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2012/2013  BA-BLC_IRM  Interdisciplinary Research Methods

English Title
Interdisciplinary Research Methods

Course information

Language English
Exam ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Bachelor
Duration Two Semesters
Course period Spring semester on 1st year and spring semester on 3rd year (= 2nd and 6th semester)
Time Table Please see course schedule at e-Campus
Study board
Study Board for BSc og MSc in Business, Language and Culture, BSc
Course coordinator
  • Charles Tackney - Department of Intercultural Communication and Management
Main Category of the Course
  • Philosophy and philosophy of science
Last updated on 14-08-2012
Learning objectives
Students who complete the course should be able to:
  • Specify the nature of insight, its role in the analysis of complex research issues, and how qualitative and quantitative methods serve a complementary role in obtaining the insights needed for successful social science research endeavours.
  • Describe the relation between qualitative and quantitative research method in the interdisciplinary research methods cycle.
  • Understand and be able to explain and discuss the functional useage of descriptive versus inferential research approaches.
  • Describe an appropriate range of possible methods approaches to a given research issue, specify the most appropriate approach for the given circumstances, and be able to justify this recommendation.
Examination
Interdisciplinary Research Methods
Interdisciplinary Research Methods:
Type of test Written Exam
Marking scale 7-step scale
Second examiner External examiner
Exam period May/June
Aids Open Book, Written Aid is permitted
Duration 5 Hours

Electronic aids are not allowed. Students are allowed to bring books and notes.
 

Course content

The First Year Interdisciplinary Research Methods First Year Project Workshop is designed to introduce BLC students to research methods, the nature of their participation in social science research and reflection, and to support their First Year Project work. Overall, the intensive course lasts for one week. It is organised around lectures, independent group work, individual study, and Workshop discussions based on group presentations and collegial feedback. The course focuses on interdisciplinary problem-oriented knowledge production in project work and on methodologies relevant for the 1st year project.

The Third year course advances the First Year Interdisciplinary Research Methods by careful summary review and subsequent focus upon developing an informed sensibility regarding organizational social science research skills and their use in the Third Year Project. The practical, reflective, and reflexive tasks of the contemporary Business School researcher as an individual aware of her or his own cognitional processes will be reviewed and extended. Building upon this self-appropriation, the Methods lectures will introduce and/or refine interview methods and skills and explore how different qualitative and quantitative methods approaches can be used to enhance research validity and reliability. Key aspects of the philosophy of science will be covered insofar as these result in more proficient, reflective, reflexively aware organizational researchers. Compendium readings and a required text will improve the course participant’s knowledge and critical insight into contemporary organizational research issues. The Course culminates in a Project Workshop that features student presentation of Third Year Project proposals for feedback from other student groups and the student group’s workshop facilitator

Teaching methods
Methods include discussion style lectures, class exercises (individual and group work), homework, and guided discussion of specific text passages that will be made available on Sitescape.
Expected literature

Saunder, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (Latest edition). Research Methods for Business Students). New York: Prentice Hall.

Yin, Robert K. (2003). Case Study Research: Design and Methods. New York: Sage.

One text will be referred to but need NOT be purchased (very expensive and/or very large):

Lonergan, Bernard J.F. (1958). Insight: A Study of Human Understanding. New York: Harper & Row.

Last updated on 14-08-2012