06445 - Business Statistics

Learning outcomes

The course offers methodological tools for analysing enterprise business functions and investigating market characteristics. Statistical methods for the business analysis and strategic decisions are illustrated. Case studies on real data are also discussed.

Course contents

The main parts of the couse are:

Statistical methods for firms: from information to decisions: Quantitative methods for business analysis; Organizing firm data: the business informative system; How to use budget information?.

Information and models for strategic decisions: Statistical analysis of production: productivity and efficiency measures; Information and models for the inventory management; Customers analysis and marketing; Investments analysis and strategic decisions; How to predict business crises?

Information for analysing the markets structure: Spatial analysis of economic activity; Understanding market characteristics; Spillover effects analysis

For each topic , specific analyses are carried out on real data, by using the STATA software.

Readings/Bibliography

Teacher's notes

Teaching methods

Theory and empirical applications.

It is possible to use STATA using the Unibo license, available at the following link: https://www.unibo.it/secure/software-stata/istruzioni.aspx#licenza

As concerns the teaching methods of this course unit, all students must attend Module 1, 2 [https://www.unibo.it/en/services-and-opportunities/health-and-assistance/health-and-safety/online-course-on-health-and-safety-in-study-and-internship-areas] on Health and Safety online”.

Assessment methods

At the end of the course, students are expected to hold the following competences: the ability to apply statistical methods and tools presented during the course; the ability to use statistical results to interpret the phenomenon under analysis and support firm decision-making processes. Knowledge and competences acquired are assessed through two written (optional) tests and a final oral exam. Written (optional) tests are scheduled for the midterm and immediately after the end of classes; the oral exam is after the end of classes. Passing the written tests, an oral exam on a specific argument of the course is required (i.e. Firm crisis and Multiple Discriminant Analysis).

Teaching tools

Empirical case studies at the computer lab

Office hours

See the website of Cristina Bernini