Methods and Insight

Description

Introduction: This course in methods and insight provides a basic introduction to the use of research methods related to strategic choices and decisions in companies. The course addresses how to identify and define problems and challenges in the organization and in the market, and how to work systematically and scientifically to provide information that can be used for the decision making. The course is based on theories within marketing, consumer behavior, organization theories, statistics, business management and strategy. Business research knowledge will provide guidance for the students when interpreting information regarding scientific standards. The course will develop the students abilities to make such critical reviews. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques will be addressed in the course. Course content: Develop and manage projects, specify the problem definitions - Research model and hypotheses - Information sources within the secondary data sources and primary data - Qualitative techniques and analysis - Quantitative techniques and analysis - Reporting and implementation Learning outcomes - Knowledge: After finishing the course the students will be able to organize, summarize, and discuss results from research according to the scientific principles for research. Learning outcomes - Skills: After finishing the course the students will be able to independently develop, adapt, correct, and communicate their own research, in addition to understanding, evaluating and utilizing the research of others. General Competence: The course shall raise students awareness, and develop students attitudes in accordance with values related to scientific thinking within research methodology. Teaching and learning activities: The course has 40 contact hours. Of these 28 hours of lectures will focus on the syllabus. 6 hours consist of training in JMP and 6 hours are spent on a portfolio. Exercises in the use of JMP will take place in the auditorium, using laptops, or in the computer lab. The students are allowed to use Excel if they prefer that software. The course includes a portfolio with a total of three submissions. The portfolio is based on - planning the design and problem definition of a research project - conducting a qualitative study with analysis and discussion - conducting a quantitative survey with analysis and discussion The portfolio can be completed individually or in groups of up to 3 students. Students will receive feedback on each of the submissions in the form of written feedback or plenary feedback. Students will have an opportunity to correct their portfolio before the final submission. The completed portfolio assignment accounts for 100% of the final grade in the course. E-Learning Where the course is delivered as an online course, the lecturer will, in collaboration with the study administration, arrange an appropriate combination of digital learning resources and activities. These activities will correspond to the stated number of teaching hours delivered on campus. Online students are also offered a study guide that will provide an overview of the course and contribute to course progression. The total time students are expected to spend completing the course also applies to online studies. Software tools: Software defined under the section "Teaching and learning activities". SAS - JMP Qualifications: Higher Education Entrance Qualification Disclaimer Deviations in teaching and exams may occur if external conditions or unforeseen events call for this. Required prerequisite knowledge: Introduction course in statistics. Assessments: Assessments Exam category: Submission Form of assessment: Portfolio Assessment PDF Exam/hand-in semester: First Semester Weight: 100 Grouping: Group/Individual (1 - 3) Duration: 1 Semester(s) Comment: Portfolio - can be up to 30 pages. Table of content, summary and reference list can be added. Copy of survey and interview guide is allowed as attachments. There will be plagiarism control of the portfolios. The students must submit the file with their data in addition to the portfolio. Exam code: MET 21235 Grading scale: ECTS Resit: Examination every semester Type of assessment: Portfolio assessment Total weight: 100 Student workload: Activity Duration Comment Teaching 28 Hour(s) Feedback activities and counselling 12 Hour(s) Participation in the portfolio review and computer tool supervision Submission(s) 100 Hour(s) Working on the portfolio Prepare for teaching 60 Hour(s) Sum workload: 200 Incoming exchange students at BI Norwegian Business School select courses from BI's official semester-specific exchange course lists. BI defines a full semester as 30 ECTS; bachelor courses are typically 7.5 ECTS each (4 per semester) and master courses are typically 6 ECTS each (5 per semester). Course availability, prerequisites, and timetabling are confirmed via BI's International Office and the Learning Agreement process.