Applied Research Methods
Objectives
The
goal of this course is to teach advanced research methods for business context.
In particular the course will endow students on how to design a proper
methodology to collect data to analyze distinct business problems (i.e.,
research questions). It’s a multi-method course, thus encompassing both
qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
A.
Knowledge and Understanding
•Understanding
the importance of conducting high-quality research in business research
•Discuss
the different research methodologies
•Critically
evaluate the suitability of different research methodologies to answer different
research questions
B.
Subject-Specific Skills
•Understand
the importance of making business decisions based on reliable data
•Learn
how to define a problem to-be solved (i.e., research question)
•Learn
how to select the proper methodology (quantitative and/or qualitative) to
answer a specific problem to-be solved in the business context
•Link
the specific data to data analysis methods
C.
General Skills
•Develop
critical thinking skills
•Develop
anlytical skills
•Communicate
in oral form in the roles of both presenter and discussant
•Work
in teams
General characterization
Code
14301
Credits
2
Responsible teacher
Natalie Truong
Hours
Weekly - Available soon
Total - Available soon
Teaching language
English
Prerequisites
Available soon
Bibliography
•Gliner, J.A., Morgan, G. A., & Leech, N. L. (2017). Research Methods in Applied Settings: An Integrated Approach to Design and Analysis, Third Edition. New York, Ny: Routledge, 2017.
•Christensen, L. B., Johnson, R.R., & Turner, L. A. (2015). Research Methods, Design, and Analysis. 12th Edition. London: Pearson Education.
•Saunders, M., Lewis, P., Thornhill, A., & Bristow, A. (2019). Understanding research philosophy and approaches to theory development. In book: Research Methods for Business Students (pp.128-171). Edition: 8th Chapter: 4 Publisher: Pearson Education.
Teaching method
This
curricular unit consists in 3h class per week and feedback meetings with teams.
These are mostly lectures but also include students’ presentations. Slides used
in class are posted on Moodle. Students are expected to look at these before
class.
Evaluation method
Grading
will take into account the following elements:
1.
Two individual quizzes (30 minutes each). These quizzes will be solved in
class. Weight on the final score: 30%;
2. Methodology
Plan: in groups*,
students must develop
a methodology plan
to a specific
business problem to-be solved**. The plan must comply will all
the requirements of conducting high-quality research discussed in class. This
10-page report counts for 40% of the final grade;
3.
Poster/video presentation: The methodology plan must be presented in the last
class in a poster (or video) format. Weight on the final score: 30%.
Subject matter
1:
Introduction to research methods
a. What is high-quality research in business
context?
b.
Key concepts
c.
Defining the problem to-be solved (or research question) and establishing
attainable research goals
d.
Quantitative vs Qualitative research methods
e.
Theory development and literature review
2:
Quantitative Research Methods for business –Descriptive methods
a.
Key concepts
b.
Cross-sectional methods
c.
Longitudinal methods
d.
How to create reliable survey questions
3:
Quantitative Research Methods for business –Causal methods
a.
Lab experiments
b.
Field experiments
c.
Quasi-experimental designs
d.
Randomized Experimental designs
4:
Qualitative Research Methods for business
a.
Key concepts of qualitative research
b.I
nterviews
c.
Focus Group
d.
Observation
5:
Data analysis, ethics and reporting
a.
Quantitative and Qualitative data analysis methods
b.
Levels of evidence and how to report results
c.
Ethics in doing research
Programs
Programs where the course is taught: