Business Research Methods - Qualitative

COURSE OBJECTIVE
ACADEMIC AND RESEARCH SKILLS – STUDENTS CAN CONDUCT A BASIC INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH PROJECT FROM START TO FINISH
ACADEMIC SKILLS
After successfully completing this course, the student
• is able to put forward well-founded, substantiated points of view regarding choices in qualitative research design and analysis (Argumentation)

RESEARCH SKILLS
After successfully completing this course, the student
• is able to critically reflect on (the quality of) academic research
• is able to translate academic research into practically relevant outcomes
• is able to translate practically relevant problems into academically relevant research questions
• can apply all the qualitative research skills needed to complete a qualitative, international research process in full, including design, data collection and analysis methods

BRIDGING THEORY AND PRACTICE
KNOWLEDGE: Demonstrates theoretical and empirical knowledge concerning the relevant areas in international business administration
After successfully completing this course, the student:
• can explain the theoretical foundations of qualitative research

APPLICATION: Can propose a solution to an international real-life business problem by applying relevant theories and methodologies.
After successfully completing this course, the student:
• Is able to provide practical solutions to a case by applying qualitative research methods (i.e., qualitative interviews and observations) to solve a specific business-relate problem

SOCIAL SKILLS – STUDENTS ARE ABLE TO EFFECTIVELY MANAGE DIFFERENT PROFESSIONAL ROLES IN A CROSS-CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT
After successfully completing this course, the student:
• Able to demonstrate good listening and observation skills through interview and observation
• is able to present qualitative research findings (both orally and in writing)
• can work well in a team and reflect on his/her own role in the team
• is sensitive to cross-cultural differences, understands how these translate into social contexts and is able to deal with those differences in social interactions

COURSE CONTENT
This course will teach you to skilfully and reflexively perform all the elements of the qualitative research process. You will learn using a "hands on" approach- that is, you gain an understanding of qualitative research design, data collection, data analysis, and reporting by doing it all yourself through a team research project. This is a skill set that you can take forward with you, not only in future courses in the University setting, but also in other avenues of your professional life. During this project you will also gain in depth knowledge of important aspects of international business that you can expect to encounter in your own future careers.

TEACHING METHODS
Lectures, Tutorials

TYPE OF ASSESSMENT
Written exam – Individual assessment
Assignment – Group assessment
Mandatory attendance tutorials

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Note that this course is an entry requirement for the Bachelor Thesis, meaning that this course needs to be completed successfully in order to be able to start with the Bachelor Thesis process in year three.

Recommended background knowledge

1.3 Academic Skills