The motivation of students to follow a course is much higher if the lessons feel relevant and real. We already mentioned the STIPS online statistics course, which teaches concepts in data analytics which are relevant for practitioners – this is one part. Another part are the tools used to bring these concepts to life, and JMP definitely helps to teach analytical workflows and best practices for making better decisions, improving systems and processes and driving innovation.
In this post, we address a third dimension: Instead of dry exercises without context, demonstrate and practice using real-world problem-solving examples. This is already a game-changer and the fun part for students in many courses worldwide.
Case study library
What is it? Case studies are one option to add practical statistical problem solving to your course. They illustrate the application of statistical tools to real-world problems. Each case provides background information, a task, data, complete JMP illustrations, a summary of insights and implications, and exercises.
Where to find? All case studies are available at JMP Academic Resources Portal > Case Study Library. Before you download the PDF and dataset, you can check the theme of the case study as well as the suggested statistical methods and used JMP features for solving the problem.
How to use? Case studies are grouped by three sets: Business statistics, statistics and biostatistics, and analytics. They are also sorted by course and analysis type. The problems (without solutions) are ideal assignments for exercises, especially in groups. Solutions – together with the methods and tools used – can be presented by each group to share what they have learned. Each task can easily be extended by asking further questions, some additional exercises are already suggested after each solution.
If you'd like to share a case study that is useful in teaching statistical concepts, please contact us, or consider posting your materials on the JMP User Community.
Cases from books
What is it? Fortunately, also many good books present real-world problems and solutions which could be used for teaching.
For instance, the book Visual Six Sigma - Making Data Analysis Lean contains six real-world case studies that can be studied independently, and which trace the path from problem to solution. In addition to detailed step-by-step instructions using JMP the full story is told, and students become part of the project team discussing next steps, results and lessons learned. The polymer case for instance challenges the team improving the manufacturing of white plastic garden chairs. The process data are so noisy that they cannot identify root causes for low yield, which leads them to analyzing and improving the measurement system. A role play which is engaging, challenging and enlightening.
A companion website provides the data used in each case study as well as scripts to perform the analysis and extend JMP's capabilities.
Where to find? This case study can be found in the second edition of Cox, Gaudard and Stephens Visual Six Sigma: Making Data Analysis Lean published by Wiley (2016).
Another book which provides rich teaching content including datasets and slides is Shmueli, Yahav, Stephens and Bruce Data Mining for Business Analytics: Concepts, Techniques, and Applications with JMP Pro by Wiley (2016).
Both books can be requested as instructor evaluation copies at Wiley. Kindle editions are also available.
How to use? The best value is taken from these books by presenting a full case study from problem to solution, inspiring the students about statistical thinking for solving real-world problems.
Academic-Industry collaboration
What is it? JMP appreciates and supports initiatives between academia and industry. Building bridges between educators and students on one side and practitioners in industry on the other side has a win-win-win mission: “Help bridge the gap between academia and industry, to build an awareness and an understanding of the importance of statistical thinking, and promote critical skills to better prepare students for careers in industry.”
Preparing students for industry during education has many advantages compared to any training on the job. Connecting with universities before the recruitment phase can save companies a lot of time and money.
Where to find? The JMP Academic-Industry Network site has several inspiring videos about academic-industry collaboration. In case you are interested in connecting “with the other side”, please contact the JMP academic team – we are happy to help.
How to use? Collaborations have benefits for both the academic and industry partners and can aim at various goals, like fostering connections, joint symposiums, internships, business speed-dating days, or applied research. Learn more about specific examples in our success stories:
- The University of Oregon’s (United States) Master's Industrial Internship Program produces industry-ready graduates who can hit the ground running in real-world jobs thanks to their mastery of industry-relevant coursework.
- Students at Chalmers University (Sweden) of Technology jump-start their careers in industry with coursework in data methods and Six Sigma.
- At Oklahoma State University (United States), a unique business analytics master’s program takes a cue from industry partners to teach students about the real-world applications of data science.
- De Montfort University (United Kingdom) offers students the opportunity to learn from pharmaceutical industry experts through an innovative program in applied Quality by Design.
In case you know JMP from your studies and would like to continue your passion for analyzing data with great software in your workplace, consider becoming a JMP champion at your new employer: Most of the academic resources, including the JMP Learning Library and STIPS, can be used for internal training or self-learning in industry as well. In case a JMP license does not already exist, our JMP technical experts are available to provide onsite demonstrations and evaluations in non-academic settings. Please get in touch with our local sales team.
In the final post, we put everything together and discuss some examples how JMP academic resources can support and change your teaching.
Click to see the other posts in this series about teaching with JMP.
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