INTRODUCTION
Nowadays most researches done in the public sector are quantitative in nature. In a demanding country using ICT as one of the most fundamental source of R&D, the need for critical decision making in split-second can make dramatic changes in productivity, financial and strategic policies. Therefore information must be concise, current and complete. Since the last decade, the use of information has evolved dramatically and radically. In the midst of this evolution, the ever-demanding need for information transfer becomes more vital. Therefore appropriate data mining techniques and approaches are essential. Hence this professional workshop is established.
THE AIM
The aim of this academic workshop is to enable participants to learn the basics of SPSS spreadsheet functions, data massaging and Basic Statistics (Part 1). Although the course may not constitute everything on statistics, it will enable participants to relate the new skills they acquired to the departments they engage with. Therefore the synergy between theory, application and practice is very much the core essence of this professional workshop.
WHY SPSS
There are many applications in the market today that can statistically analyse data. SPSS is by foremost one of the more popular applications. While many other applications condemn users to many complicated functions like macros and basic programming languages, SPSS uses a very user-friendly interface to allow easy handling and utilisation.
THE PROPOSED PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOP FOR BEGINNERS
The academic workshop is divided into a 2-day training. These 2 days comprise of 2 modules. These 2 modules are prerequisite for Module 3 and 4 in the Intermediate Stage. These modules are:
Module 2: Basic Inferential Statistics and Simple Non-parametric Test (Beginner) - 1 day
It is advised that participants who have no knowledge in SPSS should start in Module 1. These modules are designed based on three important aspects, ie Theory, Application and Practice. The details of these modules follow:
Module 1: Day 1
8.30 am – 10.30 am
- Introduction to SPSS
10.30 am – 11.00 am (Tea Break)
11.00 am – 1.00 pm
- Introduction to SPSS – continuation
- Preparation of data files
- Data screening and transformation
LUNCH
1.00 pm – 2.10 pm
2.10 pm – 4.30 pm
- Data screening and transformation (continuation)
- Basic Descriptive Statistics
- Questions and Answers (Q & A)
4.30 pm – 5.00 pm (Tea Break)
Module 1: Day 2
8.30 am – 10.30 am
- Correlation
- T-tests
10.30 am – 11.00 am (Tea Break)
11.00 am – 1.00 pm
- T-test (continuation)
LUNCH
1.00 pm – 2.10 pm
2.10 pm – 4.30 pm
- Non-parametric tests
- Questions and Answers (Q & A)
4.30 pm – 5.00 pm (Tea Break)
EXPECTATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
In completion of this academic workshop, participants are expected to be able to manage SPSS spreadsheets and conduct simple inferential statistics. Participants are also expected to be able to massage data through data transformation and run non-parametric tests on non-parametric dataset. Participants can choose to take Module 2 onwards should they think they already have initial knowledge in SPSS in Module 1. However participants are encouraged to engage in all the two modules in order to incorporate the gist of this workshop.
SPSS modules may have the capacity to encompass other programming tools such as Visual Basic, C++, scripting facility, SAS, FORTRAN and Delphi. However this workshop WILL NOT facilitate participants to learn to programme with these programming tools.
Programme scope, delivery arrangements and suitability are confirmed during enquiry.