The overarching aim of this course is to acquire a basic knowledge of scientific paradigms and research methods. Further, the aim is to develop the students ability to first, conduct and in written form report a scientific study, and second, to evaluate and use scientific as well as other reports.
The course begins with a discussion on the process of knowledge creation, with an emphasis on the production of scientific knowledge. Important building blocks in this process are frames of reference, scientific ideals, problem formulation, scientific approaches and methods for data collection and analysis. Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of a well though-out choice of topic, problematisation, and a careful specification of the problem statement (research question). The general scientific approaches (primarily induction and deduction) are penetrated and connected to different types of research strategies. Further, the possibilities and limitations of quantitative and qualitative methods are discussed. Methods for sampling and data collection are scrutinized, among other things based on the possibilities of accessing information.
The course also includes activities that develops the students ability to find information in databases, to use different types of information in an appropriate manner, and to evaluate this information and the sources according to relevant criteria.. Another important aim is to help the student to design his/her Masters thesis.
Förväntade studieresultat
Upon successful completion of the course, the student is expected to be able to:
describe the basic features of the main scientific ideals, and explain how different values and perspectives influence the process of knowledge creation
describe the different characteristics of qualitative and quantitative methods and evaluate the suitability of different methods to solve different types of research questions
search, evaluate and use different types of information on a basic level
argue for the formulation of a particular problem (research question), scientific strategies and methodological choices, and analyze an empirical and theoretical material
critically examine a report from different perspectives
in cooperation with other students, independently conduct a scientific study.
Behörighetskrav
Behörighet: Univ: Courses in Business Administration (75 ECTS) At Basic level (A-level) and Intermediate level (B-level) a minimum of 60 ECTS in Management, Marketing, Accounting and Finance courses. At the C-level (Bachelor), a minimum 15 ECTS.Students are also required to have English B from Swedish gymnasium or the equivalent.
Undervisningens upplägg
Lectures, seminars and supervision are the cornerstones of the teaching method during this course. Attendance is obligatory for activities that are part of the examination. The student is expected to come to class regularly and to participate actively in class discussions. All teaching will be in English.
Examination
Examination will be based upon individual written and/or oral examination, and the writing of a paper. The Swedish testing method dugga may be used to examine parts of the course.
Complementary work on term papers and other compulsory tasks should be completed two weeks after the final date of the course, at the latest. Exams may include materials from textbook, handouts, readings, assignments and class discussions.
All examination will be in English
Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd, Vg, 75% or more),
Pass (Godkänd, G, 50% or more)
Fail (Underkänd, U, less than 50%).
In order to pass the course, the student must complete all parts of the examination i.e. reach 50% of the points of each part. To receive the grade pass with distinction, the student must reach at least 75% of the total points on the course.
In case of failure on seminar participation or individual and group assignments, compensating assignments must be completed in accordance with instructions given on each occasion.
Students who do not pass the written examination will be offered a re-examination opportunity within 2-3 weeks. Beyond that, additional opportunities to complete the written examination normally arise every academic year one-week prior to the start of the autumn term.
When a student has failed an examination on two occasions, he or she has a right to have another grading teacher. A written request for an alternative examiner should be handed to the director of studies no later than two weeks before the next examination opportunity.
Rules and regulations concerning the production of academic texts and correct referencing will be applicable to all written assignments.
Guest lectures during the course might be used as basis for examination.
Student who has passed an examination can not redo the examination to get a higher grading.
Grades on the course are awarded when students have passed all examinations and compulsory course elements.
Academic credit transfer.
Academic credit transfers are according to the University credit transfer regulations
Övriga föreskrifter
The course is recommended reading for students in the Masters Programs in Business Administration, who have not previously read the equivalent methodology course in their Bachelors degree. The course is otherwise only available to foreign exchange students studying in Umeå through formal agreements.
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