All programmes > Mathematics for Business A

Mathematics for Business A (B-KUL-HBA41C)

3 ECTSEnglish52 First termCannot be taken as part of an examination contract
Maes Ann (coordinator) |  Maes Ann |  Boeckx Eric (cooperator) |  Egholm Laura (cooperator) |  Ramos González Julia (cooperator) |  Vancraeynest Bram (cooperator)  | LessMore
OC Business Administration FEB Campus Brussel

Aims

In Mathematics for Business A you expand your mathematical knowledge. You learn how to use mathematical concepts and methods in economic applications. The confrontation with the mathematical way of thinking sharpens your critical sense and problem solving abilities.

In this course, the following key objectives are (partially or fully) realized:

Defines, explains and uses, both graphically and model-based, macro- and micro-economic concepts

  • Defines, explains and uses both graphically and in a model-based way, a number of specific concepts like marginality and elasticity, from a mathematical point of view.

Uses static and dynamic models, graphically and algebraically, to analyse and solve (business) economic problems.

  • Has knowledge of and insight into functions of one variable and uses these to analyse and solve (business) economic problems, both graphically and algebraically.

Sets forth a logical and coherent argumentation to support choices made when solving a (business) economic problem with practical relevance.

  • ​Works out a logical and coherent argumentation to support the chosen mathematical technique when solving a (business) economic problem.

Is familiar with relevant ICT applications and uses the knowledge and skills to solve (business) economic problems.

  • ​Is familiar with relevant ICT applications for the mathematical techniques used.

The position of the course in the framework of the learning objectives of the programme can be found under the section “Objectives” of the “Bachelor of Business Administration (Brussels)”.

 

Previous knowledge

The student must have algebraic skills (including doing calculations with exponents, calculations with letters, solving linear and quadratic equations and inequalities) and knowledge of linear and quadratic functions. Knowledge of elementary plane analytical geometry (equations of lines and circles) is also required. The student further needs to have a logical and abstract reasoning ability.

Before the start of the academic year an introductory course is organized where this prerequisite knowledge will be reviewed. This introductory course will not suffice to bridge important gaps in preprequisite knowledge; students who do not have a sufficiently solid base in mathematics will be urged to make up for it in self-study. 

 

Identical courses

This course is identical to the following courses:
Y05152 : Wiskunde voor bedrijfswetenschappen A
HBH89E : Wiskunde voor bedrijfswetenschappen A

Is included in these courses of study

Activities

3 ects. Mathematics for Business A (B-KUL-HBA41c)

3 ECTSEnglishFormat: Lecture52 First term
Maes Ann |  Boeckx Eric (cooperator) |  Egholm Laura (cooperator) |  Ramos González Julia (cooperator) |  Vancraeynest Bram (cooperator)
OC Business Administration FEB Campus Brussel

Content

1. Exponential and logarithmic functions and economic applications
2. Functions of one variable
3. Derivative of a function of one variable and economic applications
4. Curve sketching, maxima and minima of functions of one variable

Course material

Hauessler, E.F., Paul, R.S., Wood, R.J.: Introductory Mathematical Analysis for Business, Economics, and the Life and Social Sciences. Pearson International Editition (from 13th edition).

Format: more information

Practical lecture - Practice session

Every week, two hours of lecture, two hours of practice session and two hours of study session are planned.

During the lectures, the new concepts and methods are introduced and demonstrated in exercises and applications.

Next, in practice sessions in smaller groups, students solve problems under the guidance of a lecturer and receive feedback on their way of working and proposed solutions.

Finally, in the study sessions, students can solve exercises alone or in small groups at their own rate, and seek individual advice from the lecturer present.

Evaluation

Evaluation: Mathematics for Business A (B-KUL-H75115)

Type : Partial or continuous assessment with (final) exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Written
Type of questions : Closed questions, Open questions
Learning material : Calculator

Explanation


The final exam result in the first exam period is the result obtained by rounding to the nearest integer number the sum of:

  • the bonus score that can be earned on the initial assessment at the start of the academic year (a score of 60% or more on this initial assessment yields a full bonus score of 1 while a score of 50% or more yields a half bonus score of 0.5);
  • the total score (on a total of 2 points) on the intermediate tests organised during the semester;
  • the score (on a total of 18 points) on the written final exam organized during the first exam period.

Not participating in the initial assessment or (some of) the intermediate tests results in a zero score for the respective part of final score. Not participating in the exam results in the final score NA regardless the scores on the initial assessment and intermediate tests.

If a student achieves a total score of more than 20, this score will be reduced to 20.

The result obtained on the initial assessment and the intermediate tests during the semester no longer account for the final result in the third exam period. Consequently, this final result only consists of the score (on a total of 20) on the written exam organized during the third exam period.

Information about retaking exams

For students who retake the exam in the third exam period, the result for the retake exam is the final result for the course, i.e. the result of the initial assessment and intermediate tests during the semester are not taken into account anymore.