| 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 |
The exam in the subject consists of three parts:
| (1) Business
Research Methodology: | | Sub exam weight | 10% | | Examination form | Home assignment - written product | | Individual or group exam | Group exam
Please note the rules in the Programme Regulations about
identification of individual contributions. | | Number of people in the group | 4-5 | | Size of written product | Max. 2 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 and Winter | | Make-up exam/re-exam | Same examination form as the ordinary
exam |
| (2) Business
Research Methodology: | | Sub exam weight | 10% | | Examination form | Home assignment - written product | | Individual or group exam | Group exam
Please note the rules in the Programme Regulations about
identification of individual contributions. | | Number of people in the group | 4-5 | | Size of written product | Max. 2 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 and Winter, The hand-in dates for the two
small assignments are during the course. | | Make-up exam/re-exam | Same examination form as the ordinary exam The re-take exam is a group or
individual two-page assignment. The task and topic are the same as
for the ordinary exam. |
| (3) Business
Research Methodology: | | Sub exam weight | 80% | | Examination form | Home assignment - written product | | Individual or group exam | Individual exam | | Size of written product | Max. 10 pages | | Assignment type | Report | | Duration | Written product to be submitted on specified date
and time. | | Grading scale | 7-step scale | | Examiner(s) | One internal examiner | | Exam period | Autumn and Winter, The regular exam takes place
in December. The make-up and re-examination takes place in
January. | | Make-up exam/re-exam | Same examination form as the ordinary exam The Make-up and Re-examination take
place according to the same rules as the regular
exam. | Description of the exam
procedure
Individual home assignment of max.10 standard pages.
Declaration of Authorship must be included in the individual home
assignment. |
|
| Course content and structure |
|
The first part of the course provides an introduction to basic
epistemological issues in the theory of science,
as applied to social science research generally and to research in
international business specifically. This understanding will be
used to critically discuss and evaluate common approaches and
methodologies in international business research. Models, theories
and empirical 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
|
| Description of the teaching methods |
| The course will be based around lectures, group
and plenary discussions, and in-class exercises. It has been
designed on the premise that active involvement is the most
effective way to acquire the skills outlined in the learning
objectives, on the expectation that all students have prepared the
readings for each class, and are prepared to actively participate
in the class-room discussion. A vital learning element is the
preparation of the individual assignment, which takes the form of a
research proposal for a potential bachelor thesis.. |
| Feedback during the teaching period |
Individual discussions with the lecturer
regarding the individual assignment in person, via email or Skype
on the students' initiative throughout the course.
Detailed written feedback on the individual assignment. |
| Student workload |
| Lectures |
27 hours |
| Class-room exercises |
9 hours |
| Reading |
60 hours |
| Preparation of group assignments |
10 hours |
| Preparation of individual assignment |
100 hours |
|
| Expected literature |
|
Chalmers, A. F. (2013) What Is This Thing Called
Science? (Fourth edition) Open University Press:
Maidenhead.
Easterby-Smith, M., Thorpe, R. & Jackson, P. R. (2015)
Management & Business Research. (Fifth edition) Sage:
London.
Recommended:
Rugg, G. & Petre, M. (2007) A Gentle Guide to Research
Methods. Maidenhead: Open University Press. (Available as
e-book through the library. Limited access to printing)
http://site.ebrary.com.esc-web.lib.cbs.dk/lib/kbhnhh/detail.action?docID=10197031
|
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