• demonstrate a critical understanding of basic epistemological assumptions underlying contemporary social science research, especially as these applies to research in international business
• describe the nature and historical evolution of international business as an inter-disciplinary field of research
• evaluate the choice and implementation of research methodologies in international business research
• independently apply basic methodologies in such research, including both selection and critical evaluation of secondary sources and techniques for the collection of primary data
• competently apply basic tools and conventions in social scientific research, including the structuring and writing of research reports, referencing, use of tables and diagrams, bibliographic search techniques, etc.

The first part of the course provides an introduction to basic epistomological issues in the theory of science, as applied to social science research generally and to research in international business specifically. This understanding of the epistomological bases of international business as an interdisciplinary field provides will be used to critically discuss and evaluate common approaches and methodologies in international business research. Models, theories and empricial research on foreign direct investment and firm internationalization provide focal examples for this discussion, but other central topics in international business will be included too.

The second part of the course focuses on the selection, design and critical evaluation of basic methodologies and techniques in international business research and on the tools and conventions of reporting such research.

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Jones, Geoffrey & Tarun Khanna, “Bringing history (back) into international business”, Journal of International Business Studies, (2006) 37, pp. 453-68. This text can be downloaded from Sitescape or J-Stor via CBS Library E-Journals Service.

Jordanova, Ludmilla, History in Practice, London: Arnold 2000, chapter 1

Kogut, Bruce, Methodological Contributions in International Business and the Direction of Academic Research Activity, in Rugman & Brewer, Oxford Handbook of International Business, Oxford University Press 2001, pp. 785-817

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Pedersen, Torben & Steen Thomsen, “European Patterns of Corporate Ownership: A Twelve-Country Study”, Journal of International Business Studies, Fourth Quarter 1997, pp. 759-78. This text can be downloaded from Sitescape or J-Stor via CBS Library E-Journals Service.

Peng, Mike W., “Identifying the big question in international business research.” Journal of International Business Studies, vol. 35, 2004, pp. 99-108.

Redding, Gordon, “The Thick Description and Comparison of the Societal Systems of Capitalism”, Journal of International Business Studies, 2005 no. 36, pp. 123-55. This text can be downloaded from Sitescape or J-Stor via CBS Library E-Journals Service.

Sullivan, Daniel & John Daniels, “Innovation in International Business Research: A Call for Multiple Paradigms”, Journal of International Business Studies, 2008, 39, pp. 1081-90. This text can be downloaded from Sitescape or J-Stor via CBS Library E-Journals Service.