Research Methods and Tools (5 ECTS)

Learning outcomes

The purpose of the course is to improve the student's professional expertise, research and development skills, and expertise in critical argumentation and knowledge formation skills that can contribute to the field.

Objectives; the student
• is able to identify, evaluate and argue research and development needs from different angles
• can critically evaluate and utilise national and international research data and material for the purposes of working life development and RDI
• is familiar with the methods suitable for research and development projects in their field and can select the appropriate qualitative, quantitative or development methods for RDI projects
• is able to apply any chosen methods appropriately
• follows the principles of responsible conduct of research, data protection and research ethics and can apply the principles of open science and research in research and development activities
• is able to evaluate the reliability of the research and development project appropriately
• can communicate fluently about research and development issues
• can act with initiative and responsibility in multidisciplinary development networks and carry out various working life development projects.

Content

• Approaches to research and development work
• Identification and evaluation of research and development needs
• Systematic acquisition of information in research and development work
• Research and development processes and methods:
• Quantitative, qualitative and development methods
• Data collection, analysis, reliability and interpretation of data
• Research ethics, data protection and responsible conduct of research, and the principles of open science and research
• Communication and reporting of research and development work

Prerequisites

Completed higher education degree (Bachelor level)

Teaching methods

Teaching methods: face-to-face teaching, workshops, and Thesis seminars.
Learning outcomes:
The student recognizes the essentials of applied evidence-based research and is able to conduct systematic research in practice. He/she understands how to analyze the current state within an organization (e.g. processes, issues, systems) in order to propose/implement new approaches. He/she is prepared to design and implement a development/improvement project in his/her partner organization. He/she knows how to process research knowledge, and is able to use scientific texts and create own research report texts that comply in academic style.

The language of tuition is English.

Location and time

Classes are scheduled on these dates (the course spans autumn 2020 and spring 2021):
25.9., 23.10., 20.11., 15.1.2021, 12.2. and 26.3.

Timing for these classes:
Autumn 2020:
on 25.9. at 9:00-12:00,
on 23.10. and 20.11. at 13:00-16:00
Spring 2021:
15.1, 12.2, and 26.3 at 13:00-16:00.

Learning materials and recommended literature

Online materials and recommended readings will appear in OMA workspace.

Internship and working life connections

The assignments (related to the future Master´s thesis) are recommended to be done on the materials of the student´s partner organization, if available.

Exam dates and retake possibilities

no

International connections

no

Student workload

The student workload is 5 credits including all forms of learning: contact studies in class, self-studies and completing individual assignments (appx.135 hours, calculating 1 credit as appx. 27 hours).

Assignment outline:
The course assignments are built around practicing information search, conducting own research, and creating own texts in the research report format that comply in academic style, done individually on the topic of the student’s thesis project. The course assignments are designed to support the needs of a thesis writing student.

Content scheduling

Course contents are scheduled by GATES 1-6 and include:
- Research process – setting targets, building a research design, selecting research methods, conducting research, doing co-creation and development work, discussing and disseminating results
- Research methodology; research strategies and approaches
- Qualitative and quantitative research methods
- Action research for R&D projects in organizations
- Research discourse and thesis writing
- Research ethics & criteria for good research.

Further information for students

Please think of the partner company and a possible Master´s thesis topic beforehand. It will help to apply the learning from the course and complete assignments on the example of a real-life case.

Assessment methods and criteria

Satisfactory (1-2)
Sufficient performance: has completed basic requirements to pass the course and has made an attempt to apply and articulate concepts and information both verbally and in writing but has not made enough effort overall. The student has demonstrated little effort, interest and motivation for individual or team activities / assignments and the output is rather weak.

Good (3-4)
Good overall performance: can apply and articulate concepts and information well both verbally and in writing, certain areas of individual or team output require further attention; shows appropriate level of interest and motivation in individual and team activities. Good presentation delivery and analysis.

Excellent (5)
Excellent performance in all elements of the course: shows interest and motivation in individual and team activities and assignments, fully applies and clearly articulates concepts and information both verbally and in writing. The student is able to support his/her argument with references to the recommended reading and lecture content. Excellent presentation delivery and analysis.

Approved / Failed
Sufficient performance: has completed basic requirements to pass the course and has made an attempt to apply and articulate concepts and information both verbally and in writing but has not made enough effort overall. The student has demonstrated little effort, interest and motivation for individual or team activities / assignments and the output is rather weak.

Evaluation scale
H-5. The course is assessed on the H (pass) / 0 (failed) – 5 (excellent) scale.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student is able to identify and describe the needs and stages of research and development work in their field. The student is able to make use of relevant information in development work. The student is able to use and apply key concepts and methods in their field's research and development work. They are able to identify and take into account any data protection and research ethics issues. They can communicate and report on their research and development work. The student is able to, in cooperation with others, carry out research and development projects that develop working life.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student is able to analyse and argue the needs and stages of research and development work in their field. The student is able to compare, analyse and make use of relevant information purposefully in development work. The student is able to properly use key concepts and methods in their field's research and development work, and to apply them in a variety of ways. They adhere to data protection and research ethics guidelines. They communicate and report clearly on their research and development work. The student is able to carry out independent research and development projects that develop working life, and is capable of cooperation with others.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student is able to assess in a critical way and to argue from many angles the needs and stages of research and development work in their field. The student is able to critically analyse and assess relevant information and to apply it skillfully in development work. The student has excellent command of the key concepts and methods used in their field's research and development work, and is able to apply them in multiple and innovative ways. The students have internalised the data protection and research ethics guidelines, and develop operations that comply with them. They communicate and report convincingly on their research and development work. They are able to lead independent research and development projects and engage in constructive cooperation with others.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student is able to identify and describe the needs and stages of research and development work in their field. The student is able to make use of relevant information in development work. The student is able to use and apply key concepts and methods in their field's research and development work. They are able to identify and take into account any data protection and research ethics issues. They can communicate and report on their research and development work. The student is able to, in cooperation with others, carry out research and development projects that develop working life.