Mgm600-0803b-02 applied managerial decision-making - phase 1 discussion board

MGM600-0803B-02 Applied Managerial Decision-Making – Phase Discussion Board Information that can be characterised into a group is called discrete data. Discrete data can be counted by finite numbers which cannot be further divided into meaningful information. For example, we can record that number of damaged shipments but we cannot measure the parts damaged in the shipment. Discrete data cannot be further divided into smaller units to have a better understanding of the information. Discrete data is typical finite whole numbers. A defect cannot be described as half a defect. A population data is a discrete data because it involves the count of people and including them into various categories (Karthik, 2003).
On the other hand, continuous data is the information that can be calculated using scale or continuum. Continuous data comprises all types of numerical and it can be subdivided to have a better understanding into units and sub units depending on the accuracy required for a measurement. Discrete data gives input whether a variable is good, bad, on or off while continuous data can be measured in time, size, length, width, cost and temperature. Money, time and temperature are continuous data. For example, when we measure a slab of equal size, slabs that do not comply with the specifications will be put aside and this would be discrete data because slabs are separated because it is not as per the specifications. Since the data is collected to measure the slabs of specific size, it is continuous data. This example involves the measure of continuous data but discrete data forms a part of it (Karthik, 2003, Continuous Data).
The American Heart Association encourages the reduction of fat in food available in restaurants, bakers and in packaged form. The association basically promotes safe food and oil consumption and has set up the 1-800 numbers for consumers to clear their doubts about food safety thereby promoting healthy eating habits (American Heart Association Calls on the U. S., 2007).
Some of the commonly asked question is advice on changing the snack eating habits of obese children. This question received at 1-800 was put up at SUNY Upstate Medical University Health Connections who suggested the child should be taken to the primary care provider since the child may have basic health problems which should be checked. If it is a case of general condition, parents are referred to avail information from Mayo Clinic through the online Health library of CNN. This is a discrete date because obesity of the child cannot be measured but can be called as obese (Are Evening Snacks OK? 2008).
Consumers also have doubt whether snacks can be consumed by diabetic patients. 1-800 gave the answer that snacks are essential for certain diabetes on particular medications or insulin. A person consuming mixed insulin regimen are likely to feel that a snack after breakfast allows blood glucose level to stay balanced and prevents hypoglycemia in the interval between lunch and breakfast. Some diabetes may feel that a snack in the afternoon prior to their routine exercise will maintain the blood glucose level at the required standards. However certain diabetes have a craving to have a snack but they do not wish to increase their blood sugar level. In these circumstances, low carbohydrate snacks that do not affect the blood sugar levels may be consumed. Some of low carbohydrate snacks are two cups of popcorn, half a cup sugar free pudding, six ounces of yogurt, half turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread and one cup berries and half cup low fat cottage cheese (Lara Rondinelli, 2008.). This is a continuous data because the blood sugar level of diabetes can be measured and corresponding quantity of low carbohydrate snack can be consumed. In this case both blood sugar as well as amount of carbohydrates can be measured.
Certain customers have used the 1-800 numbers to ask about the availability of a branded snack. The number responded that the snack can be found at convenience stores and grocery vendors. Sometimes the particular brand will not be available at a store due to the lack of shelf space and demand of customers that restrict the vendor from stocking the product. The 1-800 also answered that in case the customer is unable to locate the product, a call could be made to a particular Customer Service number to know the nearest store that stock the snack (Tom’s Snacks Co. Frequently Asked Questions).
This question and answer is an example of discrete variable because the 1-800 numbers could only respond whether the particular brand snack is available and where it is available. 1-800 has not answered the number of stores where it is available though it has given the option of calling the customer service to locate the nearest store in times of non available. Since this case does not relate to any number at the preliminary response, this is a care of discrete data.
Queries with continuous variable are preferred because the response to questions can be specific and it will help in the future statistical research related to the particular question.
References
American Heart Association Calls on the U. S. to Pay Attention to the Bad Fats, Trans and
Saturated. April 10, 2007. Retrieved from http://www. pr-inside. com/american-heart-association-calls-on-r88966. htm. Accessed: August 29, 2008
Are Evening Snacks OK? May 6, 2008. Retrieved from
http://www. 9wsyr. com/content/kids_challenge/story. aspx? content_id= 495fdd23-3a83-4e04-8c84-3568fdd2cbd9. Accessed August 29, 2008.
Karthik, B. July 7, 2003. Continuous Data. Retrieved from
http://www. isixsigma. com/dictionary/Continuous_Data-96. htm. Accessed: August 29, 2008.
Karthik, B. July 7, 2003. Discrete Data. Retrieved from
http://www. isixsigma. com/dictionary/Discrete_Data-226. htm. Accessed: August 29, 2008.
Lara Rondinelli . April 14, 2008. Healthy Snacks and Sweet Treats. Retrieved from
http://www. dlife. com/dLife/do/ShowContent/inspiration_expert_advice/expert_columns/rondinelli_april08. html. Accessed August 29, 2008.
Tom’s Snacks Co. Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved from
http://www. tomsfoods. com/faq. asp. Accessed: August 29, 2008.