• Explain and compare advanced methods and theories introduced in the course.
• Justify and apply advanced methods and theories from the course that are relevant for addressing a particular research problem.
• Conduct an independent empirical analysis of a problem or issue relevant for international business and politics using methods and theories introduced in the course.
• Interpret and analyse the outcome and/or results of analyses appropriately in relation to a given research problem.
• Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the methods and theories introduced in the course in their application to a given research problem.
• Analyze the problem by utilizing theories from the IBP curriculum to the problem.
• Formulate and justify solutions for actors based on the analysis and give an informed recommendation of which one to choose.

Many of the most pressing societal and business challenges involve elements of international business and politics. However, their multidisciplinary nature makes analyzing such challenges complex. This course aims to develop your ability to analyze complex issues at the intersection of international business and politics through the use of qualitative and quantitative research methods, the use of theory, and the critical evaluation of secondary material, and to develop your ability to derive implications and formulate recommendations for action.

To this end, Part I of the course provides an introduction to advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods. The aim is to familiarize students with these techniques and their underlying assumptions and requirements, as well as to consider these methods in the context of a broader research design. Finally, we examine how these methods can be applied to analyze issues in international business and politics.

Part II focuses on the application of these methods and their principles to real-life business and policy issues, the evaluation of secondary material such as policy reports, and the practical challenge of how to formulate recommendations for action that are feasible as well as effective. Part II is structured around a series of cases addressing current issues and dilemmas that require you to combine your understanding of research methods with insights from the first-semester courses in Applied Policy Analysis, International Business, International Trade and Investment, Applied International Political Economy, and to develop a critical and reflexive stance towards secondary data sources, research findings and policy reports.

Please note that the course is structured around two exams: Examination 1 accounts for 30% of the final grade for the course. Examination 2 accounts for 70% of the final grade for the course.

Please note that this is a highly demanding and advanced graduate-level course which requires you to combine and integrate insights from the different elements within the IBP programme.