2012/2013  BA-HAI_ENRM  EngAGE Critical Thinking & Research Methods

English Title

EngAGE Critical Thinking & Research Methods

Course information
Language	English
Exam ECTS	7.5 ECTS
Type	Mandatory
Level	Bachelor
Duration	One Quarter
Course period	First Quarter, Autumn
Time Table	Please see course schedule at e-Campus
Study board	Study Board for BSc in International Business
Course coordinator
Martin Jes Iversen - Department of Management, Politics and Philosophy Ron Sanchez - Department of Innovation and Organizational Economics
Main Category of the Course
Methodology
Last updated on 28-08-2012

Learning objectives

After having completed the course the students should be able to: To describe the content and use of important research categories such as quantitative and qualitative research methods plus the concepts from philosophy of science such as inductive and deductive relations to theory. To be able to use fundamental research tools related to quantitative and qualitative methods. Including Excell for professionals and qualitative methods such as interviews and archives. To formulate and analyze a research problem including the relationship between problem formulation, research design and theory. To synthezise important concepts within the philosophy of science in relation to business research methodology, research design and concrete problem formulations.

Prerequisite

EngAGE students only. ENPC EngAGE Presentational Communication course.

Examination

EngAGE Crititcal Thinking and Research Methods: Type of test Home Assignment Marking scale 7-step scale Second examiner No second examiner Exam period October and Autumn Term, The regular exam takes place in October. The make-up and re-examination takes place in January. Aids Please, see the detailed regulations below Duration 48 Hours Declaration of Authorship (available on E-campus) must be included in the individual home assignment.

Examination

48 hour individual home assignment of max. 10 standard pages. All exam aids are permitted. The make-up and re-examination takes place according to the same rules as the regular exam.

Course content

This course intends to develop a fundamental understanding of business research methodology and its foundation in the philosophy of science. We first consider the nature of science as a process for establishing "warranted belief" in the field of international business studies. We then pay special attention to certain theoretical concerns, empirical challenges, and methodology issues that arise in researching international business topics and achieving feasible research designs.   Week 35-41: Week 35: (MJI / RS) We begin with an introduction to the course including a video-link introduction to philosophy of science and problem based research formulations. This session will help launch your search for an interesting -- and viable -- business research project. Monday, 27th August, 15.20-17.00 Wednesday 29th August: 8.55-11.30   Week 36 (Excell for professionals course, 4D): Early September wil continue with specific sessions on applied business research methods with in quantitative (Excell) and qualitative (interviews and archives) methods. Excell course 4D): Monday 3rd September:  8.00-17.00 Tuesday, 4th September: 8.00-12.00, 14.30-17.00 Wednesday 5th September: 12.30-17.00 Thursday, 6th September: 8.00-17.00 Friday, 7th September: 8.00-12.00; 14.30-17.00   Week 37 (Excell for professionals course, 4D): Early September wil continue with specific sessions on applied business research methods with in quantitative (Excell) and qualitative (interviews and archives) methods. Excell course 4D): Monday 10th September:  8.00-1.00 Tuesday, 11th September: 8.00-12.00, 14.30-17.00 Wednesday 12th September: 12.30-17.00 Thursday, 13th September: 8.00-17.00 Friday, 14th September: 8.00-12.00; 14.30-17.00   Week 38 (RS): Ron Sanchez, BRM A five day session at CBS on the philosophy of science and on various aspects of defining, designing, implementing, and interpreting the various research projects selected by the project teams in the course. These sessions are intended to give the students the theoretical and practical grounding that they need to refine your research projects and prepare for presentations of your topics at our meetings October 11-12. Monday 17th September:  8.00-11.30; 13.30-17.00 Tuesday, 18th September: 8.00-11.30 Wednesday 19th September: 13.30-17.00 Thursday, 20th September: 8.00-11.30; 15.20-17.55 Friday, 21st September: 8.00-11.30   Week 39 (MJI/RS): Assignment work Assignment work on the team's research proposal (i.e., your research design for your research projects). The objective is to examine and improve each research design so that each team ends up with a feasible as well as interesting research topic.   Week 40 (MJI): BRM in International Business studies and an introduction to qualitative research methods Monday, 1st October: 8.00-11.30   Week 41 (MJI): BRM in International Business studies and an introduction to qualitative research methods Monday, 8th October: 8.00-11.30   Practical Application of Theory:  The course bridges research based problem formulation within international business with the use of specific theories. The philosophy of science is a key topic in this course and consequently theory is critical to the course. Theory includes the various use of theories, discussion of specific international business theories and finally the use of theories in relation to specific research projects.   Relation to a International Business and Institutional Setting:  The course is basically a study of philosophy of science in relation to international business research. That includes the understanding of the role international business theories play in concrete research settings and the use of respectively quantitative and qualitative business research methods within International Business.    Research Based Teaching:  The course includes insights from existing research projects including Martin Jes Iversen qualitative research and databases and Ron Sanchez´ studies of organizations as systems.

Teaching methods

The course is based on a combination of lectures, case-based discussions in smaller groups, written assignments and student presentations. The course will actively employ e- learning aspects through a virtual debate forum, guest lecture mini-conference and student expert groups.

Student workload

Classes 42 hours Workshop/exercises 20 hours Preparation for class 90 hours Home assignment 25 hours Examination 48 hours

Expected literature

Indicative literature: Books: Ron Sanchez: A model of the Scientific Method (diagram) Ron Sanchez: Organizations as Systems…. Derek Bickerton: Language as Representation Carl Hempel: Theories and Theoretical Explanation Karl Weick: "Theory Construction as Disciplined Imagination" Murray Davis: "That's Interesting!"