Course content
Understanding how knowledge is created, interpreted, and applied is at the heart of both the philosophy of science and qualitative research. This course explores the foundations of knowledge production, focusing on how qualitative methods allow us to grasp complex social realities, navigate ethical considerations, and critically engage with the world around us. Organizations depend on qualitative insights to make sense of customer experiences, inform strategic decision-making, and understand—and influence—the environments in which they act. Combining theoretical reflection with hands-on methodological training, the course will equip you with the tools to conduct qualitative research following ethical guidelines.
The first part of the course focuses on understanding what qualitative research is and introduces you to basic concepts within the theory of science. You will learn how to design a qualitative research study within business administration and service management. In the second part , you will be introduced to core qualitative methods and methodological techniques used in organizational research, which include participant observation, interviews, case studies, and document analysis. The course aims to develop your ability to use and combine these methods and techniques effectively and ethically, thereby enhancing your analytical skills and understanding of research ethics. In the third part of the course, you will explore fundamental concepts related to the philosophy of science and knowledge production in social science research. This section builds on the previous parts and is designed to help you develop an awareness of the different approaches to studying social science and their potential strengths and limitations.
See course description in course catalogue