• Outline and explain the methods and research designs that are introduced in the course.
• Select and apply qualitative and/or quantitative methods that are relevant for answering a particular research question.
• Conduct an independent empirical analysis of a problem or issue relevant for international business and politics using the qualitative and/or quantitative methods introduced in the course.
• Interpret and analyse the outcome and/or results of the qualitative and/or quantitative empirical analysis appropriately in relation to a given research problem.
• Critically assess and reflect on the strengths and weakness of the methods and research designs introduced in the course.

The course introduces students to methods and research designs for empirical research in the social sciences at an intermediary and advanced level. Topics covered in the course consist of both qualitative and quantitative methods, such as interviewing, content analysis, social network analysis, and various types of regression analysis for causal inference, and also includes an overview on how/where to gather data. The methods introduced will be illustrated through issues and examples that are relevant in contemporary debates in international business and politics, and which are relevant for extended projects such as an MSc thesis. The course consists of a mix of lectures and exercise classes/seminars. The exercises classes/seminars will emphasise hands-on applications of the methods introduced in the lecturers. Software needed for conducting empirical qualitative and/or quantitative analysis will also be introduced in the course.