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2020/2021  BA-BIBAO1022U  Research Methods I: Introduction and Qualitative Methods

English Title
Research Methods I: Introduction and Qualitative Methods

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Bachelor
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Spring
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for BSc in Business, Asian Language and Culture
Course coordinator
  • Björn Jindra - Department of International Economics, Goverment and Business (EGB)
The course is taught by Björn Jindra, Faith Hatani and Tine Walravens.
Main academic disciplines
  • Methodology and philosophy of science
Teaching methods
  • Blended learning
Last updated on 26-06-2020

Relevant links
Learning objectives
At the exam the student should demonstrate that s/he can live up to the following learning objectives:
  • Apply key theoretical approaches to interdisciplinary business research
  • Structure and write a consistent research proposal
  • Identify a research topic and define research question, aims and objectives
  • Summarize and critically review results from a literature review
  • Reflect upon a suitable theoretical or conceptual framework
  • Formulate key aspects of a consistent research design
  • Motivate and describe the intended data-gathering and analysis
  • Discuss access and research ethics
Examination
Research Methods I: Introduction and Qualitative Methods:
Exam ECTS 7,5
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 3-4
Size of written product Max. 10 pages
Variation in standard group size is possible only with approval of the Course Coordinator. The allotted max page allowance is unchanged.
Assignment type Written assignment
Duration Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
Grading scale Pass / Fail
Examiner(s) Internal examiner and external examiner
Exam period Summer
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
The retake examination is based on the same written product (‘research proposal’) as the original exam. However, at the retake you need to submit a revised version addressing the feedback and comments on the original product as provided by the examiners at the ordinary examination.
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

This course provides students with an introduction to the fundamentals of research methodology, selected qualitative research methods and academic writing. The study of the material will allow the students to understand how methodological tools are used in research design and how applied in research projects. The course introduces students to main theoretical approaches in modern interdisciplinary business research, which will help them in building their methodological and reflexive skills. Students will learn how to draft and improve a research proposal on a topic of choice in the area of International Business in Asia. This includes formulating a research question, providing a critical literature review, working towards a suitable conceptual framework, creating a research design including thoughts for collecting and analysing relevant data. The course focuses in particular on interviews and surveys as qualitative research methods. This includes practical insights on how to use library resources for a comprehensive literature search as well as how to use specific software applications for analysing qualitative data and designing online surveys.
Description of the teaching methods
Teaching consists of lecturing and exercises. Lectures focus on presenting theory, concepts and insights, while exercises focus on applying this knowledge in the development of a research proposal. In addition, we will run tutorials on how to use library resources and software applications for analysing qualitative data as well as designing surveys. The course will also make use of online elements. In particular, we
will use the Peergrade platform to practise peer-review as an important mechanism in academic research.
Feedback during the teaching period
Students receive continuously feedback in the exercises on the development of their research proposal on a topic of their choice. We introduce feedback from peers through direct responses to other students’ work either directly in class or by using a online platform Peergrade. In this particular assessment, you will use the assessment criteria prepared by teachers to review the work of some of your peers, offer and receive feedback and reflect on your own submission. The criteria used in these exercises are linked to some of the learning objectives of this course, which means that peer assessment activities can help you familiarize yourself with the assessment method of the course as well as to provide you with a clear indication of the standards expected from your work. General by the teacher will complement the specific feedback received from your peers. Further feedback by teachers is offered in response to questions by groups of students or individual students. Please take advantage of the ‘office hours’ offered by the course coordinator, although these are not intended to be a substitute for participation in lectures and classes.
Student workload
Lectures 20 hours
Exercises 24 hours
Preparation 92 hours
Examination 70 hours
Further Information

Please note that this course builds on theoretical concepts introduced in "Introduction to International Business in Asia" in Semester 1 of the BSc International Business in Asia (IBA) at CBS. The research proposals developed by groups of students in this course can be implemented in the "Research Project - International Business in Asia" in Semester 4 of the BSc International Business in Asia. However, non-IBA students can also take the course.
Expected literature

Textbook: Saunders, Mark, Lewis, Philip & Thornhill, Adrian. Latest Edition. Research Methods for Business students.

 

 

Please note these reading materials here are tentative and changes may occur. Final literature lists will be uploaded on Canvas before the course begins.

Last updated on 26-06-2020