The textbook’s greatest feature is its focus on the question: “What is important to business today?” All of the book’s features have been carefully developed to build skills that will help students stand out from the crowd when entering the business world.
．The ‘Four M’ approach to problem solving (Motivation, Method, Mechanics, Message) is the consistent methodology used for worked-out examples. This approach gives students a consistent structure for solving problems and presenting their findings in the appropriate context.
．By focusing on answering real questions with data, students learn how to use statistical models and draw conclusions.
．Exercises are divided into five types. Each type focuses on a particular skill to build a deeper understanding of business statistics.
1.Mix and Match and True/False problems test whether students recognize symbols and important steps of calculations.
2.Think About It questions encourage students to pull together concepts and ideas from the chapter; no technology is required.
3.You Do It problems are more computational in nature (statistical software usage is recommended), providing practice with working through the mechanics of solving a problem. These exercises apply the statistical concepts students have learned in the chapter to data related to a business application. Data are available on the included CD-ROM.
4.Four M Questions are richer, more substantive problems that mimic real applications of statistics in business. Data are available on the included CD-ROM.
．Helpful reading features keep students focused and help them avoid errors.
1.Caution icons in the margin indicate a concept that can be particularly troublesome. This icon reminds readers to make sure they understand the concept and helps them avoid making mistakes.
2.Tip icons highlight important ideas or hints within the exposition that readers might otherwise overlook.
3.What Do You Think? boxes throughout each chapter check students’ comprehension of the important ideas in the preceding section, ensuring that they understand the concepts before moving on in the chapter.
4.Best Practices and Pitfalls listed at the end of every chapter offer reminders to help students avoid mistakes such as using the wrong method for the situation, or misinterpreting results.
