Syllabus

FÖ0430 Research methods – Master level distance course, 7.5 Credits

Subjects

Education cycle

Modules

Advanced study in the main field

Grading scale

Language

Prior knowledge

Objectives

This course addresses methodological issues as a part of an academic program in management. It aims at developing an understanding of methodological implications of the research process.

After completing the course the students will have a working knowledge of:

• how the approach is influenced by the research objectives and ethical aspects of a project,

• limitations of commonly used approaches, data gathering methods and analytical techniques,

• framing and interpreting academic investigations in a critical review,

• presenting a research plan as a part of a proposal.

Content

The course builds primarily on individual literature studies and work related to web-based sources of knowledge.

The course commends with a theoretical review of factors that will influence the approach in a research project. This review includes a presentation of various techniques to process data, present data and how to ensure quality in the process.

Based on the understanding that method implies a number of actively made choices, students are asked to reflect on various choices and produce a draft for a research plan. The modules in the course offer an understanding of:

• the role of the researcher

• presenting an academic literature review

• research contribution – the role of theory

• methods for gathering data in fixed and flexible research designs:

individual interviews and participatory observations, focus group interviews,

survey/questionnaire, documentanalys samt experiment

-techniques for analyzing data: coding, narratives, regression analysis, factor analysis, meta analysis and content analysis

The last part of the course is aimed at preparing the student for a research project, where one of the first steps is to draft a research design in a proposal. This research design draft serves as the individual study in the course.

The course is implemented by mandatory literature studies and individual tasks.

Grading form

Formats and requirements for examination

Examination will be based on written assignments and/or an exam, and an individual course project report. Requirements for a passing grade include passed written assignments and/or exam, and passed individual course project report.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Responsible department

Department of Economics