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2016/2017  BA-BISHO3001U  Business Research Methodology

English Title
Business Research Methodology

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Bachelor
Duration One Quarter
Start time of the course First Quarter, Autumn
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for BSc in International Shipping and Trade
Course coordinator
  • Thomas Presskorn-Thygesen - MPP
Main academic disciplines
  • Methodology and philosophy of science
Last updated on 15-08-2016
Learning objectives
To achieve the grade 12, students should meet the following learning objectives with no or only minor mistakes or errors: At the end of the course, the student must 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 internatinal 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 or the collection of primary data
  • Competently apply basic tools and conventions in social scientific research, including the structuing and writing af research reports, referencing, use of tables and diagrams, bibliographic search techniques, etc.
Examination
Business Research Methodology:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Home assignment - written product
Individual or group exam Group exam
Number of people in the group 2-3
Size of written product Max. 10 pages
Assignment type Written assignment
Duration Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
Grading scale 7-step scale
Examiner(s) One internal examiner
Exam period Autumn, The regular examination will take place in October. The make-up and retake examination will take place in January
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Course content and structure

The course topic falls within methodology and philosophy of science as it applies to business economics and social science. The learning objectives should be interpreted through this lens. The course content is thus structured by (1) various positions from philosophy of science (positivism, hermeneutics, critical rationalism etc.) but with (2) the simultaneous aim of showing how such epistemological positions apply to the study of core disciplines in business economics such as accounting, organization theory, business history and CSR.

 

The course teaching delivers (1) lectures on the theories and concepts of such positions along and (2) training and group exercises of the ability to apply and exemplify such methodological concepts within a concrete practical or scientific context. This is ultimately also what is expected of the student at the end of the course: theoretical and conceptual mastery along with the ability to apply methodological concepts within the context of social science, business economics and international shipping in specific.

 

The various theoretical positions pertaining to philosophy of science are described by means introductory book on the topic and the exemplification with business economics is further supported by group and case texts (cf. ‘Course literature’).   
Teaching methods
Lectures as well as group work. Note that the course is highly intensive and delivered over the course of one week. Mornings and afternoons will primary consist of lectures, while 2-3 hours each day around midday will be devoted to group and case work.
Student workload
lecture 36 hours
preparation 164 hours
Expected literature

The various theoretical positions pertaining to philosophy of science are described by means of a short introductory book on the topic:

Andreas Beck Holm: “Philosophy of Science: An Introduction for Future Knowledge Workers” (Copenhagen: Samfundslitteratur, 2013), 253 pages.

The exemplifications within business economics is further supported by additional ‘case texts’ made available through LEARN. Both of these two kinds of literature - the entire book and the ‘case texts’ – are required reading.
Last updated on 15-08-2016