Data Analysis and Statistics

Base Knowledge

CB1. Manipulation of expressions, equations, and functions.

CB2. Ability to interpret data, draw inferences, and apply logical reasoning.

CB3. Competence in using basic computer tools, especially data analysis software (e.g., Excel).

Teaching Methodologies

Classes are theoretical-practical, in accordance with what is stipulated in the curriculum plan.

  • ME1. Theoretical component: presentation of subjects and resolution of illustrative examples.
  • ME2. Practical component: solving practical exercises illustrative and complementary to the material exposed in theoretical classes, under the guidance of the teacher, but encouraging independent resolution.
  • ME3. Practical laboratory component: solving practical exercises illustrative and complementary to the material exposed in theoretical classes, using statistical software, under the guidance of the teacher, but encouraging independent resolution and group discussion.

The three components will be alternated to assist in the learning process and consolidation of knowledge.

Students will have access to the indicative class schedule (PIA), at the beginning of the semester, in order to be aware of the type of component, material to be presented and exercises to be carried out in each class (except for any changes/adaptations resulting from the capacity of the assigned room). and/or number of students per shift).

 

Learning Results

Upon completion of the course unit, the student will be able to:

  • OA1. Understand the role and importance of statistical thinking in the context of Marketing and International Business.
  • OA2. Identify and distinguish between different types of data and their fundamental characteristics.
  • OA3. Apply univariate and bivariate descriptive analysis techniques to summarize and interpret data.
  • OA4. Know and apply key discrete and continuous theoretical distributions in the context of data analysis.
  • OA5. Introduce basic concepts of statistical inference and their importance for generalizing results.
  • OA6. Calculate and interpret confidence intervals for various population parameters.
  • OA7. Conduct parametric and non-parametric hypothesis tests to evaluate assumptions and make informed decisions.

Associated competencies:

  • CD1. Develop the ability to understand and apply statistical thinking for critical data analysis and informed decision-making in Marketing and International Business.
  • CD2. Be able to identify, classify, and understand different data types and their properties, ensuring the appropriate selection of statistical analysis methods.
  • CD3. Apply techniques to summarize, describe, and interpret univariate and bivariate data, considering measures of central tendency, dispersion, and association.
  • CD4. Know and apply discrete and continuous theoretical distributions, understanding their role in modeling and forecasting phenomena related to marketing and business data.
  • CD5. Understand the principles of statistical inference, including how to generalize conclusions from samples to populations based on probabilistic concepts.
  • CD6. Calculate and interpret confidence intervals to estimate population parameters, evaluating the degree of uncertainty in the estimates.
  • CD7. Perform parametric and non-parametric statistical tests and interpret the results within the context of research and informed decision-making.

Program

P1. Introduction

  • 1.1. Framework: statistical thinking
  • 1.2. Data types

P2. Basic data analysis

  • 2.1. Univariate descriptive analysis
  • 2.2. Bivariate descriptive analysis

P3. Probability and theoretical distributions

  • 3.1. Fundamental concepts and theorems
  • 3.2. Discrete and continuous random variables
  • 3.3. Discrete and continuous theoretical distributions

P4. Statistical inference

  • 4.1. Introduction
  • 4.2. Confidence intervals for different population parameters
  • 4.3. Parametric hypothesis tests for different population parameters
  • 4.4. Non-parametric hypothesis tests

Curricular Unit Teachers

Barbara Alexandre Regadas Correia Baía

Grading Methods

In accordance with the IPC Academic Regulations for the 1st Cycle of Studies, the following two assessment methods are proposed:

A. PERIODIC ASSESSMENT (students of all statuses):

Class attendance is not mandatory (though strongly recommended), except for written assessments and the discussion, presentation, and/or defense of assignments. The dates for these sessions can be found at the beginning of the year in the indicative class schedule (PIA). Absence from at least one of these classes/sessions will result in exclusion from this assessment method.

MA1. Individual Written Test I (35%):

  • Individual written exam (no reference materials allowed; IAG Guideline: Level 0 (No AI usage whatsoever))
  • Use of a calculator (without memory function) is permitted
  • Minimum grade of 7.0 out of 20
  • Mandatory
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Date: Consult PIA
  • Format: Closed-ended questions (total value: 12 points) and open-ended questions (total value: 8 points)
  • NOTE 1: Closed-ended questions: a correct answer receives full marks; an incorrect answer receives 0 points.
  • NOTE 2: Closed-ended questions: Student answers must be provided on an ANSWER SHEET (properly identified with the assessment session, name, student number, exam version, question set code, and date); multiple answers and/or answers with erasures/corrections will receive 0 points (use of erasers and/or correction fluid is prohibited).
  • In the event of a well-founded suspicion of academic dishonesty detected during the grading process, the student will be required to take an oral exam to verify the knowledge and competencies demonstrated. This verification is conducted by a panel consisting of the course instructor and two other faculty members from the same subject area. If the student fails to demonstrate the knowledge and competencies shown in the written exam, the exam will be annulled.

MA2. Individual Written Test II (35%):

  • Individual written exam (no reference materials allowed; IAG Guideline: Level 0 (No AI usage whatsoever))
  • Use of a calculator (without memory function) is permitted
  • Minimum score of 7.0 out of 20 required
  • Mandatory
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Date: Refer to the PIA (Course Assessment Plan)
  • Format: Closed-ended questions (totaling 12 points) and open-ended questions (totaling 8 points)
  • NOTE 1: Closed-ended questions: correct answers receive full marks; incorrect answers receive 0 points
  • NOTE 2: Closed-ended questions: Student answers must be recorded on an ANSWER SHEET (properly identified with the assessment event, student name and ID number, exam version, question set code, and date); multiple answers and/or altered/erased answers will receive a score of 0 points (use of erasers and/or correction fluid is prohibited).
  • In the event of a well-founded suspicion of academic dishonesty detected during the grading process, the student will be required to take an oral exam to verify the knowledge and competencies demonstrated. This verification is conducted by a panel consisting of the course instructor and two other faculty members from the same subject area. If the student fails to demonstrate the knowledge and competencies shown in the written exam, the written exam will be annulled.

MA3. Group Practical Assignment (20%):

  • Data analysis and interpretation project
  • Minimum grade of 5.0 out of 20
  • AI Guideline: Level 2 permitted (AI as a tool to support writing and code drafting).
  • Students must attach an AI usage declaration listing the prompts used and a record of their critical input.
    Mandatory component
  • Any issues regarding the group project's development-specifically a lack of participation by any member-must be reported as soon as they are detected (and not on the day of the final presentation). Failure to communicate this in a timely manner will result in all members receiving the same grade.
  • All assignments submitted via the platform will be analyzed using the UrKund tool. Any irregularities detected will result in the exclusion of all group members from this assessment method.

MA4. Individual Oral Defense (10%):

  • Individual presentation of the project and responses to the instructor's questions
  • Minimum grade of 9.5 out of 20
  • Mandatory for the validation of the group grade (MA3)
  • AI Guideline: Level 0 (No AI usage whatsoever)

Formula: CF = 0.35*MA1 + 0.35*MA2 + 0.2*MA3 + 0.1*MA4
Passing requires a minimum final grade (CF) of 10.

Absence from at least one of these assessment components results in exclusion from this assessment method.

__________________________

B. ASSESSMENT BY EXAM (Exam periods: Regular, Resit, and Special; students of all statuses):

  • Access requirements: Enrollment and registration requirements met

B1. For students meeting the following conditions:

  • Failed periodic assessment and
  • Assessment components MA3 and MA4 completed with at least the minimum required grade

MA5. Individual Written Exam (70%)

  • Individual written exam (no reference materials allowed; IAG Guideline: Level 0 (No AI usage whatsoever))
  • Minimum grade of 7.0 out of 20.0 points
  • Use of a calculator (non-programmable/without memory) permitted
  • Date: Consult the exam schedule
  • Content: Entire syllabus
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Format: Closed-ended questions (totaling 10 points) and open-ended questions (totaling 10 points)
  • NOTE 1: Closed-ended questions: correct answers receive full marks; incorrect answers receive 0 points.
  • NOTE 2: Closed-ended questions: Student answers must be recorded on an ANSWER SHEET (properly identified with the assessment session, name, student ID number, exam version, question set code, and date); multiple answers and/or answers with erasures/alterations will receive 0 points (use of erasers and/or correction fluid is prohibited).
  • In the event of a well-founded suspicion of fraud detected during the grading phase, the student will be summoned for an oral exam to verify the demonstrated knowledge and competencies. This verification is conducted by a panel consisting of the course instructor and two other faculty members from the same subject area. If the student fails to demonstrate the knowledge and competencies shown in the written exam, the written exam will be annulled.

Formula: CF = 0.7*MA5 + 0.2*MA3 + 0.1*MA4
Passing requires a minimum final grade (CF) of 10 points.

B2. For students meeting the following conditions:

  • Failed a periodic assessment (did not achieve the minimum grade in assessment components MA3 and MA4) OR
  • Missed a periodic assessment OR
  • Seeking grade improvement

MA6. Individual Written Exam (100%)

  • Individual written exam (no reference materials allowed; IAG Guideline: Level 0 (No AI usage whatsoever))
  • Use of a calculator (non-programmable/without memory) is permitted
  • Date: Consult the exam schedule
  • Content: Entire course syllabus
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Format: Theoretical, theoretical-practical, and laboratory-based questions (using statistical software)
  • In the event of a well-founded suspicion of fraud detected during the grading process, the student will be required to take an oral exam to verify the knowledge and skills demonstrated. This verification will be conducted by a panel consisting of the course instructor and two other faculty members from the same field. If the student fails to demonstrate the knowledge and skills shown in the written exam, the written exam will be annulled.

Formula: CF = MA5
Passing requires a minimum final grade (CF) of 10 points.


    Internship(s)

    NAO

    Bibliography

    Main:

    Murteira, B. et al (2023). Introdução à Estatística. 4ªEd, Escolar Editora.

    Newbold, P., Carlson, W. & Thorne, B. (2022). Statistics for Business and Economics, Global Edition, Pearson Education Limited.

    Paulino, C.D. e Branco, J. (2005). Exercícios de Probabilidade e Estatística. Escolar Editora.

    Pedrosa, A. e Gama, S. (2016). Introdução computacional à Probabilidade e Estatística, 3ª Ed. Porto Editora.

    Webster, A.L. (2007). Estatística aplicada à Administração e Economia. McGraw-Hill.

     

    Supplementary:

    Anderson, D.R., et al (2017). Statistics for business and economics, 13e.  Cengage Learning.

    Curto, J.D. (2016). Estatística: muitas aplicações em Excel e poucas fórmulas. Edição do Autor.

    Keller; G. and Gaciu, N. (2020). Statistics for management and economics. 2e. Cengage Learning EMEA.