Workshop Topics
Algebra and functions
Workshop 1: Introduction to algebra and functions
Prerequisite: None
This workshop will introduce students to basic arithmetic operations, algebra and functions. This workshop is intended for those students who have had not studied mathematics at high school. The topics that will be covered include an overview of arithmetic, basic algebra, linear and quadratic functions.
The learning outcomes for this workshop include:
- Understanding basic arithmetic and the order of operations.
- Learning how to manipulate and solve basic algebraic equations.
- Understanding function notation.
- Solving linear and quadratic functions.
- Graphing linear and quadratic functions.
Workshop 2: Business applications of algebra and functions
Prerequisite- Workshop 1: Introduction to algebra and functions
This workshop will introduce students to some business applications of algebra and functions. An introduction to exponential and logarithmic functions will also be covered.
The learning outcomes for this workshop include:
- Understanding exponential and logarithmic functions and the relationship between the two.
- Applying algebra in a business context.
- Solving business problems using linear and quadratic functions.
Differentiation
Workshop 3: Introduction to Differentiation
Prerequisite- Workshop 1: Introduction to algebra and functions
This workshop is an introductory course in differentiation. As a fundamental concept in calculus, the theory of differentiation will be explored. Students will learn the meaning behind differentiation, first principles and several basic rules of differentiation.
The learning outcomes for this workshop include:
- Learning the theory behind differentiation, and differentiation by first principles.
- Understanding how to differentiate constants, polynomial, logarithmic and exponential functions.
Workshop 4: Business applications of Differentiation
Prerequisite- Workshop 1: Introduction to algebra and functions Workshops & Workshop 3: Introduction to Differentiation Recommended- Workshop 2: Business applications of algebra and functions
This is the second differentiation workshop. This is intended for students who already have a grasp of basic differential calculus. Harder concepts such as the product, quotient and chain rules will be explored. Students will also learn about applications of calculus in business.
The learning outcomes for this workshop include:
- Learning and applying the product, quotient and chain rules in differentiation.
- Understanding the process of finding maxima and minima using differentiation.
- Applying differentiation principles in a business context to maximise or minimise values.
Equations
Workshop 5: Introduction to Simultaneous Equations
Prerequisite- Workshop 1: Introduction to algebra and functions
This workshop will introduce students to methods of solving simultaneous equations. Three methods will be covered, as well as slightly more challenging simultaneous equations involving quadratic functions. Students are assumed to have a good grasp of the concepts covered in workshops 1 and 2.
The learning outcomes for this workshop include:
- Learning how to solve simultaneous equations using the substitution, elimination and graphical methods.
- Solving harder simultaneous equations involving a mixture of quadratic and linear functions.
Workshop 6: Business applications of equations and inequalities
Prerequisite: Workshop 1: Introduction to algebra and functions & Workshop 5: Introduction to Simultaneous Equations Recommended- Workshop 2: Business applications of algebra and functions
This workshop will cover basic inequalities, as well as business applications of inequalities and simultaneous equations. Students are assumed to have a good grasp of the concepts covered in workshops 1 and 2.
The learning outcomes for this workshop include:
- Learning how to solve linear and quadratic inequalities.
- Applying simultaneous equations in a business context through analysing supply and demand functions.
- Using inequalities to solve various business problems.
Probability
Workshop 7: Probability and Sigma Notation
Prerequisite- Workshop 1: Introduction to algebra and functions
This workshop will cover fundamental probability concepts that Business School students will encounter during their studies. The workshop will cover basic probability rules as well as introduce students to sigma notation.
The learning outcomes for this workshop include:
- Understanding terminology related to probability.
- Learning to calculate the probability of mutually exclusive and independent events.
- Understanding and applying sigma notation.
Workshop 8: Permutations and Combinations and business applications of probability
Prerequisite- Workshop 1: Introduction to algebra and functions & Workshop 7: Probability and Sigma Notation
This workshop will introduce students to permutations and combinations. Probability concepts covered in workshop 7 will also be applied to help solve business problems.
The learning outcomes for this workshop include:
- Understanding the difference between permutations and combinations.
- Applying permutations and combinations to solve various problems.
- Using probability trees to assist managerial decision making.
- Understanding the use of probability in business through the calculation of expected returns and forecasts.
- Applying probability concepts to interpret joint probability tables.
Microsoft Excel
Workshop 9: Using Microsoft Excel for Business and Finance
Prerequisite- None
This workshop will focus on the practical applications of Microsoft Excel in areas of business including, but not limited to, accounting, finance, statistics and marketing. This topic itself is broken into two streams - basic and advanced, catering for students of all skill levels.
In the basic stream, students can expect learning outcomes to include:
- Understanding what Excel is
- Understanding basic Excel functions
- Learning to create basic data templates to process large volumes of data automatically
- How to present data via charts and tables
Workshop 10: Advanced Microsoft Excel for Business and Finance
Prerequisite- Workshop 9: Using Microsoft Excel for Business and Finance
In the advanced stream, learning outcomes include:
- Historical time series return analysis
- Descriptive statistics and regression analysis
- Implementing financial models in excel (with a case study on the Capital Asset Pricing Model)