| Learning objectives |
- Explain basic concepts within the theory of science: central
perspectives that regard knowledge production processes based on
empirical research.
- Discuss and develop different research strategies, appropriate
to form a research project that aims to study a specific object and
phenomenon qualitatively.
- Formulate and operationalize a research problem that is
suitable for treatment by means of basic qualitative methods.
- Identify and reflect upon central qualitative methods and
methodological concepts with reference to a relevant research
problem.
- Present written output in an academically structured and
linguistically fluent form applying a recognized author-date
referencing style.
|
| Course prerequisites |
| English language skills equal to B2 level (CEFR)
and math skills equal to Danish level B are recommended |
| Examination |
|
Method I.
Philosophy of science and qualitative methods:
|
| 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 |
Case based assignment |
| Release of assignment |
The Assignment is released in Digital Exam (DE)
at exam start |
| Duration |
72 hours to prepare |
| Grading scale |
7-point grading scale |
| Examiner(s) |
One internal examiner |
| Exam period |
Autumn |
| Make-up exam/re-exam |
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
The re-exam will be based on a new
case different from the original exam-case.
|
Description of the exam
procedure
The final exam is a written project.
GenAI will be permitted as per CBS's general guidelines.
Students must declare their use where required, and improper use
(eg, inserting AI-generated content without citation) will be
considered an academic integrity
violation.
|
|
| Course content, structure and pedagogical
approach |
|
Understanding how knowledge is created, interpreted, and applied
is at the heart of both the philosophy of science and qualitative
research. This course explores the foundations of knowledge
production, focusing on how qualitative methods allow us to grasp
complex social realities, navigate ethical considerations, and
critically engage with the world around us. Organizations depend on
qualitative insights to make sense of customer experiences, inform
strategic decision-making, and understand—and influence—the
environments in which they act. Combining theoretical reflection
with hands-on methodological training, the course will equip you
with the tools to conduct qualitative research following ethical
guidelines.
The first part of the course focuses on
understanding what qualitative research is and introduces you to
basic concepts within the theory of science. You will learn how to
design a qualitative research study within business administration
and service management. In the second part , you
will be introduced to core qualitative methods and methodological
techniques used in organizational research, which include
participant observation, interviews, case studies, and document
analysis. The course aims to develop your ability to use and
combine these methods and techniques effectively and ethically,
thereby enhancing your analytical skills and understanding of
research ethics. In the third part of the course,
you will explore fundamental concepts related to the philosophy of
science and knowledge production in social science research. This
section builds on the previous parts and is designed to help you
develop an awareness of the different approaches to studying social
science and their potential strengths and
limitations.
|
|
| 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
- Teacher’s own research
- Methodology
Research-like activities
- Development of research questions
- Data collection
- Analysis
- Discussion, critical reflection, modelling
- Peer review including Peer-to-peer
|
| Description of the teaching methods |
| The course will combine lecture-based teaching
with case-based group exercises and workshops. The students are
expected to actively participate in class, including plenary
discussion, workshops and exercises. Preparation to attend the
workshops are vital to the success of the course. Lecture plans,
cases and questions/videos for preparation will be posted on CBS
Canvas. |
| Feedback during the teaching period |
| This course is based on continuous forms of
feedback, including individual and group feedback during workshops
and exercises as well as peer-to-peer feedback
activities. |
| Student workload |
| Classes including workshops |
38 hours |
| Preparation for class |
90 hours |
| Home assignments |
6 hours |
| Exam |
72 hours |
|
| Expected literature |
|
Eriksson, P. & Kovalainen A. (2016) Qualitative Methods in
Business Research (2nd edition). Sage: London.
Furthermore, a number of academic articles will be made
available via the CBS E-library.
The teacher will upload the final reading list to CBS Canvas two
weeks before the course starts.
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