Research Methodology in Business Administration B69, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The overarching aim of this course is to acquire a basic knowledge of scientific paradigms and research methods. Further, the aim is to develop the student’s ability to first, conduct and in written form report a scientific study, and second, to evaluate and use scientific as well as other reports.

The course begins with a discussion on the process of knowledge creation, with an emphasis on the production of scientific knowledge. Important building blocks in this process are frames of reference, scientific ideals, problem formulation, scientific approaches and methods for data collection and analysis.

Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of a well thought-out choice of topic, problematisation, and a careful specification of the problem statement (research question). To this general scientific approach, research design and different types of research strategies are addressed. Further, the possibilities and limitations of quantitative and qualitative methods are discussed. Methods for sampling and data collection are scrutinized, among other things based on the possibilities of accessing information.

The course also includes activities that develops the student’s ability to find information in databases, to use different types of information in an appropriate manner, and to evaluate this information and the sources according to relevant criteria.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing this course, the student should be able to:•describe the basic features of the main scientific ideals, and explain how different values and perspectives influence the process of knowledge creation

• describe the different characteristics of qualitative and quantitative methods and evaluate the suitability of different methods to solve different types of research questions
• search, evaluate and use different types of information on a basic level
• argue for the formulation of a particular problem (research question), scientific strategies and methodological choices, and analyze an empirical and theoretical material
• critically examine a report from different perspectives
• plan, design and conduct a scientific study.

Required Knowledge

Requirements: University: Courses in Business Administration (75 ECTS) At Basic level (A-level) and Intermediate level (B-level) a minimum of 60 ECTS in Management, Marketing, Accounting and Finance courses. At the C-level (Bachelor), a minimum 15 ECTS. Students are also required to have English B from Swedish gymnasium or the equivalent.

Form of instruction

Lectures, seminars and supervision are the cornerstones of the teaching method during this course. Attendance is obligatory for activities that are part of the examination. All teaching will be in English..

Examination modes

As examination the student will conduct a scientific study together with a number of other students and perform at seminars.  An individual written exam is also a part of the course . A passing grade is required on each part of the course.

Complementary work on term papers and other compulsory tasks should be completed two weeks after the final date of the course, at the latest. Exams may include materials from textbook, handouts, readings, assignments and class discussions.

All examination will be in English

Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd, Vg, 75% or more),
Pass (Godkänd, G, 50% or more)
Fail (Underkänd, U, less than 50%).

In order to pass the course, the student must complete all parts of the examination i.e. reach 50% of the points of each part. To receive the grade pass with distinction, the student must reach at least 75% of the total points on the course.

In case of failure on seminar participation or individual and group assignments, compensating assignments must be completed in accordance with instructions given on each occasion.

Students who do not pass the written examination will be offered a re-examination opportunity within a month. Beyond that, additional opportunities to complete the written examination normally arise every academic year one-week prior to the start of the autumn term.

When a student has failed an examination on two occasions, he or she has a right to have another grading teacher. A written request for an alternative examiner should be handed to the director of studies no later than two weeks before the next examination opportunity.

Rules and regulations concerning the production of academic texts and correct referencing will be applicable to all written assignments. (see instructions in the Thesis manual. Thesis writing in Business Administration.) Urkund record may be used for control.

Lectures are normally not obligatory. However attendance is expected because the lectures are designed to facilitate students towards achieving course specific learning objectives. In addition lectures often provide insightful explanations of, and can supplement and provide contrast to, the course litterateur and other relevant course materials.

Student who has passed an examination can not redo the examination to get a higher grading.

Grades on the course are awarded when students have passed all examinations and compulsory course elements.

Academic credit transfer
Academic credit transfers are according to the University credit transfer regulations.

Other regulations

The course is recommended reading for students in the Master’s Programs in Business Administration, who have not previously read the equivalent methodology course in their Bachelor’s degree. The course is otherwise only available to foreign exchange students studying in Umeå through formal agreements.