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

Tuition

The lectures combine theory with discussion about scientific process and products. Learning activities take place both in groups and individually, and include several theoretical and practical elements such as: formulate research problems and questions, select and make a comparative analysis of articles, exercises on qualitative and quantitative methods.

Specific requirements

120 credits within the MSc programme in Industrial Economics, which includes 15 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 "Independent work in energy technology within Industrial Engineering and Management", or comparable. In addition Swedish course B/Swedish course 3 and English course A/English course 6 are required. For courses given entirely in English exemption is made from the requirement in Swedish course B/Swedish course 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 a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Excellent, Very good, Good, Satisfactory, Sufficient, Insufficient, complementary work possible, Insufficient