1\ The Excel file HATCO1 consists of data related to
predicting the level of business (Usage Level) obtained from a
survey of purchasing managers of customers of an industrial
supplier, HATCO. The following are the independent variables.
• Delivery Speed—amount of time it takes to deliver the
product once an order is confirmed.
• Price Level—perceived level of price charged by product
suppliers.
• Price Flexibility—perceived willingness of HATCO
representatives to negotiate price on all types of purchases.
• Manufacturing Image—overall image of the manufacturer or
supplier.
• Overall Service—overall level of service necessary for
maintaining a satisfactory relationship between supplier and
purchaser.
• Sales Force Image—overall image of the manufacturer’s sales
force.
• Product Quality—perceived level of quality of a particular
product.
• Size of Firm—size relative to others in this market (0 =
small; 1 = large) .
Responses to the first seven variables were obtained using a
graphic rating scale, where a 10‐cm line was drawn between
endpoints labeled “poor” and “excellent.” Respondents indicated
their perceptions using a mark on the line, which was measured from
the left endpoint. The result was a scale from 0 to 10 rounded to
one decimal place.
1) You have been asked to analyze these data. Your analysis
should include a descriptive summary of the data using appropriate
charts and visual displays, recommendations on whether any
interventions are necessary based on the benchmark targets, whether
any differences exist between firm size and customer ratings, and
between firm size and usage level. Use appropriate hypothesis tests
to support your conclusions and summarize your findings in a formal
report to the Vice President of Purchasing.
2) Using the tools in this chapter 6 and 7 (regression and
forecasting), conduct a complete analysis to predict Usage Level.
Be sure to investigate the impact of the categorical variable Size
of Firm (coded as 0 for small firms and 1 for large firms) and
possible interactions. Also stratify the data by firm size to
account for any differences between small and large firms. Write up
your results in a formal report to HATCO management.