Social Science and Methods I

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

• describe relevant concepts and principles regarding quantitative and qualitative research approaches and methods for data collection
• justify the choice of research approaches and methods based on an independently formulated problem related to business studies
• plan methods for data collection based on problems related to business studies
• apply the chosen method of data collection and communicate the choice orally and in writing in an academic manner
• relate critically and reflectively to methods for data collection and critically evaluate empirical material
• identify and discuss aspects of research ethics in business administration studies

This course deals with fundamental questions in social science research with a special focus on organizational and business aspects and focuses on approaches and methods for collecting empirical data/data in order to solve business economics problems. The course comprises four modules. The first module, Scientific Methods and Research Ethics, introduces basic concepts and principles of data collection as well as a scientific approach. The second module, Problematisation, focuses on justifying the choice of research approaches and methods for data collection based on independently formulated business economics problems. The third module, Operationalisation, focuses on the planning of qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. The fourth module, Applying Method, concentrates on applying the chosen method for data collection and on communicating the choice and application of research approaches and methods orally and in writing with an academic approach, critically, reflectively and with regard to research ethics principles.

Graded written assignments in groups

If the course section is advertised as a campus, the following applies:

Active participation in seminars and workshops on campus

Written supervised examination on site

If the course is announced as a distance, the following applies:

Active participation in seminars and workshops online

Written supervised examination on-line

The grading scale used for the final course grade is U–VG.

To pass the course with distinction (VG), students must achieve VG on the first and fourth module.

Grades are reported as follows:

• Scientific Methods and Research Ethics - 2.5 Credits | U–VG
• Problematisation - 1 Credit | U–G
• Operationalisation - 2 Credits | U–G
• Applying Method - 2 Credits | U–VG