Theoretical Foundations and Current Topics in Business Research
The purpose of the course is to introduce PhD students in business to (i) ongoing discussions over what theory (is not) in business research, including the relationship between theory-practice, (ii) theoretical foundations in the field of business research and (iii) current topics/phenomena within the field of business research which may challenge extant theory and/or identify opportunities for new theory development within the field. Examples of theories that will be discussed are transaction cost economics, resource-based theory, and institutional theory. Examples of current topics/phenomena are ecological economics and digitalization. Students need to write up a reflection note (about 2 pages) within two weeks after the seminar. The reflection note will be read and approved (pass/no pass).
Registation: nettskjema.no/a/402409.
Knowledge
The candidate:
- Will obtain advanced knowledge about major theories in the field of business research, including ongoing discussions over what theory is (not)
- Will acquire an in-depth understanding of the research frontier within business research, particularly theoretical developments within the major theories in the field
- Will be on the forefront of knowledge on chosen theories, their development over time, and interesting theoretical gaps that remain to be filled.
- Will be able to critically assess major theoretical approaches in the field of business research, including their assumptions, factors, and boundary conditions.
Skills
The candidate:
- Will acquire skills for how to identify potential theoretical contributions
- Will be able to interpret seminal theoretical work within business studies and use this insight when carrying out practical research
- Will be able to understand how they can build on and contribute to major theories in the field of business studies through their own research
- Will be able to apply prominent theories in business studies to research projects.
General competence
The candidate:
- Will be able to discuss new relevant business topics using major theories in business research
- Will be able to participate on theoretical issues in academic debates
- Will be able to critically challenge established theoretical knowledge in the field of business research
- Will be able to critically reflect over the relationship between theory and practice.