Research and development skills (5 cr)

Objective

Common learning outcomes (as implemented in degree programmes) 2 ECTS credits:

You know the general stages in a research and development process.
You are able to search for information in the key information environments of your own field.
You are able to read, critically evaluate and utilize the literature and research publications of your own field.
You are familiar with and able to apply the principles of research ethics and reliability.
You are able to compose a literature review based on the materials published in your field of study and your own bachelor’s thesis following the principles of scientific communication.

Degree programme specific learning outcomes for research and development methods, 3 ECTS credits

You are familiar with the current research subjects and development needs of your own field.
You are familiar with and able to apply the key development approaches and/or research methods and ethical principles of your own field.
You are able to report on a research or development process following the principles of professional and scientific communication.

Content

Content of common learning outcomes, 2 ECTS credits:

What are the phases into which a research and development process can be divided?
How do you find, read and critically evaluate the research data of your own field?
How do you write a literature review that utilizes reliable research data and is linked to your own field and bachelor’s thesis following the principles of ethical scientific communication?

Degree programme specific content, 3 ECTS credits

What are the key research subjects and development needs in your own field?
What are the development approaches and/or research methods in your own field and how do you apply them in practice based on the development needs of your own field?
How do you report a research or development process following the principles of ethical professional and scientific communication in your own field?

Course material

(1) Regular attendance in classes and completing assigned tasks must be enough to achieve the learning objectives.
(2) However, to understand the research methods, following sources are recommended:
(a) Patton, M. Q., 2015. Qualitative research & evaluation methods : Integrating theory and practice. Thousand Oaks, California: SAGE Publications, Inc..
(b) Saunders, M., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A., 2016. Research Methods for Business Students. Essex: Pearson Education Limited.
(c) Silverman, D. & Marvasti, A., 2008. Doing Qualitative Research: A Comprehensive Guide. Los Angeles: SAGE Publications.

Study forms and methods

At the end of the study unit, students should be able to

Write and modify their research plan
Start their literature review with a sample of annotated bibliography
Plan their conceptual framework
Prepare a research matrix connecting concepts and measurements
Plan a data collection instrument

RDI and work-related cooperation

You learn:
(1) How to identify research-oriented problems in your chosen organisation
(2) How to collect organisational data from various sources
(3) How to solve business problems and provide appropriate managerial recommendations
(4) How to analyse the style of the text and recognise different components of a report, chapter, paragraph and sentence.
(5) The significance of ethical writing and referencing, following Xamk referencing practices and can follow them systematically.
(6) Writing a fluent and correct thesis displaying good academic style, typical of your field and your research approach.

Timing of exams and assignments

The maximum number of points for the course is 100, broken down as follows:

5 Separate tutorial tasks (each 20%)

To pass the course, you must:

Complete each item of assessment listed above
Attain at least half of the available points for each item of assessment listed above.
No exceptions will be made to these minimum requirements

Student workload

The maximum number of points for the course is 100, broken down as follows:

5 Separate tutorial tasks (each 20%)

To pass the course, you must:

Complete each item of assessment listed above
Attain at least half of the available points for each item of assessment listed above.
No exceptions will be made to these minimum requirements

Further information

The course consists of F2F meetings. Only some sessions can be implemented virtually.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

The maximum number of points for the course is 100, broken down as follows:

5 Separate tutorial tasks (each 20%)

To pass the course, you must:

Complete each item of assessment listed above
Attain at least half of the available points for each item of assessment listed above.
No exceptions will be made to these minimum requirements