Current active subject description (last updated 2024/25)
Advanced Research Design and Methodology
MET5012
Current active subject description (last updated 2024/25)
Advanced Research Design and Methodology
MET5012
The purpose of this course is to develop the methodological skills that are required for writing a master's thesis. The course has a hands-on and applied approach to research design and methodology. Students learn to formulate research questions, make critical use of literature and theory, as well as how to collect and analyse data through qualitative and quantitative methods. The course will also teach the student how to critically examine the vital role of information and research in business decisions. Further, the course will enable you to understand the value of information and research, the processes involved, and techniques which can facilitate the collection, analysis and interpretation of relevant data and information.
It is possible to apply for admission to the course as a single course. There are reservations about the available capacity on the course. The applicant must meet the current admission requirements for the Master of Science in Business program.
After completing the course the students will be able to:
Knowledge - the student has
- In-depth knowledge about the links among theoretical frameworks, research questions, and empirical findings
- Extensive knowledge concerning the role of primary and secondary data, and the different types of qualitative and quantitative data collection methods
- Advanced knowledge about the distinctions between exploratory, descriptive and causal research
- In depth knowledge with regard to the role and significance of concepts of validity and reliability when analyzing and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data
- The student has advanced knowledge of relevant scientific paradigms for business and management research.
- The student has extensive knowledge of research ethics.
Skills - the student can
- Define and develop appropriate research questions and formulate suitable hypotheses/propositions
- Design research project and understand the varying value of different information sources
- Perform and appropriately interpret correlation analyses, regression analyses and exploratory factor analyses
- Plan and conduct reflexive interviewing
- Appropriately describe, summarize and present research data
- The student can construct his or her own research design or strategy in his or her projects, and to consider the appropriateness of and the implicit assumptions behind these designs and strategies with reference to relevant theories of science.
General competence - the student can
- Communicate empirical results, both in writing and orally
- Critically assess empirical research presented in academic journal articles
- Participate in discussion and debates regarding empirical analyses and findings
- The student can critically reflect on project-related choices of theories of science and methods in the field of business and management
Paid semester fee and syllabus literature. It is also required that students have a laptop at their disposal.
The learning activities consists of class sessions with active student participation, discussions of scientific essays, various relevant research designs and analysis of data. The course also include essay writing relevant for the Master dissertation.
The study programme is evaluated annually by students by way of course evaluation studies. These evaluations are included in the universitys quality assurance system.
Composite assessment,
- Course work requirement - reflection note
- Portfolia - individual, counts 60/100 of the grade, grading rule Letter grades (A-F).
- Assignment - individual, counts 40/100 of the grade, grading rule Letter grades (A-F).
Reservations are made for changes in assessment form. The correct assessment form is displayed in StudentWeb when registering for the course.