The curricular unit is structured to familiarize the student with fundamental concepts and calculation tools to a future business manager, and essential to the apprehension of contents that will be addressed during the degree. To that end, this course is designed to provide the student a first approach to important issues of current practice in companies and basic information in the field of finance.
Objectives and learning outcomes
1. Learn basic concepts in the field of business management;
2. Use calculation support procedures of the approaches in subsequent courses;
3. Master concepts and mathematical tools necessary to an increase of financial literacy skills;
4. Use mathematical formulas and statistics to analyze the economic-business phenomena;
5. Execute calculations based on numerical data obtained from internal or external sources of companies.
Skills to develop
1. Numeracy and quantitative skills, including data analysis, interpretation and extrapolation, with development of logically consistent reasoning;
2. The development of a logical, critical and analytical reasoning;
3. The ability to discuss the multiple dimensions of business phenomenon;
4. Proper use of the terminology and language of economic, business and accounting phenomena;
5. Use mathematical and statistics formulas in the analysis of economic and business phenomena;
6. Apply the concepts and principles studied to solving problems of business practice.
Programme
1.INTRODUCTION TO DATA ANALYSIS
a. Population, sample and data classification
b. Descriptive statistics measures
c. Location measures: mean, mode, median and quartiles
d. Dispersion measures: variance and standard deviation
e. Asymmetric measures
f. Concentration measures
2. INDICES NUMBERS
a. Simple indices
b. Aggregate Indices
c. PSI and CPI indices
3. ABSOLUTE AND RELATIVE RATES
a. Absolute variation, relative variation, growth rate or rate of change
b. Variations of a relative value: percentages and percentage points
c. Discrete and continuous rates of change
d. Average and global rates of change
e. Year-on-year growth rates
4. INTEREST RATES
a. Equivalent and proportional rates
b. Effective and nominal rates
c. Gross and net rates
Demonstration of the syllabus coherence with the curricular unit's learning objectives
The curricular unit contents were outlined in an integrated way, and according to the goals to be achieved and skills to be acquired by the students. A broad perspective of the subjects under study is provided to enable students to interpret scenarios, analyze data, perform calculations, apply mathematical and statistics tools and, most importantly, base management decisions. Overall, students are expected to be able to apply and develop the knowledge taught in the curricular unit to other curricular units, and to their professional practice.
Main literature
Elizabeth Reis;Estatística Descritiva, Lisboa: Edições Sílabo, 2009
Cristina Chaves ; Elisabete Maciel; Paulo Guimarães; José Carlos Ribeiro;Instrumentos Estatísticos de Apoio à Economia: Conceitos Básicos, McGraw-Hill, 1999
Supplementary Bibliography
A.L.Silvestre;Análise de Dados: Estatística Descritiva, Escolar Editora, Lisboa, 2007
Learning Methods
Students are made aware to read, handle and interpret economic and financial data by reading tables and graphs.
The approach of analytical tools to explore basic mathematical models is always exemplified with examples of real and current situations.
In the theoretical component of the syllabus, concepts are presented, using examples of direct application in the area in question, trying to show the relevance of the contents as support to managerial decisions.
In the practical component, practical cases addressed to the mathematical calculation are presented and solved, being the student task to select the most appropriate method to solve the problem, with the objective of developing the taste and interest for the contents of the course, and to show its usefulness through real situations.
Assessment Components
Avaliação distribuída com exame final
Assessment Components
Description
Type
Time (hours)
Conclusion Date
Attendance (estimated)
Lessons
30
Two written tests
Teste/Exame
3
Self-study
Study
68
Others
Participação Presencial
4
Seminar
Participação Presencial
2
Total:
107
Continuous Assessment
Individual written tests: 2 (each weighted 40%)
Worksheet: 20%
Under the terms of the Bachelor's Regulation:
1. The students' attendance in classes will be recorded and, if the number of absences per student exceeds 30% of the total number of lessons scheduled for each course unit, the student will be automatically transferred to the final evaluation (regular season).
2. In the written tests and other assessment elements mentioned in paragraph 2 of Art. 39 it is necessary to obtain a minimum grade of 7.5 (seven point five) points.
3. If the student misses a test or receives a grade lower than 7.5 points in the tests or in another assessment element mentioned in the previous number, the student will be automatically transferred to the final evaluation (regular season).
4. If the student misses or obtains less than 7.5 in the second written test, held in the same date of the final exam in the regular season, they may apply for further evaluation in the Appeal season.
Final Exam
Individual written exam: 1 (100%)
Demonstration of the coherence between the teaching methodologies and the learning outcomes
The teaching methodologies aim to promote learning, both in the theoretical and practical dimensions. It is intended to expose the student to a diverse set of concepts and tools of exploratory data analysis and descriptive statistics. Likewise, the student is expected to use critical reasoning in the understanding of economic-business phenomena, and logical reasoning in solving practical problems.