5.4Team Data Collection Analysisby the end of the week.
Learning Activity 5.5: Individual Data Collection Analysis
Introduction and Purpose of Assignment
Data can be collected in a variety of ways. This assignment focuses on the use of an observational study, which we use every day but not necessarily in a conscious way as part of a predetermined evaluation process. The first part of the Observational Studies and Experimentsvideoprovides some insights into conducting an observational study.
Objectives
• Compile data to address an identified business problem. (5.3)
Theory and Context
We casually use observational data routinely in our day-to-day personal decision-making. It involves basing decisions on what we have observed. But what about a formal observational study? Can it provide the type of data necessary to facilitate effective decision-making?
Resources
MaestasMath. (2016, August 17). Observational studies and experiments [Youtube Video file].
Instructions
1. Design and conduct a simple observational study to consider the questions brought up in the theory section above.
a. In a 3-4 page paper:
i. Summarize the observational study.
ii. Evaluate the information collected.
iii. Research the positive and negative aspects of observational data.
iv. Correlate the information from your research to what you experienced as part of your study.
v. Provide a final analysis/recommendation regarding the use of observational data.
2. Provide at least three sources.
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
1. The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.