Qualitative methods in IE research for Homologation

The course starts with an overview of the empirical research cycle, thereby also introducing students to fundamental topics such as the importance of methods, unit of analysis, population, sampling, theory. Following the empirical research cycle, the course then continues by introducing students to qualitative research methods and inductive reasoning. This part aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills to identify (complex) patterns, relationships and dynamics in qualitative data, arrive at explanations and build new theory or refine existing theories. The students develop a basic understanding of varieties of qualitative data as well as the collecting, structuring, analyzing, coding and reporting of this type of data.
 
Throughout the course, students will be challenged to apply their newly acquired knowledge via a group assignment in the domain of innovation management.
The group assignment aims at further familiarizing students with qualitative research by applying their knowledge and skills to develop a research design, collect and analyze data as well as report and present their findings. In this respect, the course is essential in preparing students for their master thesis.

Topics include:

• The empirical research cycle - observation, induction, deduction, testing, evaluation
• Research questions, research design choices, incl. unit of analysis and sampling
• Research designs, e.g. case study, process research
• The role of literature, literature search and review
• Quality criteria for research: controllability, reliability, validity and research ethics
• Basics of qualitative research, incl. data collection (e.g. interviews), analysis (coding) and reporting
• Reporting research projects

1. Describe the different steps of the empirical research cycle and the regulative cycle and explain how they are connected.
2. Apply key concepts in social science research methods (e.g. unit of analysis, sampling, causality vs. correlation, validity, reliability)
3. Identify which research methods (qualitative, quantitative) are most appropriate for either answering a specific research question or diagnosing and analyzing a specific business problem
4. Critically assess the quality and applicability of research methods as used in academic social science literature.
5. Apply commonly used qualitative (e.g. interviews, coding) research techniques in a way that ensures valid and reliable results, both in answering a theoretical research question, and in diagnosing and analyzing a business problem
6. Report and present a social science research project in line with the conventions of the discipline.

You must meet the following requirements

• Registered for a degree programme other than
• HBO-TOP Applied Physics, Pre-Master
• Completed none of the course modules listed below
• Behavioral Research Methods 1: dr (0HV00)
• Methodology for IE research (1ZV00)
• Methodology for IE research (1ZV60)

• Business Research Methods, Fifth Edition - Emma Bell, Alan Bryman, Bill Harley (ISBN 9780198809876)