VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

351-0545-00L 3 Credits MSC , NDS D-USYS , D-MTEC

Statistics for Business and Economics

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Mehdi Farsi
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:25:07

Abstract

This course is an introduction to statistical methods and concepts applied to business and economics data. The topics include probability distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance and multiple regression. The course is organized in weekly 2-hour lectures (total of 28 hours) with a final comprehensive exam. Homework assignments will be given every other week.

Objective

The students will learn the basics of using statistical methods in applications related to business and economics. These include the following skills: a basic understanding of the theory of probability and statistics and how it is applied to test different kinds of hypotheses as well as the basic skills required for preparing and analyzing the data. Most of these abilities especially those related with computer software are developed through students’ individual practice with the assignments. After this course students should be able to use econometric methods in empirical projects. In particular, the students will be introduced to statistical models used to describe the relationship among multiple variables. The students will be exposed to relevant examples in economics and business applications. The main objective of these examples is to motivate the use of statistical analysis and at the same time encourage students to go beyond the mechanical application of techniques and to develop critical judgment.

Content

1. Introduction: Data and Statistics. 2. Descriptive Statistics. 3. Probability Distributions: Discrete and Continuous Distributions. 4. Sampling and Sampling Distributions. 5. Interval Estimation. 6. Hypothesis Testing. 7. Statistical Inference about Means and Proportions with Two Populations. 8. Analysis of Variance and Experimental Design. 9. Simple Linear Regression. 10. Multiple Regression.

Resources

Lecture Notes

The main lecture notes will be made accessible on the course website.In addition, the students require the following textbook:Fundamentals of Business Statistics, 2006Sweeney / Williams / AndersonISBN: 0-324-30591-5, 643 pp, Publisher: South-Western.An equivalent edition is also available as:Essentials of Statistics for Business and Economics, 4th Edition, 2005David R. Anderson, Dennis J. Sweeney, Thomas A. WilliamsISBN: 0-324-22320-X, 682 pp, Publisher: South-Western.Another version of the textbook with additional chapters on related topics:Statistics for Business and Economics, 9th Edition, 2005by Anderson, Sweeney, and WilliamsISBN: 0-324-20082-X, Publisher: South-Western.

Literature

Other useful textbooks: Introductory Statistics for Business and Economics by Th. H. Wonnacott and R. J.Wonnacott, 4th edition (1990) Publisher: Wiley Essential Statistics for Economics, Business and Management by T. Bradley (2007), Publisher: Wiley Additional textbook for understanding the underlying concepts (optional): Mathematical Statistics for Economics and Business by Ron Mittelhammer, 1996 ISBN: 0-387-94587-3, Publisher: Springer-Verlag.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC , NDS
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
The students who have difficulty in writing in English may write their exams in German or French.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Statistics for Business and Economics
  • Thu 08:15-10:00 (ML F 39)
2 h weekly

Offered In