QCF Syllabus

Introduction to Quantitative Methods

Unit Title
Unit Reference
Number
Guided Learning
Hours
Level
Number of Credits

Introduction to Quantitative Methods

D/600/0603
100
4
12

Unit purpose and aim(s):

This unit aims to give learners a sound understanding of:

numeracy and business calculations

algebraic methods
graphs, charts and diagrams
the use of statistical methods to supply business and management information
the laws of probability

Learning Outcome 1
The learner will: Understand the rules of numeracy.
Assessment Criteria
The learner can:

Indicative Content
1.1.1 Apply the four rules of numeracy to whole numbers, fractions and
decimals.
Base ten system
Place values
Basic operations(+, -, X % )
What is (a) Natural numbers
(b) Integers
(c) Fractions-Proper, improper, mixed etc & changing one to
another
(d)Decimals, normal & repeating decimals, rounding of,
decimals to fractions &
virseversa
(e)Dealing with negative numbers
(f) BODMAS
(g) Percentages, changing numbers from fractions to %, from %
to decimals, etc
(h) Other types of numbers Rational, Irrational, Odd, Even &
comparison
https://www.ixl.com/math/grade-5

1. Apply the four rules of

1 numeracy.
1. Express numbers in
2 standard

1.2.1 Express numbers in standard form.

form.
1.
3 Multiply and divide negative 1.3.1 Multiply and divide negative numbers.
numbers.

Learning Outcome 2
The learner will: Understand the rules of numeracy.
Assessment Criteria
The learner can:
2.1 Compare numbers and
approximate data.
2.2 Determine values for
simple
financial transactions.

2.3 Make and apply

calculations.

Indicative Content
2.1.1 Compare numbers using ratios, proportions and percentages in a
business context.
2.1.2 Approximate data using rounding, significant figures.
2.2.1 Obtain values for simple financial transactions involving purchases,
wages, taxation,
discounts.
2.2.2 Determine values for simple and compound interest, and for
depreciation of an
asset using the straight line method and the reducing balance
method.
2.2.3 Convert foreign currency.
2.3.1 Make calculations using a scientific calculator including roots and
powers;
logarithms and exponential values.
2.3.2 Evaluate terms involving a sequence of operations and use of
brackets.
2.3.3 Interpret, transpose and evaluate formulae.

Learning Outcome 3
The learner will: Be able to use algebraic methods to solve business problems.
Assessment Criteria
The learner can:
3. Solve equations using
1 algebraic
methods.

Indicative Content

3.1.1 Solve linear and simultaneous equations.

3.1.2 Solve quadratic equations using factorisation and formulae.

3. Solve equations using roots

2 or
3.2.1 Solve and simplify equations using roots or logarithms.
logarithms.
3.
3.3.1 Determine the equation of a straight line through two points and
3 Determine the equation of a also when given
straight line.
one point and its gradient.
3.3.2 Determine the gradient and intercepts on the x or y axes for a
straight line.

Learning Outcome 4
The learner will: Be able to construct and use graphs, charts and diagrams in a business context.
Assessment Criteria
The learner can:

Indicative Content

4.
1 Draw charts and diagrams
derived from tabular data.

4.1.1 Draw charts and diagrams derived from tabular data: e.g. bar
charts, pie charts,
scatter diagrams.

4. Plot graphs applying the

2 general
rules and principles of
graphical
construction.

4.2.1 Plot graphs applying the general rules and principles of graphical
construction,

4. Plot and interpret

3 mathematical
graphs.

4.3.1 Plot and interpret mathematical graphs for simple linear, quadratic,
exponential and
logarithmic equations.
4.3.2 Identify points of importance on graphs e.g. points of maximum
and minimum;
points of intercept with x and y axes.

including choice, range and scale of axes.

Learning Outcome 5
The learner will: Be able to apply statistical methods to provide business and management information.
Assessment Criteria
The learner can:

Indicative Content

5. Distinguish between
1 different
types of data.

5.1.1 Distinguish between quantitative and qualitative data.

5.1.2 Distinguish between continuous and discrete data.

5. Represent and interpret

2 data.

5.2.1 Represent and interpret data using histograms, stem and leaf
diagrams and

5.
3 Determine and interpret

cumulative frequency curves.

5.3.1 Determine and interpret summary statistics, including measures of
location (e.g.

summary statistics.

mean, mode and median), measures of dispersion (e.g. range,

interquartile range
and standard deviation) and measures of skewness.
5.3.2 Recognise and use the sigma notation for summation.

Learning Outcome 6
The learner will: Understand and be able to apply the laws of probability to find solutions to business
problems.
Assessment Criteria
The learner can:

Indicative Content

6. Explain and apply the laws

1 of

6.1.1 Recognise outcomes which are equally likely, not equally likely or
subjective.
6.1.2 Use appropriate formulae to determine probabilities for
complementary, mutually
exclusive, independent and conditional events.
6.1.3 Determine probabilities, using a sample space, two way table or
tree diagram.

probability.

6. Calculate the expected

2 value of
an outcome.
6. Determine probabilities
3 using the
normal distribution.

6.2.1 Use probabilities to calculate the expected value of an outcome.

6.3.1 Determine probabilities using the normal distribution, by making
use of standard
normal distribution tables.
6.3.2 Represent normal probabilities as areas under the standard normal
distribution
curve.

Assessment:

Assessment method: written examination (unless otherwise stated).

Written examinations are of three hours duration.
All learning outcomes will be assessed.

Recommended Reading:

Introduction to Quantitative Methods ABE Study Manual.

Please refer to the Tuition Resources section of the Members Area of the ABE website
(www.abeuk.com) for further recommended reading.