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2019/2020  KAN-CPOLO1904U  Advanced Methods and Problem Solving in International Business and Politics

English Title
Advanced Methods and Problem Solving in International Business and Politics

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 15 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Full Degree Master
Duration One Quarter
Start time of the course Third Quarter
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for BSc/MSc i International Business and Politics, MSc
Course coordinator
  • Jasper Hotho - Department of International Economics, Governance and Business (EGB)
  • Mads Dagnis Jensen - Department of International Economics, Governance and Business (EGB)
Main academic disciplines
  • Methodology and philosophy of science
Teaching methods
  • Face-to-face teaching
Last updated on 23-03-2020

Relevant links
Learning objectives
To achieve the grade 12, the student should meet the following learning objectives with no or only minor mistakes or errors:
  • 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.
Course prerequisites
The course presumes an undergraduate-level understanding of social science research methods, including statistics and qualitative research.
Examination
The exam in the subject consists of two parts:
Advanced Methods and Problem Solving in International Business and Politics (I):
Sub exam weight30%
Examination formHome assignment - written product
Individual or group examIndividual exam
Size of written productMax. 5 pages
Assignment typeWritten assignment
Duration7 days to prepare
Grading scale7-point grading scale
Examiner(s)One internal examiner
Exam periodSummer
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
A new exam assignment must be answered. This applies to all students (failed, ill, or otherwise)
Advanced Methods and Problem Solving in International Business and Politics (II):
Sub exam weight70%
Examination formHome assignment - written product
Individual or group examIndividual exam
Size of written productMax. 10 pages
Assignment typeWritten assignment
DurationWritten product to be submitted on specified date and time.
Grading scale7-point grading scale
Examiner(s)One internal examiner
Exam periodSummer
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
A new exam assignment must be answered. This applies to all students (failed, ill, or otherwise)

The only exception to this is when ill with a Doctor's certificate at the ordinary oral exam. In this instance the report from the ordinary exam must be resubmitted.
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

 

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.
Description of the teaching methods
The course relies on a mix of lectures and tutorials. The tutorials are structured around group work and require active participation.
Feedback during the teaching period
We try to offer feedback in response to your questions whenever feasible although please appreciate that there are often time constraints. Please feel free to take advantage of the ‘office hours’ offered by full-time staff members, although these can never be a substitute for participation in lectures and classes. We also encourage you to ask questions or make comments in class and form self-study groups to secure peer feedback on your work.
Student workload
Preparation time (readings, group work etc.) 260 hours
Lectures / class exercises / “homework cafés” / workshops etc. 60 hours
Exam (incl. preparation for the exam and actual exam period) 100 hours
Further Information

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.
Last updated on 23-03-2020