Research Methods (5 cr)

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

Mondays, 14:00 - 17:00, in Myyrmäki campus, room MMB101

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. Where appropriate, the lecturer will supply additional reading materials.

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, although of course students will learn from the experience of using them. It is an opportunity to use research methods 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.

For those who choose a topic related to specifically to their career intentions, this is an excellent opportunity to develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of the subject.

Exam schedules

There are no exams for this course. There are two assignments, and the deadlines for these are more advisory than mandatory, being dependent on each student's individual preferences and personal circumstances. Nevertheless, faster progress leads to faster completion of the course.

More information will be provided in the first lecture.

International connections

The international aspect of the course depends very much on

1. the choice of research topic
2. the language skills of the student (access to information sources in different languages)
3. the availability of information sources from different countries or regions

Student workload

There is a total of 130 hours allocated to this course. These are divided as follows:

Activity / Hours

Lectures 18
Assessment (including presentations) 62
Reading, literature search 50

Content scheduling

An introductory series of lectures will be presented, during which period students should be able to identify a research topic and begin work learning more about that. This will form the basis of the preliminary literature review, which is the first assignment.

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 March. 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

The grading scale employed in the course is the standard Metropolia grading scale:

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

Qualifications

Basic and professional business studies or equivalent competences