This course is compulsory on the Global MSc in Management, Global MSc in Management (CEMS MIM) and Global MSc in Management (MBA Exchange). This course is not available as an outside option.

The course is divided into the following subject areas:

• Introduction to maths for economics
• Introduction to quantitative analysis: Installing and navigating R
• Understanding company accounts
• How to present

Introduction to maths for economics:

This is for all students and the key learning objectives cover:

1. How to compute and draw the slope and the intercepts of a linear function.
2. How to graph a function: linear, quadratic, min, max,
3. Solving a linear equation of degree one and solving a linear system of two equations and two unknowns.
4. Partial derivatives of a polynomial in one variable. Differentiation of a polynomial and a Cobb-Douglas function of two variables with respect to each variable. Finding the maximum or the minimum of a one-variable function.
5. Computing the expectation of a discrete  random variable.

Introduction to quantitative analysis: Installing and navigating R:

R is the statistical programming language that is used in MY451 (Introduction to Quantitative Analysis). MY451 is one of the core courses in the Michaelmas term. While no prior knowledge of R (or indeed statistics) is assumed for MY451, this is to help smooth your first few weeks. You will be shown how to download the R package onto your laptop, and how to navigate within the programme.

Understanding company accounts:

This will be covered in two pre-recorded on-line lectures.

Writing Skills for postgraduates:

These sessions are intended to help students who have backgrounds outside the social sciences and humanities make the transition to postgraduate work. Topics covered will include identifying and making an argument and the fundamentals of essay writing.

How to present:

There will be interactive sessions designed to improve your presentation skills.

Sessions will be delivered duirng the two week pre-sessional activities prior to Michaelmas Term. Rounding out the schedule is a full programme of talks and activities designed to smooth your transition to postgraduate study at LSE.

Introduction to maths for economics:

This book (4th edition) is good and it is open source (see website of one of the authors here). The chapters we cover:

i. Chapter 1 (functions).

ii. Subchapter 8.1

iii. Appendix A.6 (systems of equations).

These readings (i., ii, & iii) should cover points 1-3 of the key learning objectives above. We strongly recommend that students read this in advance of the pre sessional if they are new to this material.

Introduction to quantitative analysis: Installing and navigating R

If you are new to statistics MY451 starts from first principles and there is no requirement to do any pre reading. However, you may wish to look at the MY451 course pack to give you a head start:

• The course pack for MY451 is available to download at: https://lse-methodology.github.io/MY451/. You can also find it on the Moodle page of MY451 which is open to enrolment. 
• Spiegelhalter, D., 2019. The art of statistics: Learning from data. Penguin UK. An accessible and engaging introduction to statistics.

How to present:

•  Anderson, C., 2016. TED Talks: The official TED guide to public speaking: Tips and tricks for giving unforgettable speeches and presentations. Hachette UK.

No formal assessment. Students will sit a mock exam at the end of the introduction to maths for economics course based upon the material to aid learning.