Print Print

Introduction to Multilevel Theory and Method (September 2009) --- COURSE CANCELLED!

Faculty
Bo Bernhard Nielsen, Center for Strategic Management and Globalization (SMG), Copenhagen Business School & Assistant Professor Sabina Nielsen, Copenhagen Business School
Course Coordinator
Bo Bernhard Nielsen, Center for Strategic Management and Globalization (SMG), Copenhagen Business School
Prerequisite
The course requires basic understanding of statistics; however, no prior knowledge of multilevel theory and methods is required
Aim of the course
Most management problems are inherently multilevel, yet most management research investigates organizational phenomena by examining them at single levels of analysis (e.g., individual, team, subsidiary, firm, industry, country, or region). Applying a multilevel lens reveals the richness of social behavior by drawing our attention to the context in which behavior occurs and the factors that shape behavior.
Multilevel research addresses the levels of (1) theory, (2) measurement, and (3) analysis. A match between the levels of theory, measurement, and analysis is essential in order to minimize level-related confounds (fallacies of the wrong level). This course is designed to help students understand the theoretical basis and practical application of hierarchical linear models (HLM). The course will first focus on the theoretical assumptions and the characteristics of data with multilevel structure. We will then provide students with the opportunity to conduct analysis and discuss/interpret results. Specifically, the course covers the following:
  1. What is multilevel theory and why is it important in management research?
  2. What types of research questions can multilevel theory help answer?
  3. The logics of multilevel models
  4. Applications of multilevel models in organizational research
  5. Conducting basic HLM analysis
  6. Interpreting HLM output and providing guidelines for reporting HLM results
  7. Overview of more advanced multilevel analyses
Course content, structure and teaching
Morning sessions focus on theory and afternoon sessions are devoted to practical application in HLM.
Lecture plan
Time/period    Faculty    Title   
Day 1 (2 September 2009)    Bo Bernhard Nielsen & Sabina Nielsen       
11:30-13:00        Welcome, registration and lunch   
13:00-14:00        Why is multilevel theory and method important? - Theoretical underpinnings & Discussion of example from contemporary research   
14:00-15:00        What types of research questions can multilevel theory help answer?    
15:00-15:30        Break   
15:30-16:30        Quick review of basic statistical concepts   
16:30-17:30        Hierarchical data structures & Introduction to the HLM    
Day 2 (3 September 2009)    Bo Bernhard Nielsen & Sabina Nielsen       
09:30-11:00        Multilevel and cross-level perspectives & The logic of HLM models   
11:00-11:30        Break   
11:30-12:30        Aggregation, disaggregation and interclass correlation - Within-group and between-group variance   
12:30-13:30        Lunch break   
13:30-15:00        Empty model, interpreting HLM output   
15:00-15:30        Break   
15:30-17:00        Building two level random intercept models   
Day 3 (4 September 2009)    Bo Bernhard Nielsen & Sabina Nielsen       
09:30-11:00        Cross-level interactions   
11:00-11:30        Break   
11:30-12:30        Multilevel model specification and hypothesis testing   
12:30-13:30        Lunch break   
13:30-15:00        Building two level random slope models & Reporting HLM results    
15:00-15:30        Break   
15:30-17:00        Advanced HLM (Three level HLM models; Cross-classified models, Latent growth models etc.)   
Teaching methods
Lectures and interactive lab-sessions
Course literature
  • Raudenbush, S. W. & Bryk, A. S., (2002). Hierarchical Linear Models: Applications and Data Analysis Method(2nd Edition). Newbury Park, CA: Sage. (RB)
  • Snijders, T., & Bosker, R. (1999). Multilevel Analysis. Newbury Park, CA: Sage. (SB)
  • Rousseau, D.M. (1985). Issues of level in organizational research: Multi-level and Cross-level Perspectives, in Research in Organizational Behavior, Volume 7: 1-37.
  • Hitt, M.A., Beamish, P.W., Jackson, S.E. & Mathieu, J.E. (2007). Building Theoretical and Empirical Bridges Across Levels: Multilevel Research in Management, Academy of Management Journal, Volume 50(6): 1385-1399.
  • Klein, K.J, Dansereau, F. & Hall, R.J. (1994). Levels Issues in Theory in Theory Development, Data Collection, and Analysis, Academy of Management Review, Volume 19(2): 195-229.
Enrolment
Please email a complete application form to kr.smg@cbs.dk. The form can be found in the box on the right side of the page.

Sidst opdateret af Kristine Olsen 18.08.2009