Figuring it all out

Today's businesses generate a large amount of raw data, which must be processed and converted into useful information to permit informed decisions. Hence, employers demand quantitative expertise in business graduates. Accordingly, it is good to see more textbooks on quantitative methods.

Quantitative Methods for Business, Management and Finance would be an ideal text for a quantitative methods module for first-year undergraduate students studying for a degree in business, management, finance and economics. The authors introduce quantitative methods by dividing it into maths, statistics and business modelling. Such structuring can enhance learning, building up students' confidence in maths before quantitative methods are introduced. Concepts and techniques are explained with worked examples followed by "work card" questions, with solutions provided. More questions are supplied for lecturers to use for coursework or tutorials.

This second edition contains much the same contents as the first, except that every chapter now starts with learning objectives and a fine-tuned table of contents. Where the first edition contained Excel and Minitab instructions, the second offers Excel and SPSS. Its companion website needs updating to be compatible with the new edition.

Quantitative Methods for Business: The A-Z of QM is suitable for first and second-year undergraduate courses involving quantitative methods and may also be considered for the MBA level. It introduces a range of quantitative techniques with worked examples and plenty of review questions. The importance and use of every technique is explained in an interesting way in the section "Road tests" at the conclusion of each chapter. Instructions on how to implement techniques using Minitab, Excel and SPSS will help students to improve their computing skills.

Unlike other textbooks, this text does not have a companion website.

Nevertheless, both texts are a good resource for independent learning and classroom teaching. Both should be included in a quantitative methods reading list if not recommended for classroom teaching.

Mahmut Sonmez is lecturer in management science, Loughborough University Business School.