Research Methods (5 cr)

Objective

After completion the course the student can list and describe the initial steps of a research process and is able to design R&D project leading to a Master’s Thesis. The student can utilize methodology applicable to engineering research projects and is able to use scientific texts and professional literature to support problem-solving. The student can evaluate the suitability of various research methods and choose those suited to student's R&D project. The student will be able report student's project in a professional manner.

The Master’s Thesis in Industrial Management approaches an industry-relevant business problem. It recognizes the existing knowledge around the scoped area. In this course, the student builds upon their existing knowledge about relevant business field by identifying an aspect in need of improvement, development, or investigation (or similar approach). Aim is to identify target businesses challenge and provide clear and crisp objective and outcome to the project. This proposal is further developed into a practical action plan or roadmap for the key stakeholders by selecting appropriate research design and building the structure for the endeavor.

Though the work student will learn how to plan a larger project and is further provided opportunities to learn academic writing.

Content

The entire thesis consists of seven gates, where this course includes the first two of them. A gate is understood as:

1) Study of R&D methodology,
2) Possible meeting with the main instructor and the process instructor
3) Assignment (presentation & feedback).

This course includes two of the seven gates leading to a thesis, which are the following:

GATE 1. Business challenge, objective and outcome.
GATE 2. Research design, Table of contents

Further, the course includes writing tasks:
First written delivery - for the Master’s topic approval.
This delivery includes written description of business challenge, objective and outcome, coupled with a brief description of the case company and project background. It corresponds to the first draft of Section 1. Introduction.

Second delivery, a “30% version” - delivered as output of GATES 1-2.
This delivery includes productions of improved Section 1. Introduction and Section 2. Method and Material (research approach, data collection and analysis methods, research design, validity and reliability considerations) and includes 15-20 pages.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student is able to apply the above listed, learned knowledge and skills according to instructions.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student is able to apply the above listed, learned knowledge and skills independently.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student is able to give reasons for his or her choices related to the course contents in a comprehensive manner.