Essential Quantitative Methods

The perfect introduction for students with no previous exposure to quantitative methods, the text assumes no prior knowledge, providing all the necessary mathematical background in a preliminary revision chapter. Comprehensive and practical, this text is packed with real world examples and case studies. It focuses on problem-solving and has been completely updated for the 4th edition. A companion website is available with extensive online resources.

ISBN 0230218180   Pages 528 ISBN13 9780230218185 (What's this?)   Volumes 1 Publisher Palgrave Macmillan   Weight (grammes) 1150 Imprint Palgrave Macmillan   Published in Basingstoke Format Paperback   Previous ISBN 9781403949912 Publication date 27 Mar 2009   Height (mm) 246 Library of Congress HF5691   Width (mm) 190 DEWEY 658.0015195   Spine width (mm) 20 DEWEY edition DC22   Academic level Undergraduate

Pt. I		Mathematical Applications		1
Ch. 1		Revision mathematics		3
2		Keeping up with change: index numbers		17
3		Choosing wisely: investment appraisal		31
Pt. II		Collecting and Interpreting Data		55
Ch. 4		Collecting data: surveys and samples		57
5		Finding patterns in data: charts and tables		77
6		Making sense of data: averages and measures of spread		117
Pt. III		Probability and Statistics		151
Ch. 7		Taking a chance: probability		153
8		The shape of data: probability distributions		175
9		Interpreting with confidence: analysis of sample data		207
10		Checking ideas: testing a hypothesis		225
11		Cause and effect: correlation and regression		263
Pt. IV		Decision-Making Techniques		291
Ch. 12		How to make good decisions		293
13		Forecasting: time series analysis		329
14		Making the most of things: linear programming		359
15		Planning large projects: network analysis		399
16		Managing stock levels: materials management and inventory control		421
17		Taking account of randomness		435
App. 1		Statistical tables		453
App. 2		Mathematical and statistical formulae		465
App. 3		Solutions to questions		471
		Index		505

'In the Fourth Edition of this book, Oakshott provides the perfect introduction for students with no previous exposure to quantitative methods. The text assumes no prior knowledge, providing all the necessary mathematical background in a preliminary revision chapter. Often students are left with the impression that they need never concern themselves with the collection of data. Oakshott, however, understands the importance of taking time to describe data collection methodologies prior to introducing descriptive statistics, probability theory and inferential statistics. Thus the reader is presented not only with a set of practical tools but also with a deep understanding of the research process. The structure of the chapters in this Fourth Edition is a paragon of clarity. As real learning comes not just from seeing but from doing, in addition to carefully presenting theoretical material, Oakshott also provides the reader with a large number of worked examples and exercises to give readers ample opportunity to become proficient practitioners. The examples presented are also noteworthy in that they are both current and relevant, deliberately chosen to grab the reader's attention. In summary, I would recommend this text to anyone in the fields of business and finance who wishes a clear and comprehensive introduction to research methods and statistics.' - Dr. Patrick Murphy, Lecturer in Quantitative Methods and Statistics, School of Mathematical Sciences, University College Dublin, Ireland 'This attractively presented and user-friendly textbook provides an excellent and comprehensive coverage of the key quantitative methods that are used in businesses and other organizations. Each chapter has a clear set of objectives and the reader's learning experience is enhanced through activities, exercises and summaries of key points. The topics are introduced in a way that makes them accessible to people from a wide range of backgrounds, while the book's emphasis on applications should ensure that readers are able to apply appropriate methods to practical problems with insight and confidence.' -- Paul Goodwin, Professor of Management Science, University of Bath, UK 'This is a very relevant textbook with a clear presentation of the material and explanations that would fit perfectly an introductory course on quantitative methods or statistics. Learning is facilitated by numerous support materials included in the text adding practical relevance to the topics studied. I would strongly recommend this book for most undergraduate degree programmes in Business.' - Vladimir Ryabov, Principal Lecturer, Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences, Finland 'This improved edition of Les Oakshott's book will be welcomed by teachers and students alike. The clear presentation of methods and techniques ensures that the book will be of use for business students at all levels. Guides to the use of EXCEL and SPSS are integrated within the text so that usefully sized problems can be soon be solved by those with some prior experience and by those coming to quantitative methods for the first time.' - Alan Jessop, Senior Lecturer in Operational Research, Durham Business School, The University of Durham, UK 'Oakshott's new text provides a clear and friendly introduction to mainstream business mathematics methods. Impressively illustrated and produced, it will appeal to business students of most quantitative abilities.' - Jim Freeman, Lecturer in Statistics, Manchester Business School, UK 'This student-friendly text is extremely accessible and is pitched at just the right level for a first course in Quantitative Methods. The use of real-life examples motivates the techniques developed, whilst the wide variety of support material available makes it easy for students to consolidate their learning. As the title suggests, this is an essential text for undergraduate students on programmes in Business, Management and Finance.' - Dr. Lee Fawcett, Lecturer in Statistics, Newc

 Be the first to write a customer review