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2023/2024  BA-BISHO4001U  Business Research Methodology

English Title
Business Research Methodology

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Bachelor
Duration One Quarter
Start time of the course Second Quarter
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for BSc in International Shipping and Trade
Course coordinator
  • Lars Håkanson - Department of International Economics, Goverment and Business (EGB)
Main academic disciplines
  • Methodology and philosophy of science
Teaching methods
  • Blended learning
Last updated on 03-03-2023

Relevant links
Learning objectives
On completion of the course, students should be able to:
  • demonstrate a basic understanding of the epistemological assumptions commonly applied in contemporary social science research, especially in the area of international business
  • describe the nature and historical evolution of international business as a multi-disciplinary field of research
  • evaluate in terms of their reliability and validity, the choice and implementation of research methodologies in international business research
  • independently apply basic methodologies in such research, including (1) the selection and critical evaluation of secondary sources and (2) methods, and techniques for the collection of primary data, such as interviews, questionnaires, text analysis, and methods of direct observation.
  • competently apply basic tools and conventions in social scientific research, including the structuring and writing of research reports, referencing, use of tables and diagrams, bibliographic search techniques, etc.
Prerequisites for registering for the exam (activities during the teaching period)
Number of compulsory activities which must be approved (see section 13 of the Programme Regulations): 2
Compulsory home assignments
group written assignment of 2 pages,4-5 persons to be graded passed/failed.
Examination
Business Research Methodology:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Home assignment - written product
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Size of written product Max. 10 pages
Assignment type Report
Release of assignment An assigned subject is released in class
Duration Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) One internal examiner
Exam period Winter
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

The first part of the course provides an introduction to basic epistemological issues in the philosophy of science, as they apply to social science research generally and to research in international business specifically. This understanding will be used to describe, discuss and evaluate common approaches and methodologies in international business research. Models, theories and empirical research on central topics in international business research provide focal examples for this discussion

 

The second part of the course focuses on the selection, design and critical evaluation of basic methodologies and techniques in international business research, and on the tools and conventions of reporting such research.
Description of the teaching methods
The course consists of lectures, group and plenary discussions, and in-class exercises. II has been designed on the premise that active involvement is the most effective way to acquire the skills outlined in the learning objectives, On the expectation that all students have prepared the readings for each class, and are prepared to actively participate in the class-room discussion. A vital learning element is the preparation of the individual assignment, which is to develop a focused research question and a detailed design proposal for a potential research project
Feedback during the teaching period
Individual discussions with the lecturer regarding the individual assignment in person, via email or Zoom on the students' initiative throughout the course. Online small group discussions and feedback of proposed research questions and research designs.
Detailed written feedback on the individual assignment.

Student workload
Lectures 24 hours
Class-room exercises 3 hours
Reading 60 hours
Preparation of group assignments 10 hours
Preparation of individual assignment 110 hours
small group exercises 2 hours
Expected literature

Chalmers, A. F. (2013) What Is This Thing Called Science? (Fourth edition) Open University Press: Maidenhead.

 

Ghauri, P., Grønhaug, K. & Strange, R. (2020) Research Methods in Business Studies. (Fifth edition.) Cambridge University Press: Cambridge.

 

Compendium of articles.
Last updated on 03-03-2023