Research and development skills (5cr)

Objective

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

You know the general stages of the research and development process. 
You can systematically search for information in the key information environments of your own field. 
You can 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 can 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 objectives for research and development methods, 3 ECTS credits 
 
You are familiar with the current research topics and development needs in your own field. 
You are familiar with and can apply the key development approaches and/or research methods and ethical principles in your own field. 
You can report on a research or development process following the principles of professional and scientific communication. 

Content

Content corresponding to the common learning objectives, 2 ECTS credits: 
 
What are the stages of a research and development process? 
How do you find, read and critically evaluate the research data in your own field? 
How do you compile 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 topics 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 to meet 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? 

Evaluation

Students can
a. systematically use professional vocabulary of research and development  
b. look for information in the key information sources of the field 
e. use the key models, methods, software and techniques of the professional field 
g. justify their actions according to the ethical principles of the professional field. 

Course material

(1) Regular class attendance and completing assigned tasks must be enough to achieve the learning objectives.
(2) However, to understand the research methods, the 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
- Apply academic ethical writing skills in finalising their report

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 can the style of the text be analysed and the different components of a report, chapter, paragraph, and sentence recognised?
(5) The significance of ethical writing and referencing, following Xamk referencing practices and following them systematically.
(6) Writing a fluent and correct thesis displaying a suitable academic style that is typical of your field and 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 the points for each assessment item listed above.
- No exceptions will be made to these minimum requirements.

Student workload

For five credits, the expected workload is approx. 135 hours.

Course part description

The course consists of F2F meetings.

Further information

Your credits are approved only if you have successfully passed both components.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

A grade for the R&D component and a Pass/ Fail for the Academic Writing part.