course-details-portlet

IØ8503 - Environmental and Social Responsibility - Theoretical and Methodological Approach to Multi-Disciplinary Research

About

Lessons are not given in the academic year 2015/2016

Course content

The course shall deliver the students insights on the theories and research traditions of distinct disciplines and their interactions. It should also give support to develop an individual research design for the students' concrete "research-case". This design includes the ability to understand which methods from the Natural Sciences, Technology, the Humanities and Social Sciences are appropriate for the particular work, how to classify and give preference to the single approaches and how to integrate them in the doctoral project where sustainability, industrial ecology and environmental responsibility has a central position.
The course-content covers central research methods: - qualitative and quantitative methods, - systems theory and engineering, - business research methods and action research. In addition the course will give an overview of the most relevant decision supporting methods related to industry; environmental management, material flow analyses, LCA, risk assessment, multi criteria decisions support tools and standardisation methodologies and their implication on development and improvements on products, processes, organisations and value chains. Strategies and logistics in industrial networks will also be touched upon if relevant. Some attention will be given to writing for peer-reviewed journals.

The course is given every second year, next time Spring 2017.

Learning outcome

Knowledge: The candidate will gain knowledge of the relevant multidisciplinary research theories and methodologies hereunder qualitative versus quantitative research methodologies, business research techniques, action research, statistical analysis and research design. The candidate will further gain knowledge of multi criteria decision supporting methods and tools, systems engineering, environmental and CSR management methods.
Skills: The candidate will be able to construct appropriate research questions, select and apply multidisciplinary research methods, and plan their research project at an international level. The candidate will understand how to conduct a robust and scientific literature review, construct surveys and interviews, design decision support mechanisms, and document the findings in peer-reviewed publications. The candidate will be able to evaluate the conditions for applying the methods, as well as how to write for scientific publications, and deliver presentations on their research.
General Competence: The candidate will gain a thorough introduction to multidisciplinary methods for conducting research in questions of environmental and social responsibility, industrial ecology, and systems engineering. The candidate will gain the competence to select and combine appropriate methods to achieve quality research results at an international level.

Learning methods and activities

Seminar form, personal guidance.
Mandatory activities, participation in each seminar, oral presentations.

Compulsory assignments

  • Participate on lessons. Orally presentations

Required previous knowledge

Master degree or similar with basic knowledge in environmental management, global production management, project management, product designs and innovation, CSR, systems engineering and industrial ecology

Course materials

Literature:
Information will be given at start of the course.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From To
DIS1061 10.0
IØ8504 2.5
More on the course

No

Facts

Version: 1
Credits:  10.0 SP
Study level: Doctoral degree level

Coursework

No

Language of instruction: English

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Subject area(s)
  • Health, Safety and Environment
  • Industrial Economics and Technology Management
  • Environmental Management
  • Technological subjects
Contact information

Department with academic responsibility
Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management

Examination

  • * The location (room) for a written examination is published 3 days before examination date. If more than one room is listed, you will find your room at Studentweb.
Examination

For more information regarding registration for examination and examination procedures, see "Innsida - Exams"

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