Course content

• Developing research questions in empirical research;
• Quantitative and qualitative study design;
• Conducting surveys;
• Descriptive statistics;
• Hypothesis testing and inference statistics;
• Correlation analysis;
• Analysis of variance (ANOVA);
• Regression analysis;
• Qualitative interviews and focus groups;
• Observation and document analysis;
• Analyzes of qualitative data;
• Validity and reliability;
• Interpretation and discussion of data;
• Introduction to "Big data" in business and management;
• Ethical issues in empirical research.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

After completing this course, students should have acquired knowledge on how to carry out empirical research in the domain of economic and business administration. This includes knowledge about:

• Research problems and corresponding research questions and how these lay the premises for the research process;
• Qualitative and quantitative research designs and corresponding methods of data collection;
• Methods for analysing of qualitative and quantitative data;
• Criteria for assessing the quality of empirical research;

Skills

After completing the course, students should be able to carry out empirical research by applying both quantitative and/or qualitative methods. This includes being able to:

• Run statistical analyzes and interpret results using statistical software;
• Assess the validity and reliability of empirical research projects;
• Report and communicate main results and draw conclusions from empirical research projects.

General competence

The course shall provide a solid academic basis for:

• Being able to select a valid methodological approach in empirical research and business analysis
• Collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data
• Develop the ability to critically reflect on methods and be able to reflect on the implications of empirical findings

Learning methods and activities

• Lectures
• Group work
• Problem-solving
• Semester assignments
• Introduction to statistical software

Additional information: Some lectures may be held in English.

Recommended previous knowledge

MET1001/AR100919 Mathematics for Business and MET1002/AR100219 Statistics for Business

Required previous knowledge

None

Course materials

To be decided at the beginning of the semester