I HAVE WRITTEN a couple of software reviews for OR/MS Today (Holland, 2003, 2005) over the past few years and unfortunately, I have always had installation difficulties. So, the question is whether there is something in JMP for those users. I am approaching this with the following mind-set: Is this better than using Microsoft Excel? There may be times when you need Minitab, SPSS or SAS itself for a specialized analysis, but the majority of management science/operations research users find their more modest requirements can be met with Excel. I do not investigate the more advanced features, though I will summarize them for interested readers. The focus of this review is on the user-friendliness of performing basic statistical analyses in JMP. JMP automatically displays graphs with statistics, enabling users to visualize and uncover data patterns that impact their research, development and production activities." (JMP User Guide, 2006) The intelligent interface guides users to the right analyses. "JMP desktop statistical discovery software from SAS uses a structured, problem-centered approach to explore and analyze data on Windows, Macintosh and Linux. I think that's everything-but I reserve the right to add more demands later! In my experience, there is a psychological benefit for the new user of exploratory data analysis and applied statistics software if the interface feels familiar. Oh, and if it can look and feel like a Microsoft Office-type product then that would be helpful for the first-time user. An added bonus is if the software contains lots of useful help options on not only how to use particular tests, but their purpose. I teach basic level courses in Quantitative Methods/Business Statistics for MBA students at Cass Business School and am constantly on the lookout for the holy grail of Applied Statistics teaching-statistical software that is simple to use, does all the basics with menu-driven "click and point" functionality, does not need hours of scarce teaching time to introduce and doesn't overwhelm students studying statistics for the first time with too much functionality, or rather advance features that, due to layout, they find before meeting the basics. Though some of my students might call me insane, there was method in my madness. However, when I noticed the editor was looking for someone to review JMP 6.0.3,1 volunteered without being asked. WHEN THE SOFTWARE REVIEW EDITOR for OR/MS Today is looking for someone to review software, I usually lock my office door and hide under the desk until I get the all-clear signal.
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