Today the class took the statistics exam that we have been preparing for. Up to this point Dr. Zahay has been preparing us for this exam by giving the class SPSS assignments and have in class reviews. I remember hearing about the statistics exam at the beginning of the semester and feeling a little nervous, but by the time the test rolled around I felt pretty confident that I would do well. Coming in to this class I did not expect it to be so reliant on statistical analysis, but it turns out that I am quite pleased that it did. As an OMIS major using SPSS came very easy to me, and is quite similar to some other programs that I use. I am happy that I have been able to learn SPSS because it gives me another tool/skill that I can use to help find a job.

Reflecting on the first few weeks of the semester, when the class first started I was unsure what database marketing was all about. For the most part, I was really unaware to the extent that companies and organizations go through in order to understand their customers. With the help of databases and statistical software packages like SPSS, vast amounts of customer data can be mined and the output can be used to aid firms in reaching their goals. As far as SPSS is concerned, I think that once a person understands how the program works and how to interpret the outputs SPSS can be a very powerful tool. Companies that the do not use SPSS or programs like it are at a big disadvantage when it comes to understanding their customer's needs, wants, and expectations especially if their competitors are using this kind of software. With today's economy, organizations can't afford not to take advantage of this kind technology.