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2012/2013  BA-HAI_2BRM  Business Research Methodology

English Title
Business Research Methodology

Course information
Language English
Exam ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Bachelor
Duration One Quarter
Course period Second Quarter
Winter
Time Table Please see course schedule at e-Campus
Study board
Study Board for BSc in International Business
Course coordinator
  • Lars Håkanson - Department of International Economics and Management
Main Category of the Course
  • Globalization, International Business, markets and studies
Last updated on 28-08-2012
Learning objectives
On completion of the course, students should be able to:
  • 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.
Examination
.
Business Research Methodology:
Type of test Home Assignment
Marking scale 7-step scale
Second examiner No second examiner
Exam period December/January, the regular exam takes place in December. The make-up and re-examination takes place in January.
Aids Please, see the detailed regulations below
Duration Please, see the detailed regulations below
Individual home assignment of max.10 standard pages.

Declaration of Authorship (available on E-campus) must be included in the individual home assignment.
Examination
The Make-up and Re-examination takes place according to the same rules as the regular exam.
Course content

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.
Teaching methods
The course will be based around lectures, group and plenary discussions, in-class exercises and short student presentations.The format is based on the assumption that active involvement is the most effective way to acqure the skills outlined in the learning objectives and on the expectation that all students have prepared the readings for each class and are prepared to actively participate in the discussion of the relevant topics.
Expected literature

Chalmers, A. F. (1999) What Is This Thing Called Science? (Third edition) Maidenhead: Open University Press.

Rugg, G. & Petre, M. (2007) A Gentle Guide to Research Methods. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Last updated on 28-08-2012