Research methods (5 cr)

Objective

You are able to plan a research project and formulate the research questions.

You are able to select and justify suitable qualitative and quantitative methods for a given project.

You are able to select and apply appropriate data analysis techniques.

You are able to evaluate the quality of your own research.

You are able to apply ethical principles in research work.

Content

How to generate new ideas for research?

How to formulate the research question properly?

What are the different qualitative and quantitative research methods?

How to analyze the collected data through various procedures?

How to determine if the study is reliable, valid and ethical?

Evaluation

Students can

b. look for information in the key information sources of the field

c. identify interrelated tasks

e. use the key models, methods, software and technologies of the professional field

f. work as a team member in a goal-oriented way justify your actions according to the ethical principles of the professional field Students can

Course material

The course material consists of lecture notes and materials posted in the Learn platform. The following textbook is recommended as a supplementary source.
Saunders, M., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A., 2016. Research Methods for Business Students. Essex: Pearson Education Limited.

Study forms and methods

Individual study tracks can be negotiated with the instructor. It will be available only if the student can provide sufficient basis for such implementation. There can be a pre-test to assess the students’ ability and suitability to complete the course individually.

RDI and work-related cooperation

The tasks will support students’ own thesis work. Tasks can be part of the students’ own project to support development work at their own organization if they are employed. Guest lecturers and company related projects are possible from existing RDI projects at XAMK or sourced locally.

Timing of exams and assignments

There is no written exam at the end. There will be maximum five theme tasks corresponding to the pre-defined module in the Learn platform.

International cooperation

Students have possibilities to complete theme tasks in international and multicultural groups. The case assigned for the theme specific project report can involve collaborating with SMEs aiming to internationalize abroad.

Student workload

The maximum five theme specific tasks will all carry equal weights. The theme tasks will be completed concurrently with the discussion of the theme background material. The tasks deadline will be evenly spread throughout the duration of the course to balance the student workload.

Course part description

How to generate new ideas for research?

How to formulate the research question properly?

What are the different qualitative and quantitative research methods?

How to analyze the collected data through various procedures?

How to determine if the study is reliable, valid and ethical?

Further information

Please contact jagat.kunwar@xamk.fi directly for further information.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Students can

a. look for information in the key information sources of the field

b. identify interrelated tasks

c. use the key models, methods, software and technologies of the professional field

d. work as a team member in a goal-oriented way

e. justify your actions according to the ethical principles of the professional field