The data in the file named Fast100 were collected by D. L. Green & Associates, a regional investment management company that specializes in working with clients who wish to invest in smaller companies with high growth potential. To aid the investment firm in locating appropriate investments for its clients, Sandra Williams, an assistant client manager, put together a database on 100 fast-growing companies. The database consists of data on eight variables for each of the 100 companies. Note that in some cases data are not available. A code of –99 has been used to signify missing data. These data will have to be omitted from any calculations.
a. Select the variable Sales. Develop a frequency distribution and histogram for Sales.
b. Compute the mean, median, and standard deviation for the Sales variable.
c. Determine the interquartile range for the Sales variable.
d. Construct a box and whisker plot for the Sales variable. Identify any outliers. Discard the outliers and recalculate the measures in part b.
e. Each year, a goal is set for sales. Next year’s goal will be to have average sales that are at this year’s 65th percentile. Identify next year’s sales goal.