Course syllabus - Business Research Methods

Objectives

The purpose of this course is to give the students knowledge of scientific methods relevant to the field of study by practicing critical and analytical thinking, information search and examination of materials, as well as interpersonal skills through group work.

Learning outcomes

After completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1. discuss various scientific and methodological approaches and demonstrate knowledge of their strengths and weaknesses
2. plan and conduct information search
3. evaluate and analyze different types of sources in a critical way
4. conduct group work together with colleagues and actively contribute to solving tasks
5. communicate and present (orally and in writing) conclusions and methods to an international audience of both specialists and non-specialists
6. review and provide peer feedback on other students' work, and argue and discuss about their own contribution in the learning activities
7. carry out their studies in a way that is largely independent and self-governing

Course content

The course provides an overview of available and relevant research methods and will allow the student to develop their skills in using research models and methods to support decision making in organizations.

Specific requirements

Degree of Bachelor of at least 180 credits of which at least 90 credits of progressive specialization in Business Administration. In addition Swedish B/Swedish 3 and English B/ English 6 are required. In cases where the course is given in English, exemption from the Swedish B/Swedish 3 is given.

Examination

Written Assignment (INL1), 3 credits, grade Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E), Insufficient, complementary work possible (Fx), Insufficient (F) [learning outcomes 1, 3-7]
Written Assignment (INL2), 3 credits, grade Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E), Insufficient, complementary work possible (Fx), Insufficient (F) [learning outcomes 1-4]
Seminar (SEM1), 3 credits, grade Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E), Insufficient, complementary work possible (Fx), Insufficient (F) [learning outcomes 1, 3-7]
Written Assignment (INL3), 3 credits, grade Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E), Insufficient, complementary work possible (Fx), Insufficient (F) [learning outcomes 1-7]
Oral examination (MUN1), 3 credits, grade Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E), Insufficient, complementary work possible (Fx), Insufficient (F) [learning outcomes 1, 3-7]

The final grade is calculated as an average of all the parts of the course. All parts must be completed in order to receive a grade.

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

Interim Regulations and Other Regulations

The course overlaps 15 credits with EFO701 Marketing Issues in an International Context, 15 credits with EFO249 Introduction to Management and Research Methods and 15 credits with FOA307 Business Research Methods.