Statistical Programming with R: Data Analysis, Probability, Regression and Business Decision-Making

University:
Northumbria University
Subject:
Statistical Programming / Data Science / Business Analytics
Module:
Statistical Programming
Assignment Type:
MS Technical and scientific writing
Academic Year:
2025–2026

Assignment Overview

This Statistical Programming assessment evaluates students' ability to apply statistical techniques and R programming to practical data-science and business decision-making problems. The individual assessment combines descriptive statistics, data preparation, visualisation, probability, regression, correlation and sampling, requiring students to demonstrate both conceptual statistical understanding and practical implementation in RStudio. The module learning outcomes emphasise the application of statistical methods to large and real-world datasets, critical evaluation of analytical techniques and awareness of legal, cultural and ethical issues associated with data analysis and dissemination. KL7012 - Statistical Programmin… The early tasks examine fundamental statistical reasoning. Students interpret weight-loss data comparing exercise classes with gym-only workouts using sample size, mean, mode and standard deviation, and explain an appropriate method for dealing with missing data, including its advantages and disadvantages. KL7012 - Statistical Programmin… A substantial practical component uses a cystic fibrosis dataset containing variables such as age, sex, height, weight, body-mass-related measurements, forced expiratory volume, residual volume, functional residual capacity, total lung capacity and maximum expiratory pressure. Students import the data into an R data frame, generate descriptive summaries and interpret the results. They then use scatterplots to investigate relationships between variables and sex-stratified boxplots to identify possible outliers. KL7012 - Statistical Programmin… The assessment also covers major probability models. Students apply probability concepts to healthcare survival, helpdesk email arrivals and fuel-demand scenarios, while also discussing how changing assumptions or real-world conditions can affect interpretation. These exercises assess understanding of statistical distributions and their application to operational and managerial decision-making. KL7012 - Statistical Programmin… Further analytical tasks examine linear regression and correlation. Students analyse the relationship between temperature and converted sugar in a chemical process, use a regression model to estimate the expected response at a specified temperature, and interpret relevant summary statistics. They also calculate and evaluate the suitability of a correlation coefficient for examining the relationship between advertising activity and product purchases. KL7012 - Statistical Programmin… The final and most substantial task involves a real-world M1 traffic-speed investigation for a manufacturing organisation. Students must design an appropriate sampling strategy, collect data from the specified Traffic England source, conduct statistical analysis in RStudio and develop evidence-based conclusions. The statistical report for this task is limited to 1,500 words and should include sampling methodology, collected data, statistical analysis, results, conclusions and relevant background research, supported by appropriate graphs, tables and charts. Raw data and RStudio calculations must be included in an appendix. KL7012 - Statistical Programmin… Overall, the assessment integrates statistical theory with R-based practical analysis, covering descriptive statistics, probability, visualisation, missing-data treatment, regression, correlation, sampling and critical interpretation of results in healthcare, operational and business contexts.

Megaminds Experience

Megaminds has supported academic requirements in statistical programming / data science / business analytics, statistical programming and related disciplines.