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 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: 10.09.2024 - 26.11.2024

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Henri Schildt

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
Prerequisites

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching Language: English

    Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Autumn I - II
    2025-2026 Autumn I - II

    Registration:

    Course attendance is restricted to Industrial Engineering and Management PhD students.