Course syllabus - Scientific research method for Industrial engineering and management

Objectives

The purpose of the course is to deepen student understanding of knowledge formation in theory and practice and the abilities of scientific method and scientific writing.

Learning outcomes

After the course the students should be able to:

1. Understand and use important concepts in scientific method both in general and in the INDEK field
2. Critically and creatively identify and formulate research problems both in general and in the INDEK area
3. Independently design a feasible research process using appropriate methods, including literature review, problem formulation, etc., and develop an understanding of one's and others' scientific attitudes. Use qualitative and quantitative methods such as interviews, surveys, case studies and be able to analyze the collected material with different methods.
4. Critically analyze and evaluate validity and reliability as well as ethical issues regarding empirical and theoretical investigations.
5. Understand and use important concepts in scientific method in each field of technology
6. Critically and creatively identify and formulate research problems in each chosen technology area (energy technology; product and process development; computer science)
7. Apply the learning from the course using a number of skills, which arespecified in the course description / study guide.

Course content

3,5HP - Generell scientific method and theory of science method for INDEK

• Theory of science, various ways to classify research and the generic research process.
• Practical guidance for research topic selection, for example challenges to get access to empirical data and do the project planning.
• Design of appropriate studies depending on different disciplinary approaches.
• Qualitative and quantitative methods for collecting and analyzing data

2HP - Vetenskaplig metod för industriell ekonomi och management - (INDEK)

• Insights into examples of ongoing research in Industrial Engineering and Management
• Challenges posed by cross-disciplinary problems and research methods
• Introduction to interdisciplinary research methods:

The student group is then divided into three groups based on technology choices for the course's remaining 2HP:

2HP - Scientific method for energy technology
2HP - Scientific method for product and process development
2HP - Scientific method of computer science

Specific requirements

120 credits within the MSc programme in Industrial Economics, which includes at least 7.5 credits from a course in "Independent Work in Computer Science within Industrial Engineering and Management" or "Independent Work in Product and Process Development within Industrial Engineering and Management" or "Project work in Energy Engineering", or comparable. In addition, Swedish course 3 or Swedish level 3 and English course 6 or English level 2 are required. For courses given entirely in English exemption is made from the requirement in Swedish course 3 or Swedish level 3.

Examination

Assignment (INL1), essay on general scientific issues leading to a INDEK type research proposal, 3,5 hp, grade Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E), Insufficient, complementary work possible (Fx), Insufficient (F), learning outcomes: 1-7
Seminar (SEM1), discussion and opposition on the essay, 2 hp, grades Fail (U) or Pass (G), learning outcomes: 4 - 7
Assignment (INL2), specific and empirical task for each technology choice, 2 hp, grades Fail (U) or Pass (G), learning outcomes: 6 & 7

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding disability study support, can request adaptions for the examination. It is the examiner who takes decisions on any adaptions, based on the certificate and other conditions.

Grade

AF-skala