Course syllabus - Research as Practice - Advanced Studies in Methodology

Objectives

The course aims to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and understanding of business research methods and methodology. By doing so, it empowers students to independently plan, conduct, and make valuable research contributions. The course presents different practices encompassing epistemology, theories, techniques, and applied research strategies and methods. Furthermore, the course fosters a reflective understanding of research and its significance within a broader societal context. Through a problem-based learning approach, students are provided with the necessary tools to assume individual responsibility. This learning environment enables students to actively engage with relevant challenges and develop the critical skills needed to navigate their research work in a meaningful way.

Learning outcomes

After successful completion of the course, the students will be able to:   

Knowledge and understanding:
1. Formulate a research problem and a research strategy based on a reflective methodological understanding relevant to both work-life and the subject of business administration. 
2. Demonstrate methodological knowledge and analytical capabilities by planning and acting from the perspective of research as practice. Doing this by drawing upon epistemology, theory, and applied methods.

Skills and abilities
3. Show the ability to reflect on ethical issues related to research and methods and discuss the general impact of research on society.
4. Demonstrate the ability to take individual responsibility for their learning processes and participate actively in the course.
5. Demonstrate the ability to effectively present and discuss, both in writing and orally, the arguments and merits of scientific articles.

Evaluation ability and approach
6. Evaluate and assess diverse types of research designs and strategies in relation to possible results. 

Course content

The course provides in-depth knowledge and understanding of research methods and methodology in business. During the course, students will practice reflecting on and understanding research and its importance from a wider societal context. The course covers the relevance of and the connection between business practice, theory, and methodology, and their various philosophical positions, including ethical considerations. The course offers students the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills regarding structuring, searching, and analysing scientific literature. The course covers both qualitative and quantitative data collection and allows students to develop their ability to reflect on and evaluate the possibilities and limitations of different methods. In the course, students can develop their understanding of formulating research problems and research as practice.

Specific requirements

A completed Bachelor's degree from an institution of higher education of three years or more, equivalent to at least 180 credits and with a major in the field of Business Administration.

A TOEFL test result, with a minimum score 575 with a TWE score of at least 4.5 (PBT) or 90 with a TWE score of at least 20 (iBT), or an IELTS test result with an overall band score of at least 6.5 and no band score below 5.5, or equivalent is required. 

In addition, at least 15 ECTS credits from completed courses in business administration at advanced level.

Examination

Seminar (SEM1) 3 credits, Grades Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E), Insufficient, complementary work possible (Fx), Insufficient (F). Relates to learning outcomes 2, 3, 4.

Assignment (INL1) 2 credits, Grades Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E), Insufficient, complementary work possible (Fx), Insufficient (F). Relates to learning outcomes 1, 3, 5. 

Project (PRO1) 2,5 credits, Grades Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E), Insufficient, complementary work possible (Fx), Insufficient (F). Relates to learning outcomes 1, 2, 4, 5, 6. 

Project (PRO2) 2,5 credits, Written assignment, participation in seminars. Grades Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E), Insufficient, complementary work possible (Fx), Insufficient (F). Relates to learning outcomes 1, 2, 4, 5, 6.

Assignment (INL2) 5 credits, Grades Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E), Insufficient, complementary work possible (Fx), Insufficient (F).  Relates to learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. 

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