Research methods

The course is aimed at Master level students who want to conduct operations management research. Students will develop an understanding of the various methods that can be used in order to conduct research in operations management. Moreover, the students will apply and exercise these research methods by working on four group assignments. In the four group assignments, students will have the opportunity to practice each element of the research cycle in sequential order. Specifically, these assignments will cover the following topics:

1. Design science, process improvement, process intelligence and qualitative methods

2. Data gathering, optimization and performance evaluation methods

3. Structural Equation Modeling Methods

4. Critical reflection on research methods

Additional information tests
Four group assignments which will each contribute 25% to the overall mark. Group assignments will consist of novel research methodologies used in Operations Management and related fields, as well as a philosophical reflection on research methods in general.
In case of an insufficient result, a single assignment can be adjusted based on expert feedback and assessed anew.
The grades of the assignments will be adjusted based on individual performance based on peer review. Students will do four peer reviews throughout the course (i.e., each for one group assignment; handed in with the submission of the assignment (i.e., before grading the assignment)), in which they rate their own contribution and the contributions of the other members of the own group regarding the group performance

This purpose of this course is to provide students with the methodological knowledge required to cultivate the scientific thinking and reasoning required to undertake research in operations management and logistics. It aims to develop the ability to conceptualise, plan, execute and evaluate scientific research and to adequately prepare students for their master theses.  The course aims to expose students to each element of the research cycle ranging from making observations, developing relevant research questions, formulating clear hypotheses, developing testable predictions, and gathering/analysing complex organisational data, generating appropriate solutions and effective report writing. Further, students will develop the ability to rigorously critique and evaluate various scientific works, participate in scholarly debates on theory and research methods, and generate practical solutions to real-world business problems.

The course is taught through weekly lectures and assignments, aiming to enhance the understanding of specific quantitative and qualitative research methods imperative to a student’s development as a future industrial engineer. Quantitative methods discussed include data gathering, optimization, performance evaluation, information systems design, process improvement, process intelligence, , and structural equation modelling. Qualitative methods will relate to systematic literature reviews and thematic content analysis.  Under real world conditions, students will learn how to apply these methods and to reflect upon their scientific and practical limitations.

The main objectives of this course are to aid students in:

1. Understanding the fundamental elements of business research and the research cycle
2. Selecting the appropriate research designs, approaches, methodologies, and analysis techniques to investigate complex business problems
3. Applying the fundamental principles of design sciences, systematic literature reviews, and case study research to develop clear research questions
4. Determining and using the most appropriate data collection, optimization, and performance evaluation methods to answer a specific research question
5. Understanding of advanced statistical analysis techniques (e.g. structural equation modeling)
6. Critically reflecting upon and evaluating scientific research
7. Effectively communicating research results to an intended audience

You must meet one of the following collections of requirements

• Collection 1
• Completed Final examination Bsc program
• Collection 2
• Completed Pre-Master

• Scientific articles and lecture slides: Will be provided online
• Matlab 2013 / 2014 a en 2014b http://www.mathworks.nl/support/sysreq/roadmap.html (Mathworks)