English   Danish

2025/2026  BA-BISHO3001U  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 First Quarter, Autumn
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for Global Relations
Course coordinator
  • Thomas Presskorn-Thygesen - Department of Business Humanities and Law (BHL)
Main academic disciplines
  • Methodology and philosophy of science
Teaching methods
  • Face-to-face teaching
Last updated on 26/05/2025

Relevant links
Learning objectives
At the end of the course, the student must be able to:
  • Describe and explain basic concepts from philosophy of science such as, for instance, ’epistemology’, ’ontology’, ‘validity’ or ’falsification’.
  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of basic epistemological assumptions underlying different core disciplines in business economics such as ‘microeconomics’, ‘organization theory’, ‘accounting’, ‘strategy’, etc.
  • Independently apply basic methodologies in such research, including both selection and critical evaluation of secondary sources and techniques or the collection of primary data.
  • Critically evaluate the choice and implementation of research methodologies in international business research.
Examination
Business Research Methodology:
Exam ECTS 7.5
Examination form Oral exam based on written product

In order to participate in the oral exam, the written product must be handed in before the oral exam; by the set deadline. The grade is based on an overall assessment of the written product and the individual oral performance, see also the rules about examination forms in the programme regulations.
Individual or group exam Individual oral exam based on written group product
Number of people in the group 2-3
Size of written product Max. 10 pages
Assignment type Synopsis
Release of assignment An assigned subject is released in class
Duration
Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
20 min. per student, including examiners' discussion of grade, and informing plus explaining the grade
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) Internal examiner and second internal examiner
Exam period Autumn
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Re-examination when the regular examination is failed is a 20 minutes individual oral exam based upon the same group project.

Make-up examination when ill at the oral exam is a 20 minutes individual oral exam based upon the same group project.

Make-up examination when ill during the writing of the project is a 20 minutes individual oral exam based on the new written project to be handed in at a specified time and date.( if you are alone, the max number of pages should be 20)
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

The course topic falls within methodology and philosophy of science as it applies to business research and social science. The learning objectives should be interpreted through this lens. The course content is thus structured by (1) various positions from philosophy of science (positivism, hermeneutics, critical rationalism etc.) but with (2) the simultaneous aim of showing how such epistemological positions apply to the study of core disciplines in business economics such as microeconomics, organization theory, strategy, finance and CSR.

 

The course teaching delivers (1) lectures on the theories and concepts of such positions along and (2) training and group exercises of the ability to apply and exemplify such methodological concepts within a concrete practical or scientific context. This also reflects what is ultimately expected of the student at the end of the course: (a) theoretical and conceptual mastery of basic concepts from philosophy of science along with (b) the ability to apply such methodological concepts within the context of social science, business economics and international shipping in particular.
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
  • Teacher’s own research
  • Methodology
Research-like activities
  • Discussion, critical reflection, modelling
Description of the teaching methods
Lectures as well as group work. Note that the course is highly intensive and delivered over the course of one week. Mornings and afternoons will primary consist of lectures, while 2-3 hours each day around midday will be devoted to group and case work.
Feedback during the teaching period
Feedback will be given in class for group work.
Student workload
lecture 36 hours
preparation 164 hours
exam 37 hours
Expected literature

The course curriculum is published each year on CANVAS. The course literature consists of two parts: (1) a textbook introduction to philosophy of science and social science methodology and (2) a collection of texts that contextualize methodology/philosophy of science within business economics.

 

Expected course textbook: Andreas Beck Holm: “Philosophy of Science: An Introduction for Future Knowledge Workers” (Copenhagen: Samfundslitteratur, 2018).

 

The additional texts focused methodology of business economics and international trade are made available through either CANVAS or a small printed compendium. 

 

 
Last updated on 26/05/2025