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Prior mathematical skills and success in business statistics course: Is there any significant relationship?

Students & Supervisors

Student Authors
Marzan Kazi Rubye
Bachelor of Business Administration, FBA
Supervisors
Dr. Mm Obaidul Islam
Senior Associate Professor, Faculty, FBA
Dr. Bikash Barua
Associate Professor, Faculty, FBA

Abstract

Universities require students in an undergraduate business program to complete one or more quantitative courses, such as business mathematics and business statistics. Business mathematics is a prerequisite for enrolling in business statistics. In business mathematics courses, students study algebra, matrix algebra and calculus. On the other hand, in business statistics, students study descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The statistics course is designed to introduce statistical analytical tools (such as descriptive analytics, predictive analytics and inferential analytics) that are used in data analysis and business decisions. This course provides an opportunity to study and practice statistics as an aid to business decision making in different functional areas of business. Success in a business statistics course in an undergraduate business program is influenced by prior mathematical knowledge. However, most of the students who enroll in the undergraduate business program have a commerce background and often lack basic quantitative skills. As a result, many undergraduate business students struggle with these subjects, leading to high failure and dropout rates. These challenges can hinder academic progress and delay graduation, impacting both institutional performance and student outcomes. This paper investigates the relationship between prior mathematical skills and success in business statistics course in an undergraduate business program in a leading private university in Bangladesh. Findings from this study will help professors and academics to better understand the students’ needs and develop early intervention strategies to support at-risk students and improve overall course outcomes. The results will be especially relevant for curriculum developers and academics. This is a part of an ongoing research project entitled: Undergraduate business students’ success in quantitative courses: A survival analysis approach.

Keywords

Business mathematics mathematical skills business statistics students’ performance

Publication Details

  • Type of Publication:
  • Conference Name: International Conference on Business &Technology
  • Date of Conference: 20/09/2025 - 20/09/2025
  • Venue: University of Asia Pacific, Dhaka University
  • Organizer: University of Asia Pacific, Dhaka University
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