Online Program


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Thu, Feb 16
SC1: Analysis of Messy Data: Design and Analysis of Experiments Requiring Mixed Models		Thu, Feb 16, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Atlantis B
Instructor(s): George Milliken, Kansas State University (retired) Download Handouts


Four basic design structures that are building blocks for complex designs will be presented visually and conceptually. The analyses of the four design structures will be described in such a way that one can determine the appropriate error terms and associated degrees of freedom. Three of the four design structures are mixed models. The concept of fixed and random effects will be discussed, as well as analysis of a basic mixed model. Several examples will be used to demonstrate the use of the basic design structures to extract an appropriate model for complex designs. Examples will include incomplete block designs, repeated measures designs, split-plot designs, strip-plot designs, and combinations of these designs. SAS’s PROC MIXED and PROC GLIMMIX will be used to demonstrate the construction of code from the results of developing models for complex designs.


SC2: Regression Modeling with Many Correlated Predictors: High-Dimensional Data Analysis in Practice		Thu, Feb 16, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Atlantis A
Instructor(s): Tony Babinec, AB Analytics; Jay Magidson, Statistical Innovations Inc. Download Handouts


The availability of a vast amount of data in fields such as genomics, marketing research, and signal processing has led to recent advances in high-dimensional data analysis. It is now possible to develop reliable regression models, even when the number of predictors exceeds the number of cases. In this course, we will begin by reviewing problems and limitations with traditional linear and logistic regression. We will then introduce the two primary regularization approaches for analyzing such data—penalized regression and component methods—related software, and recent advances in feature selection. Our applications-oriented presentation provides insight into how the new approaches work in examples with both low- and high-dimensional data and an overview of the relevant theory, supplemented by supporting equations. We will use real and simulated data sets to illustrate the different methods. The material presented will be included in a forthcoming book on this topic by the presenter.


SC3: Introducing R for Statistical Analysis		Thu, Feb 16, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM Fantail
Instructor(s): Eric Nantz, Eli Lilly and Company Download Handouts


R is a powerful statistical and data analysis software package and has rapidly become the software of choice for understanding data and applying statistical methodologies. Unlike the traditional statistical analysis software, R is free and open-source. This course will introduce R and supplemental tools to enhance the user experience. We will then discuss how to import common data file formats into R for analysis. We will use example data sets to illustrate how to compute basic statistics, conduct inference procedures, fit linear models, create visualizations of the data, and perform data manipulations. Last, we will discuss best practices for writing R programs and additional resources for learning more about the capabilities of R. When finished, you will be able to use R for a comprehensive data analysis with basic data operations, statistical methods, and visualization. Attendees should have a basic understanding of descriptive statistics and statistical methods such as t-tests, linear regression, and chi-square test. Before the course, instructions for installing R and supplemental materials will be given to all participants. While not required, it is beneficial for attendees to install this software before the course.


SC4: Why Don’t They Get It?		Thu, Feb 16, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM Zander
Instructor(s): Bill Williams, Organizational Learning Consultant Download Handouts


Many of us make presentations to others as part of our work. These range in length and complexity of the situation, from presenting ideas to your supervisor, to presenting analysis results in a small group meeting, to more formal, stand-up affairs in front of rooms full of people. Regardless, if you have ever felt as though you were being tuned out or misunderstood by an audience, it may be time to learn to “see” through their eyes. In this short workshop, you’ll do a basic assessment of your preferred modes communication and identify some strategies for adjusting to audiences who have different cognitive styles and communication preferences from yours.


SC5: Using Statistical Engineering to Solve Large, Unstructured Problems		Thu, Feb 16, 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM Fantail
Instructor(s): Ronald D Snee, Snee Associates, LLC Download Handouts


This course was designed to enhance the skills of statisticians in using statistical engineering to solve large, complex, unstructured problems encountered in business, industry, and government. We will identify important gaps in the theory of statistical engineering for which research is needed. Several case studies of the use of statistical engineering in a variety of fields will be presented. Issues to be addressed include understanding what statistical engineering is, why it is important, and how to use it, as well as identifying research gaps. We also will discuss how statistical engineering differs from the classic application of statistics. Participants will be introduced to the critical leadership skills needed for the successful use of statistical engineering. Each participant will develop a personal action plan for using statistical engineering in their work environment, whether in academia, government, or the private sector. Participants will gain insight into increasing the impact of their work and how to transition from being viewed as passive consultants to proactive leaders within their organizations. We will use presentation and discussion of material from articles about statistical engineering, as well as share personal experiences (participants and course leaders) in solving large, unstructured problems. The course will be highly interactive, enabling extensive participation by all.


SC6: Managing Your Time and Priorities		Thu, Feb 16, 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM Zander
Instructor(s): Bill Williams, Organizational Learning Consultant Download Handouts


Time management isn’t a skill so much as a collection of around a dozen skills, from broader behaviors like goal setting to management skills like delegation, to more granular tactics like scheduling. Most of us excel at some and fall short on others. In this course, you will take a step back from the day-to-day to identify your most important priorities, look at what gets in the way of addressing them, identify your time management strengths and areas for improvement, and explore means of shoring up your weak areas.