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Course syllabus - Research Methods and Academic Writing

Scope

7.5 credits

Course code

FOA162

Valid from

Autumn semester 2026

Education level

First cycle

Progressive Specialisation

G1F (First cycle, has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements)

Main area(s)

Business Administration

Organisation

Department of Business and Mathematics

Ratified

2019-06-28

Revised

2025-11-03

Literature lists

Course literature is preliminary up to 8 weeks before course start. Course literature can be valid over several semesters.

    • Ratified date: 2024-10-31
    • Latest update: 2025-05-27

    Books

    Saunders, Mark; Lewis, Philip; Thornhill, Adrian.

    Research methods for business students

    ISBN: 9781292402727

    LIBRIS-ID: fw5v0kh1ckpwv4pd

    Ninth edition, Harlow, Pearson Education, xxvii, 860 s.

Objectives

The purpose of the course is to introduce academic research methods and reporting. The focus is on both quantitative and qualitative methods for collecting, processing, presenting and analyzing data in the field of business studies. The course is orienting and preparatory for thesis studies on bachelor and master level.

Learning outcomes

After the course the student should be able to:

  1. describe, discuss and apply central/basic concepts and methods for collection, process, presentation and interpretation of data. ;
  2. understand the practical as well as theoretical relevance in formulating a research problem and its relationship to design of methods;
  3. relate ethically and responsibly to the collection and processing of data;
  4. assess and value the quality of research results;
  5. evaluate information and data from different type of sources;
  6. write an academic report based on an autonomously conducted empirical study

Course content

The course comprise of basic knowledge and understanding of research as a practice, focusing on collection, processing and presentation of data. It provides knowledge through theoretical learning as well as practical assignments.

Examination

Assignment (INL1), 1,5 hp, grades Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E), Insufficient, complementary work possible (Fx), Insufficient (F) Learning outcome: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6

Assignment (INL2), 3 hp, grades Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E), Insufficient, complementary work possible (Fx), Insufficient (F) Learning outcome: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Group assignment(GRU1), 3 hp, grades Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E), Insufficient, complementary work possible (Fx), Insufficient (F) Learning outcome: 1, 2, 3, 5

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

Interim Regulations and Other Regulations

Overlap with FOA141 and FOA155.