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2017/2018  BA-BSEMO1003U  Method l. Philosophy of science and qualitative methods

English Title
Method l. Philosophy of science and qualitative methods

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Bachelor
Duration One Quarter
Start time of the course First Quarter
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for BSc in Service Management
Course coordinator
  • Jesper Strandgaard - Department of Organization (IOA)
• Kirsten Andersen
Main academic disciplines
  • Philosophy and ethics
  • Methodology and philosophy of science
Last updated on 28-06-2017

Relevant links
Learning objectives
To achieve the grade 12, students should meet the following learning objectives with no or only minor mistakes or errors:
  • Explain and discuss basic concepts within the theory of science: central perspectives that regard knowledge production processes based on empirical research.
  • Identify a research object or problem area and propose an operable research question.
  • Discuss and develop different research strategies, appropriate to form research projects that aim to study specific objects and phenomena.
  • Explain, discuss and assess benefits and drawbacks of central qualitative methods and methodological concepts (with a particular focus on participant observation, interviews and document analysis), with reference to relevant research questions.
  • Present written output in an academic structured and linguistically fluent form applying a recognised reference style.
Course prerequisites
English language skills equal to B2 level (CEFR) and math skills equal to Danish level B are recommended
Examination
Method I. Philosophy of science and qualitative methods:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Home assignment - written product
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Size of written product Max. 10 pages
Assignment type Case based assignment
Duration 72 hours to prepare
Grading scale 7-step scale
Examiner(s) One internal examiner
Exam period Autumn
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
The re-exam will be based on a new case different from the original exam-case.
Description of the exam procedure

The final exam is a 72-hour individual written project. 
Course content and structure

Course objective:
The primary objective of the course is to present central qualitative methods and theoretical concepts that are required to carry out empirical business research, and to train the student’s capability of discussing and assessing these.

Course content:
The initial part of the course will introduce the students to basic concepts that regard theory of science and knowledge production within social science research. This part aims to establish an awareness of the concerns and possibilities that different approaches to studying the social science may contain.

The remaining part of the course focuses on central qualitative methods, used in business studies. In the class the students are exposed to four central methodological techniques: participant observation, interviews, focus group interviews and document analysis. The course aims to train the student’s ability to use and combine these techniques in a competent manner, and thus to enhance their analytic abilities.

The course will be organised in 10x2 lectures and 5x2 workshops to enable the students to apply and train the different methods and topics of the course.
 

The last of the 5 workshops will give the students an opportunity to try out the steps of the research project process and will last app. 1½ day. It is optional for the students to participate.
Teaching methods
Lecture, group exercises, and plenary discussions.
Feedback during the teaching period
Individual and group oral feedback during workshops and exercises. Individual written feedback based on group work handed in between lectures by e-mail.

Feedback in form of a correction sheet/guide for improvements on written individual exam assignments will be uploaded to Digital Exam - CBS at the same time as the grades are announced or within the first week after the grades are announced.
Student workload
Classes including workshops 30 hours
Preparation for class 90 hours
Home assignments 14 hours
Exam 72 hours
Expected literature

Depending on the the student's interests and enrollment in Arts and Culture, Service Innovation, or Leisure and Hospitality, the student can choose between the following three textbooks:

 

A.J. Veal, Research Methods for Leisure and Tourism, latest edition, Prentice Hall Financial Times Pressis available in SL Books at Solbjerg Plads.

 

or

 

A.J. Veal and C. Burton, Research Methods for Arts and Event Management, latest edition, PEARSON, available in SL Books at Solbjerg Plads.

 

or

 

A.J. Veal and S. Darcy, Research Methods in Sports Studies and Sport Management, latest edition, Francis and Taylor, available in SL Books at Solbjerg Plads.

 

Furthermore a number of academic articles will be made available via CBS E-library

 

Please note, minor changes may occur. The teacher will upload the final reading list to LEARN two weeks before the course starts.

Last updated on 28-06-2017