Research Methods (5 cr)
Code: LC00EH12-3001
General information
Enrollment
02.05.2022 - 14.08.2022
Timing
29.08.2022 - 18.12.2022
Number of ECTS credits allocated
5 op
RDI portion
5 op
Mode of delivery
Contact teaching
Unit
School of Business
Campus
Leiritie 1
Teaching languages
- English
Seats
20 - 35
Degree programmes
- Degree Programme in International Business and Logistics
Teachers
- Michael Keaney
Teacher in charge
Suvi Moll
Groups
-
LC20R_SCMIncoming DD Rennes 3rd year students Supply Chain Management
-
LC20R_MIncoming DD Rennes 3rd year students Marketing
-
LXC20_SCMLXC20_SCM
-
LC20R_FIncoming DD Rennes 3rd year students Finance
-
LXC20_MARLXC20_MAR
-
LB20S_MGIncoming DD Stuttgart Management
-
LB20S_MIncoming DD Stuttgart Marketing
-
LB20_HIncoming DD HTW Saarbrücken
Objective
Upon completing this course the student will:
- Understand the importance and impact of key methodological choices
- Know how to apply trusted appraisal techniques in evaluating written work
- Have developed more advanced information search skills
- Know how to apply strategic planning skills, including (1) Time management, (2) Information management, and (3) Data collection and analysis
Students will be able to:
- Construct fully prepared research plans
- Make full use of available information sources
- Conduct critical appraisal of information sources
- Apply rigorously the standard scientific report-writing conventions
- Conduct scientific analysis of contemporary social, economic and business problems or issues
Content
Identifying suitable research topics
Literature search techniques
Literature review and critical analysis
The role of theory
Types of research project
Written communication techniques
Philosophy of social science
Data collection and analysis
Research ethics
Location and time
Tuesdays, 11:00 - 14:00 in room MMA125
Materials
There are many good guides to research methods, including this:
Mark Saunders, Philip Lewis and Adrian Thornhill (2019) Research Methods for Business Students, 8th ed. Harlow: Pearson. (ISBN 978-1-292-20878-7)
There is a large selection of books that discuss research methods in the library. Almost all of these are suitable as reference books to consult during your research.
Most of the required reading relates to the topic chosen by each student as their research focus.
Teaching methods
This course comprises a short series of lectures followed by student presentations based on the research topic of their choice. The focus is on learning about research methods by applying them in practice. It is not a course *about* research methods. Instead, it is an opportunity to use them in practice. Ultimately each student must produce a well-developed research plan that is intended to serve as the basis for their Bachelor's Thesis.
Employer connections
For students who wish to combine their thesis with their work experience, this course provides useful guidance about how to manage the sometimes conflicting demands of employers and the academic requirements necessary for a successful thesis.
Exam schedules
There are no exams for this course. There are two assignments, and the deadlines for these are dependent on each student's individual circumstances. More information will be provided in the first lecture.
International connections
The international aspect of the course depends very much on the choice of research topic. Nevertheless, the class is very international in composition, and the variety of research topics selected by students ensures a thoroughly international array of content.
Student workload
There is a total of 130 hours allocated to this course. These are divided as follows:
Lectures, 18 hours
Assessment (including presentations) 62
Reading, literature search 50
Content scheduling
Preliminary literature review - a presentation followed by the delivery of a written report one week later, using feedback and criticism gained from the discussion following the presentation. This is worth 25% of the total assessment.
Presentations are scheduled to begin in October. Confirmation of the presentation schedule will be agreed in class with the lecturer.
Further information
Regular attendance is strongly encouraged. This applies particularly to the presentations, which are often the most rewarding and informative parts of the course. Regardless of the topics chosen by other students, we are all able to learn from each other's experiences of problems in research work, and how to overcome these.
Evaluation scale
0-5
Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)
The student has achieved the course objectives fairly. The student will be able to identify, define and use the course subject area’s concepts and models. The student understands the criteria and principles of the expertise development.
Assessment criteria, good (3)
The student has achieved the course objectives well, even though the knowledge and skills need improvement on some areas. The student is able to define the course concepts and models and are able to justify the analysis. The student is able to apply his/her knowledge in leisure, study and work situations. The student understands the importance of expertise in the field of business and is able to analyze his/her own expertise.
Assessment criteria, excellent (5)
The student has achieved the objectives of the course with excellent marks. The student masters commendably the course subject area’s concepts and models. The student is able to make justified and fluent analysis and to present concrete development measures. The student is well prepared to apply his/her knowledge in leisure, study and work situations. The student is able to analyze the business sector expertise and the development of his/her own expertise.
Assessment criteria, approved/failed
The student has achieved the course objectives fairly. The student will be able to identify, define and use the course subject area’s concepts and models. The student understands the criteria and principles of the expertise development.
Assessment methods and criteria
Grade Percentage/points Explanation
5: 90 – 100 Outstanding performance: not only fulfils all standard requirements but demonstrates originality and imagination
4: 80 – 89 Excellent performance, fulfilling all tasks in an appropriate manner
3: 70 – 79 Strong performance, showing strong understanding of basic concepts and good grasp of techniques, but with certain minor problems still requiring further attention
2: 60 – 69 Good performance, demonstrating basic grasp of concepts and techniques but less adept at more advanced application of these
1: 50 – 59 Adequate performance, showing just enough understanding of the subject to merit a pass grade but requiring greater effort to achieve a more satisfactory result
0: 0 – 49 30 – 49: insufficient to pass but capable of achieving a more satisfactory result if greater effort is made
0 – 29: a result indicating a significant lack of effort on the part of the student, and a clear signal that major improvements are necessary in the organisation of study time
Prerequisites
Basic and professional business studies or equivalent competences