Research methods – Master level distance course
The course builds primarily on individual literature studies and work related to web-based sources of knowledge.
The course commends with a theoretical review of factors that will influence the approach in a research project. This review includes a presentation of various techniques to process data, present data and how to ensure quality in the process.
Based on the understanding that method implies a number of actively made choices, students are asked to reflect on various choices and produce a draft for a research plan. The modules in the course offer an understanding of:
the role of the researcher
presenting an academic literature review
research contribution – the role of theory
methods for gathering data in fixed and flexible research designs:
individual interviews and participatory observations, focus group interviews,
survey/questionnaire, documentanalys samt experiment
-techniques for analyzing data: coding, narratives, regression analysis, factor analysis, meta analysis and content analysis
The last part of the course is aimed at preparing the student for a research project, where one of the first steps is to draft a research design in a proposal. This research design draft serves as the individual study in the course.
The course is implemented by mandatory literature studies and individual tasks.
Information from the course leader
A warm welcome to the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and the course Research methods – Master level distance course!
Below, you will find general information about the student account, registration for the course and other practical information.
The student account
You will need your student account to access e.g. your e-mail, Ladok and Canvas. For information regarding how to create your student account, follow this link: https://student.slu.se/en/study-support/it-support/support/new-student---start/
Registration for the course
Self-registration for the course is done in Ladok between 2023-08-14–2023-08-31. Remember that you must be admitted and registered in Ladok to be able take the course. Having access to Canvas does not mean you are registered in the course and without registration, you are risking losing your place in the course. If you have been admitted to the course with conditions, you need to send your credit list to the course leader who will review it and decide if you can register. Do this as soon as possible as reviewing credits may take a few days due to the course start.
Educational support
If you are entitled extra educational support, please inform the course leader at the start of the course so that special arrangements can be made.
For educational support for an exam, see instructions in the exam registration in Ladok Student. You need to register for alternative exam arrangements no later than 10 workings days prior to the examination day. More information here: https://student.slu.se/en/study-support/study-support/funka/.
Discontinuation of a course
If you want to discontinue the course, you should immediately notify the educational administrators at econ-edu@slu.se, who in turn will inform the course leader and register a non-completion of the course in Ladok after your approval. You are also able to register an early non-completion of the course (within three weeks after course start) in Ladok yourself.
Exams
You need to register for exams in Ladok. The registration closes 10 working days prior to the exam. You can find your anonymity code in Ladok Student. It's not possible to register for the exam after the deadline has passed.
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Do not hesitate to contact us at econ-edu@slu.se if you have any questions!
Kind regards,
The educational administrators
Course evaluation
The course evaluation is now closed
FÖ0430-10367 - Course evaluation report
Once the evaluation is closed, the course coordinator and student representative have 1 month to draft their comments. The comments will be published in the evaluation report.
Additional course evaluations for FÖ0430
Academic year 2023/2024
Research methods – Master level distance course (FÖ0430-30322)
2024-01-15 - 2024-06-02
Academic year 2022/2023
Research methods – Master level distance course (FÖ0430-30136)
2023-01-16 - 2023-06-04
Academic year 2022/2023
Research methods – Master level distance course (FÖ0430-10151)
2022-08-29 - 2023-01-15
Academic year 2021/2022
Research methods – Master level distance course (FÖ0430-10235)
2021-08-30 - 2022-06-05
Academic year 2020/2021
Research methods – Master level distance course (FÖ0430-10205)
2020-08-31 - 2021-06-06
Academic year 2019/2020
Research methods – Master level distance course (FÖ0430-10168)
2019-09-02 - 2020-06-07
Academic year 2018/2019
Research methods – Master level distance course (FÖ0430-40128)
2019-03-26 - 2019-06-09
Academic year 2018/2019
Research methods – Master level distance course (FÖ0430-20145)
2018-11-05 - 2019-01-20
Academic year 2017/2018
Research methods – Master level distance course (FÖ0430-40051)
2018-03-19 - 2018-06-03
Academic year 2017/2018
Research methods – Master level distance course (FÖ0430-20048)
2017-10-30 - 2018-01-14
Syllabus and other information
Syllabus
FÖ0430 Research methods – Master level distance course, 7.5 Credits
Research methods – Master level distance courseSubjects
Business Administration Business AdministrationEducation cycle
Master’s levelAdvanced study in the main field
A1N
Grading scale
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.
Language
EnglishPrior knowledge
Skills equivalent to 180 credits, whereof 90 credits in Business Administration.Knowledge equivalent to English B from upper secondary school.
Objectives
This course addresses methodological issues as a part of an academic program in management. It aims at developing an understanding of methodological implications of the research process.
After completing the course the students will have a working knowledge of:
how the approach is influenced by the research objectives and ethical aspects of a project,
limitations of commonly used approaches, data gathering methods and analytical techniques,
framing and interpreting academic investigations in a critical review,
presenting a research plan as a part of a proposal.
Content
The course builds primarily on individual literature studies and work related to web-based sources of knowledge.
The course commends with a theoretical review of factors that will influence the approach in a research project. This review includes a presentation of various techniques to process data, present data and how to ensure quality in the process.
Based on the understanding that method implies a number of actively made choices, students are asked to reflect on various choices and produce a draft for a research plan. The modules in the course offer an understanding of:
the role of the researcher
presenting an academic literature review
research contribution – the role of theory
methods for gathering data in fixed and flexible research designs:
individual interviews and participatory observations, focus group interviews,
survey/questionnaire, documentanalys samt experiment
-techniques for analyzing data: coding, narratives, regression analysis, factor analysis, meta analysis and content analysis
The last part of the course is aimed at preparing the student for a research project, where one of the first steps is to draft a research design in a proposal. This research design draft serves as the individual study in the course.
The course is implemented by mandatory literature studies and individual tasks.
Grading form
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.Formats and requirements for examination
Examination will be based on written assignments and/or an exam, and an individual course project report. Requirements for a passing grade include passed written assignments and/or exam, and passed individual course project report.
If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
Other information
The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.
If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
Responsible department
Department of Economics
Litterature list
Bell, Emma, Bryman, Alan, and Harley, Bill. 2019. Business Research Methods. 5th ed. Oxford University Press.