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2025/2026  BA-BIBAO2022U  Research Project - International Business in Asia

English Title
Research Project - International Business in Asia

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 Business, Language and Area Studies
Course coordinator
  • Faith Hatani - Department of International Economics, Goverment and Business (EGB)
Main academic disciplines
  • Globalisation and international business
  • Methodology and philosophy of science
Teaching methods
  • Online teaching
Last updated on 19-05-2025

Relevant links
Learning objectives
In this course, each student in a group must demonstrate the ability to:
  • Formulate a relevant research question about international business concerning Asia, and provide academically sound justifications for the project design.
  • Provide a well-focused literature review on the chosen topic and apply a relevant theoretical framework properly.
  • Employ qualitative methods in data collection and data analysis appropriately, and analyse them systematically. (Doing a quantitative study would be permitted only if the supervisor approves it.)
  • Elaborate on in-depth analysis of key findings in line with the chosen theoretical framework.
  • Develop logical discussion and coherent arguments by clearly addressing the research question set.
  • Present a written product in a relevant academic style thoroughly, including the writing style, the referencing style, and the appropriate use of academic sources.
Course prerequisites
In this course, students should continue with the same groups that they formed in the 1st-year course, "Research Designs and Qualitative Methods" [BIBAO1023].
Examination
Research Project - International Business in Asia:
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 2-4
Size of written product Please see text below
2 students: maximum 30 pages
3 students: maximum 35 pages
4 students: maximum 40 pages
(A group of 5 students or more is not allowed in any case.)

Regarding how the pages are counted at CBS, see "Standard page" in the section "Formal requirements" on My.cbs.dk. For more details and specific rules of this course, please comply with the "2yr-project Guide" that is provided in Canvas at the beginning of the course.
Assignment type Project
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 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) Internal examiner and external examiner
Exam period Summer
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Please note that no supervision is given to students for retakes. Supervision is offered only for the project period of this course during the given semester (until the submission deadline for the ordinary exam). The allotted supervision time cannot be transferred or extended to a preparation for a retake.
Description of the exam procedure
  • The second-year project is a group-based work. The final output must be submitted by the group as a whole (= one submission per group). Please note, however, that individual performance will be assessed so that members in the same group may receive different grades. Hence, individual contributions (i.e., who wrote which parts/sections) must be indicated clearly in the final written product.

 

  • The text of the written product of your project must significantly differ from the research proposal that you submitted in BIBAO1023 "Research Designs and Qualitative Methods". This means that the contents and analysis are developed substantially, and arguments and their written presentations should be refined well. Extensive verbatim copying from your group's proposal in the second-year project constitutes self-plagiarism and may result in examination failure.

 

  • Each project is assessed by two examiners: an internal examiner (normally the supervisor) and an external examiner. There is no oral examination.

 

The use of Generative AI (GenAI) tools or apps is not allowed for this exam.

 
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

The second-year research project offers students the opportunity to carry out an academic research project in groups. Each group should develop a project based on the proposal that the students submitted in BIBAO1023 "Research Designs and Qualitative Methods" in their first year, as a point of departure. 

 

To ensure the coherent and meaningful development of research activities, the groups formed in BIBAO1023 should continue. Accordingly, each group should register the same members as a group in Digital Exam (DE) for the assessment of the second-year Research Project.

 

The second-year research project is an important learning process towards the bachelor's thesis in their final year (please note, however, that students must design a new, different research project for the bachelor's thesis). Thus, it is essential for each student to enhance their knowledge of relevant theories and methods, and improve both academic and practical skills in planning and conducting a research project.

 

  • If a student has difficulty working in the same group as formed in BIBAO1023, please contact the course coordinator immediately. The issue needs to be solved before the allocation of supervisors in January 2026.

 
Research-based teaching
CBS’ programmes and teaching are research-based. The following types of research-based knowledge and research-like activities are included in this course:
Research-based knowledge
  • Classic and basic theory
  • New theory
  • Methodology
  • Models
Research-like activities
  • Development of research questions
  • Data collection
  • Analysis
  • Discussion, critical reflection, modelling
  • Activities that contribute to new or existing research projects
  • Students conduct independent research-like activities under supervision
Description of the teaching methods
【December (in the preceding semester)】: Introductory lecture.
The lecture will provide general guidance, including an overview of the project period, requirements and a brief recap of the research design.

【Beginning of January】: Submission of the project outline.
Each group must submit the updated outline of the research project. More details and the exact deadline will be provided at the above-mentioned introductory lecture in December.

【End of January to February】: Allocation of supervisors.
Once a supervisor is allocated, each group should make contact with the supervisor to arrange the first meeting with her/him.

For the first meeting with your supervisor, you should provide the supervisor with;
(i) a summary of your group's point-by-point response to the feedback that you received from examiners on the research proposal that you submitted in the first-year method course, "Research Designs and Qualitative Methods" [BIBAO1023], and
(ii) an updated research proposal.
Feedback during the teaching period
Throughout the project period, each group will receive feedback and guidance from the allocated supervisor.

Please note that you, as students/supervisees, are responsible for planning your work and making appointments with your supervisor to keep her/him updated about your progress. Please also note that all supervisors have very busy schedules. Please discuss with your supervisor how and how often you wish to receive a supervisory meeting.

If you have general questions about the course organisation, please contact the course coordinator.
Student workload
Introductory lecture 3 hours
Preparation for meetings with superviosor & reflection 30 hours
Research activities and writng-up 173 hours
Further Information

Supervisor hours per group:

  • 2 students - 8 hours
  • 3 students - 10 hours
  • 4 students - 12 hours

 

Any cases of exemptions of any kind, or extension/postponement of the project/exam, must go through a formal procedure at the Study Board; students must provide a detailed reasoning to be considered by the Study Board. Please see my.cbs for more information.

  • In an exceptional case for an individual exam, the size of a written product will be up to 25 pages, and the supervisor hours are max. 6 hours.

 

NOTE: This course will be discontinued: the last run of the course is the spring semester in 2026. Accordingly, the very last possible chance of retake/re-exam will be in spring/summer 2027. See the programme regulations for transition notes.

 
Expected literature

Background readings:

It can be useful to revisit the following textbooks before you start your project.

  • Saunders, M. et al. (2016). Research Methods for Business Students (7th edition; other editions are also fine).
  • Hill, C.W.L. (2023). International Business: Competing in the Global Marketplace.
  • Witt, M.A. & Redding, S.G. (2014). The Oxford Handbook of Asian Business Systems.

 
Last updated on 19-05-2025