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2023/2024  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
  • Kasper Ingeman Beck - Department of International Economics, Goverment and Business (EGB)
Other contributors:
- Faith Hatani (Associate Professor, Dept. of EGB).
- Some exercise classes are led by the CBS Library staff.
Main academic disciplines
  • Globalisation and international business
  • Methodology and philosophy of science
Teaching methods
  • Face-to-face teaching
Last updated on 04-12-2023

Relevant links
Learning objectives
At the end of the course, the students should be able to:
  • Decide a research topic related to international business (IB) in Asia, and formulate a relevant research question.
  • Set the aims and objectives of your research project and choose a type of research design to address the research question you set.
  • Identify and apply a theoretical/conceptual framework relevant to your research project.
  • Conduct a critical literature review by identifying relevant academic sources to your project, and enhance your academic knowledge to apply it to the project.
  • Identify data to be used in your analysis and plan the data-collection process.
  • Understand research ethics and examine the access to data and feasibility.
  • Enhance your analytical skills through reviewing peers' work and reflect on it.
  • Structure and write a coherent research proposal in a relevant academic style.
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
A different group size (rather than that as stated in the section "Number of people in the group" above) is only possible in an exceptional case with a justifiable reason, and such an arrangement must be approved by the Course Coordinator in advance. Please note that the size of the written work which each group is required to produce for the exam (max.10 pages) remains the same regardless of the group size.
Assignment type Report
Release of assignment Subject chosen by students themselves, see guidelines if any
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
Re-take exam if ordinary exam is failed: 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.
Make-up exam when ill for the ordinary exam: Written product (‘research proposal’) submitted upon a the deadline specified for the retake.
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

This course provides students with an introduction to research design and methodology focusing on qualitative research methods, together with the fundamentals of academic writing. The course explains how academic research should be designed and how methodological tools are used in research projects.

These include key elements such as formulating a research question, conducting a critical literature review, choosing a relevant theoretical/conceptual framework to be applied, and identifying necessary data and data-collection techniques. In this course, each group is required to develop a research proposal on a topic related to international business and Asia.

 
Description of the teaching methods
The course consists of lectures and exercise/feedback sessions. Lectures introduce general processes of research design, the basics of research philosophy, the fundamentals of qualitative methods, and data collection strategies. Exercises provide practical techniques for designing and preparing research projects. Each group can also receive feedback on their research topic/approach during the exercise classes. All activities in the course are closely interrelated. Thus, attendance at each session is essential to achieve the learning objectives.
Feedback during the teaching period
Students can receive general guidance/feedback through interaction during lectures and exercise classes. In addition, each group will receive continuous feedback at the exercise sessions for the development of their research proposal during the course. Students are also required to do a peer-review/feedback practice in the course. Details will be explained during the course. Throughout the course, the course coordinator will be available for consultation about students' specific needs if any.
Student workload
Lectures & Exercises 31 hours
Preparation and self-study 105 hours
Examination 70 hours
Total 206 hours
Further Information
  • This course is drawn upon theoretical/conceptual frameworks introduced in "Introduction to International Business in Asia" in Semester-1 of the BSc International Business in Asia (IBA) at CBS.
  • Students should note that learning and making progress in this course is crucial for the subsequent years of their study on the BSc International Business in Asia. In their 2nd-year, students are expected to work in the same group for "Research Project - International Business in Asia" on the programme and conduct a research project based on the research proposal that they develop in this course.
Expected literature

Textbook (Mandatory reading):

  • Saunders, M., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A. (2023) Research Methods for Business Students. (Earlier editions are also fine)

Additional readings/materials will be provided on Canvas during the course.
Last updated on 04-12-2023