STAT 301 - Business Statistics
In-Class Activity — Competing for a Contract
(counts as Lecture Review #23)

Thorndike Sports Equipment has submitted a bid to be the sole supplier of swimming goggles for the U.S. Olympic Team. OptiView, Inc., has been supplying the goggles for many years, and the Olympic Committee has said it will switch to Thorndike only if the Thorndike goggles are found to be markedly better. They will use a standard leakage test, to test the goggles.

For purposes of fairness, the committee has purchased 16 examples from each manufacturer in the retail marketplace. This is to avoid the possibility that either manufacturer might supply goggles that have been specially modified for the test. Testing involves installing the goggles on a surface that simulates the face of a swimmer, then submitting them to increasing water pressure (expressed in meters of water depth) until the goggles experience leakage. The greater the number of meters before leakage, the better the quality of the goggles.

Both companies have received copies of the test results and have an opportunity to offer their respective comments before the final decision is made. The data are given below.

You represent one of the two companies. (Even-numbered groups: you represent Thorndike. Odd-numbered groups: your represent OptiView.)

First, ANALYZE these data.

Second, PREPARE A SHORT WRITTEN REPORT on why your company should get the contract. BE PREPARED for your group to make a short presentation to the class on why you should get the contract.