Busi­ness Re­search Meth­od­o­logy

Course content

This course aims to equip students with the necessary tools for carrying out and evaluating some of the most commonly used strategies in international business research. Grounded in critical thinking regarding theoretical assumptions and ethical values, the course provides hands-on knowledge in formulating relevant research questions, as well as collecting, analyzing and reporting on different types of data relevant for business research. 

There are several components to the course:

1. Philoshophy of science discussions introduce the students to the most essential key concepts and positions in philosophy of science and strengthens their epistemological and ontological awareness.

2. Lectures on common research design strategies help the students understand the link between research questions, theoretical direction and empirical material, by focusing on experimental, cross-sectional, temporal, single and multiple case study designs.

3. Discussions in data collection and analysis develop key skills in the collection and analysis of different types of data by covering diverse techniques, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, observation, and text/document analysis.

The course uses a combination of lectures, assignments and exercises with interactive elements that incorporate application of skills. In line with the Nordic Nine principles, the course seeks to substantially develop learners' curiosity and analytic skills when working with different forms of data.

Nordic Nine

The course seeks to develop CBS students’ transformative capabilities by addressing in particular the following Nordic Nine principles:

Learners are encouraged to consider on societal challenges in a broad and expansive context by creating and co-creating deep knowledge about micro-level issues that are relevant to modern, international business practices (NN1). During this process, they develop skills in collecting and analyzing data by reflecting upon quality, credibility, authenticity of different types of data and data sources. They are encouraged to be curious about working independently and embracing the complexity and ambiguity of real world challenges and data (NN2).

Critical reflection is a key component of the course, as the learners make sense of the ethical dilemmas encountered in various research settings and develop the necessary leadership values to navigate and overcome them. They practice leadership skills as a part of their group work and collaboratively reflect on issues that are relevant for future business leaders, including their own epistemological and ontological positions and assumptions that guide their decisions (NN5, NN6).