Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years (1.8.2018-31.7.2020), 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 participants will obtain a basic understanding of research methodology in the relevant scientific fields. These including the knowledge of research design, philosophies of science, key ethical principles, and professional skills and knowledge related to becoming a successful academic.
Credits: 5
Schedule: 15.09.2020 - 01.12.2020
Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Henri Schildt
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Henri Schildt
Contact information for the course (valid 19.08.2020-21.12.2112):
Instructor’s contact information:
Henri Schildt, henri.schildt@aalto.fi
Course coordinator:
Joosef Valli, joosef.valli@aalto.fi
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:
The course serves as an introductory course to research methods in industrial management and to successfully carrying out one's PhD dissertation. The course is designed to assist the student in making sense of four key questions concerning the methodology of a successful PhD dissertation: 1) What constitutes a good research problem; 2) what are the criteria for scientific knowledge, fit to be used in solving one's research problem; 3) what kinds of research designs can be used to produce such knowledge; and 4) how to report findings in order to make a scientific contribution.
Applies in this implementation:
--
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
The course is graded based on a pre-exam, individual pre-assignments, and the final assignment. The weighs of different criteria are indicated below:
1. Pre-exam (20%)
2. Weekly individual pre-assignments (40%)
3. Final assignment (40%)
Regular attendance required. Students are allowed to miss two sessions without further repercussions.Applies in this implementation:
--
Workload
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
33 h Classroom hours
46 h Class preparation & pre-assignments
25 h Pre-exam preparation
31 h Final reflection essay
Total 135 h (5 cr)Applies in this implementation:
--
DETAILS
Study Material
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
The course readings consist mainly of articles and book chapters. While readings for specific sessions are announced separately, the students are asked to obtain the following book for the pre-exam:
Smith, K. & Hitt, M. (eds). 2005. Great Minds in Management: The Process of Theory Development. Oxford University Press.Applies in this implementation:
Please note that we are not actually using Bryman & Bell book.
The course readings consist mainly of articles and book chapters. While readings for specific sessions are announced separately, the students are asked to obtain the following book for the pre-exam:
Smith, K. & Hitt, M. (eds). 2005. Great Minds in Management: The Process of Theory Development. Oxford University Press.
Substitutes for Courses
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Replaces the courses TU-53.1401, TU-53.401, TU-22.191, TU-22.1191, TU-91.3001 and TU-0.3000
Prerequisites
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
There are no specific prerequisites for the course.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Details on the schedule
Applies in this implementation:
Session
Date
Topic
Lecturer
#1
15.9.
Course kick-off – what is theory?
Henri Schildt
#2
22.9.
Research design and theoretical contributions
Henri Schildt
#3
29.9.
How and why do a literature review
Marina Biniari
#4
6.10.
Philosophy of social sciences – epistemology and ontology
Henri Schildt
13.10.
-- no session --
#5
20.10.
Academic writing practice
Carol Kiriakos
#6
27.10.
Inference in quantitative research, basics of regression models
Mikko Rönkkö
#7
3.11.
Measurement and research design
Mikko Rönkkö
#8
10.11.
Research ethics
Antti Rousi
#9
17.11.
Writing for journals – argumentation and clarity
Henri Schildt
#10
24.11.
Academic careers and conferences
Henri Schildt
#11
1.12.
Final session (to be clarified)
Henri Schildt
- Teacher: Rousi Antti
- Teacher: Rönkkö Mikko
- Teacher: Rönkkö Mikko
- Teacher: Schildt Henri
- Teacher: Valli Joosef