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: 21.09.2021 - 07.12.2021
Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Henri Schildt, Joosef Valli
Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):
CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):
Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):
Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
valid for whole curriculum period:
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.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
valid for whole curriculum period:
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.
Workload
valid for whole curriculum period:
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)
DETAILS
Study Material
valid for whole curriculum period:
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 for whole curriculum period:
Prerequisites
valid for whole curriculum period:
FURTHER INFORMATION
Further Information
valid for whole curriculum period:
Teaching Period:
2020-2021 Autumn I-II
2021-2022 Autumn I-II
Course Homepage: https://mycourses.aalto.fi/course/search.php?search=TU-L0000
Registration for Courses: In the academic year 2021-2022, registration for courses will take place on Sisu (sisu.aalto.fi) instead of WebOodi.
Course attendance is restricted to Industrial Engineering and Management PhD students.
Details on the schedule
applies in this implementation
All teaching takes place on Zoom. The lecture links are on the MyCourses page.
Session
Date
Topic
Lecturer
#1
21.9.
Course kick-off – what is theory?
Henri Schildt
#2
28.9.
Research design and theoretical contributions
Henri Schildt
#3
5.10.
Academic writing practice
Carol Kiriakos
#4
12.10.
How and why do a literature review
Marina Biniari
19.10.
-- no session --
#5
26.10.
Inference in quantitative research, basics of regression models
Mikko Rönkkö
#6
2.11.
Measurement and research design
Mikko Rönkkö
#7
9.11.
Research ethics
Antti Rousi, Enrico Glerean, & Annukka Jyrämä
#8
16.11.
Philosophy of social sciences – epistemology and ontology
Henri Schildt
#9
23.11.
Writing for journals – argumentation and clarity
Henri Schildt
#10
30.11.
Academic careers and conferences
Henri Schildt
#11
7.12.
Final session
Panel discussion
- Teacher: Schildt Henri
- Teacher: Valli Joosef