Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The purpose of this course is to assist you in the production of your master's thesis. By independently watching the attached audiovisual material and by reading the articles as well as the textbook of this course, you will develop a solid understanding of the research methods which allow us to address particular research problems in a systematic, scientific way. An understanding of these research methods assists you, first and foremost, in tackling the challenges later in your own master's thesis. Moreover, this course gives you the capability to evaluate and criticize, at least to some degree, various scientific investigations in both the qualitative and the quantitative genres  and especially such studies that revolve around accounting topics.

Credits: 6

Schedule: 13.01.2021 - 09.02.2021

Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Henry Jarva, Juhani Vaivio

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Henry Jarva, Juhani Vaivio

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (applies in this implementation):

Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):

Teaching language: English

Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    During the course the student will familiarize her-/himself with the research process and the use of research methods:
    1. Quantitative research methods in financial accounting, including multiple regression model and binary choice models using SAS 9.4 (or other) statistical analysis software.
    2. Qualitative research methods in management accounting, including case studies and survey research. 

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    1. Online Qualitative Exam (50%)

    2. Online Quantitative Exam (50%)

    A student have to pass both exams.

Workload
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    - Lectures 6 h

    - Exercises 15 h

    - Independent work 131 h

    - Exams 8 h

DETAILS

Study Material
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Selected research articles and videos available at the MyCourses page.

    Blumberg, B., Cooper, D. R. & Schindler, P. S. (2008). Business Research Methods. ISBN-13: 978-0-07-711745-0

    Availability

Prerequisites
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    This is an advanced course in accounting. Ideally, you should take this course when you start thinking about writing your master's thesis soon - but well before joining a master's thesis seminar group, and before committing yourself to the investigation of a specific research topic.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Details on the schedule
  • Applies in this implementation:

    Due to the COVID-19 situation, all lectures will be online via Zoom. Please use this link to participate online lectures and exercises:

    https://aalto.zoom.us/j/69156601157

    Schedule for lectures:
    Wed 13.1. 9:15-12:00 (Henry Jarva, short intro)
    Mon 25.1 9:15-12:00 (Panel discussion)
    Mon 1.2. 9:15-12:00 (Juhani Vaivio, qualitative methods)

    Schedule for exercises:
    Tue 26.1. 9:15-12:00
    Wed 27.1. 9:15-12:00
    Tue 2.2. 9:15-12:00
    Wed 3.2. 9:15-12:00
    Tue 9.2. 9:15-12:00

    In addition, please test the remote connection before the online lectures. Note that SAS 9.4 program is available in rooms A046 and R102. You need this information when you are selecting the class room to connect. For further details, see: https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/remote-access-to-windows-classroom-computers