About the Book
Quantitative techniques are fundamental to the correct interpretation of commercial reality, and can aid practical business decision making and problem solving. The fifth edition of Essential Quantitative Methods has been updated to suit the changing needs and environment of the contemporary student. It offers revised coverage of associated software, new case studies and expanded student material, yet retains its concise accessible approach, building on its established position as a core text on quantitative methods modules. New to this edition: * New case studies have been added, and others revised and updated. * SPSS and Excel techniques have been thoroughly updated in line with new software releases. * 'Did you know?' features provide additional information on related topics. * Expanded 'Key Points' sections at the end of each chapter reinforce learning. * Extended 'Further Reading' materials, a summarized bibliography and new advice on web searches and online source materials, offer added guidance. Essential Quantitative Methods is ideal for undergraduate and MBA students studying Quantitative Methods, Statistics and Managing Data.
Table of Contents:
Preface Notes Acknowledgements PART I: MATHEMATICAL APPLICATIONS Revision Mathematics Keeping up with Change: Index Numbers PART II: COLLECTING & INTERPRETING DATA Collecting Data: Surveys and Samples Finding Patterns in Data: Charts and Tables Making Sense of Data: Averages and Measures of Spread PART III: PROBABILITY & STATISTICS Taking a Chance: Probability The Shape of Data: Probability Distributions Interpreting with Confidence: Analysis of Sample Data Checking Ideas: Testing a Hypothesis Cause and Effect: Correlation and Regression PART IV: DECISION MAKING TECHNIQUES How to Make Good Decisions Choosing Wisely: Investment Appraisal Forecasting: Time Series Analysis Making the Most of Things: Linear Programming Planning Large Projects: Network Analysis Appendices Index
About the Author :
LES OAKSHOTT is Associate Fellowof Warwick Business School, UK. He has worked in industry and education and has wide experience of applying teaching quantitative methods in a business context.
Review :
'The fifth edition of Oakshott's Essential Quantitative Methods is perfect for students on Business-related courses. The language and tone used throughout the book make it accessible for students without any previous exposure to Quantitative Methods. Regular in-text activities and the self-tests on the excellent companion website help to boost student confidence in the subject. The new 'Did you know?' snippets and updated case studies motivate the techniques developed and serve to highlight the relevance of Quantitative Methods in the modern world of Business, Management and Finance.' - Lee Fawcett, Newcastle University, UK 'Having utilised the previous edition of this book as the essential text for a large level one module for business students, I am happy to endorse this fifth edition, which retains all the attractive features of the previous editions whilst updating examples and case studies wherever necessary. New features that should enhance and enrich the teaching and learning experience include the 'Did you know' snippets, the references to online research methodology, and the sensible reorganisation of some of the material.' - Tim Swift, University of the West of England, UK 'A beautifully produced text. This new edition must surely be one of the most friendly and effective offerings in the field. Seriously impressive.' - Jim Freeman, University of Manchester, UK 'A relevant all-in-one textbook with a high home-study quality' - Wim van Beers, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands 'The problem in the field is that textbooks are either 'how to' manuals - geared toward pushing software buttons and reading the results without understanding the underlying concepts - or too mathematical. Oakshott does an exceptional job of explaining the concepts using minimal math.' - Thijs ten Raa, Tilburg University, The Netherlands Previous edition endorsements: '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 'This book provides a sound introduction to the use of mathematical and statistical techniques for business decision-making. Many students, particularly those who struggled with maths at school and those whose encounters with numerical concepts were a long time ago, will find this title extremely helpful in reducing their anxieties. The written style is sympathetic to non-expert mathematics students, and the examples provided are relevant to business students. A good feature at the end of each chapter is a reflection section, where students are encouraged to think about what they have learned in each. Examples at the end of each chapter help to reinforce the concepts and provide practice in typical assignment and examination questions.' - Adrian Boucher, Business Consultant and Visiting Lecturer in Quantitative Management Analysis, University of Birmingham Graduate School of Business, UK 'Essential Quantitative Methods will prove especially valuable to business students because of its clear approach. This enriched fourth edition looks atMonte Carlo application, withupdated coverage of SPSS and Excel, as well as linear programming and multi-attribute decision applications. A friendly companion website supports the answers to review questions supplied in the book. This enlightening edition should be regarded as essential reading for those facing uncertainty in their quantitative analyses.' - Nesrin Okay, Professor in the Department of Management, Bogazici University, Turkey 'Clear and concise, this book is an excellent introduction to quantitative techniques. The author has addressed three important pedagogical issues: 1. The text starts at a level where many students actually are. This is enhanced by the use of diagnostic tests and remedial exercises; 2. Motivation is vital and it's refreshing to see where real life applications drive the mathematics and not the other way round; 3. The author has a great grasp of what concepts and ideas students find difficult and additional motivation and examples are provided to address this. - Brendan McCabe, Professor in the University of Liverpool Management School, UK The new edition of this highly successful textbook comes packed with new material and increased coverage of topics already present in earlier editions. I would emphasise the Monte Carlo applications, the increased attention to Linear Programming as well as the revised and updated coverage of SPSS and Excel software. Overall, it is a very well balanced textbook that may be suitable for students in any area of studies where a quantitative approach is essential and not just in Business Schools - Giorgos D. Kokkoris, Faculty of Environment, University of the Aegean, Greece An excellent bookthat covers theessential analytical methods, both basic and advanced,needed in business. Its clear and well presented layout make it very accessible and easy to read. It haspractical relevance without lacking comprehensive theory, making it an ideal hands-on book for case studies and work which needs quantitative foundation.' - Markus Burbach, Masters student in Business Administration at the Business School of the University of Mannheim, Germany
