Research Methods (EBA4004), 3 op

Perustiedot

Esitietovaatimukset

Sisältö (ydinaines ja -osaaminen)

By the end of the course, the student will be able to:
* Design and develop a research framework based on previous research and their own experience to support their research
* Understand the motivations, strengths and weaknesses of different methodological approaches and operational tools to conduct research
* Conduct their research based on sound and explicitly motivated methodological choices
* Connect theory with practice
* Conduct literature reviews
* Produce their research report in English using appropriate bibliographic and citation conventions

Sisältö (täydentävä ja erityisosaaminen)

Presentations of work-in-progress

Tiedolliset oppimistulokset (ydinaines ja -osaaminen)

Rationale
This course has been designed to deepen the student's analytical, methodological and language skills needed to successfully complete their Bachelor's Thesis work.

Aims
The dissertation represents the climax of the student's undergraduate learning experience. This module aims to prepare students for their dissertation via the development of their critical analytical skills. Applying the knowledge previously acquired depends on how problem situations are defined, which theoretical framework informs the analysis, and the choice of analytical tools. This module will encourage students to develop their awareness of the different research strategies available, and to make reasoned choices in the process of their own research projects.

Taidolliset oppimistulokset (ydinaines ja -osaaminen)

Critical appraisal skills
Analytical skills
Information search skills
Written presentation skills

Kirjallisuus ja muu materiaali

Recommended reading:

Jill Collis and Roger Hussey, Business Research, 2nd ed., Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2003. (ISBN 0-333-98325-4)

The library contains many other good references on research methods.

Opetusmenetelmät

The course consists of lectures (on research processes, methodology, use of scientific English) and seminars. In the seminars, the students will present preliminary literature reviews.

Opiskelijan kuormittavuus

Luennot - 30
Harjoitustehtävät ja projekti - 30
Luennot ja suulliset esitykset - 20

Arvioinnin perusteet

To successfully pass this course the student must achieve a pass in both assessments. The first of these involves identifying a subject area of relevance to a potential dissertation topic and reviewing recently published research literature on that topic. Feedback gained from discussion of class presentations of work in progress can be incorporated into a written report, to be submitted a week after the student's presentation. The second assignment builds upon this preliminary work, involving students formulating a draft research proposal detailing their proposed dissertation topic, preliminary findings, areas requiring further research and the methods to be employed in investigating these.

Assessment weighting

Dissertation plan: 75%
Literature review: 25%

Koulutusohjelmakohtaiset kompetenssit

Itsensä kehittäminen (KL)
Methodological competencies in business
Kehittämistoiminnan osaaminen (KL)