Industrial Engineering and Management Ma, Scientific Method, 7.5 credits

Aim

The course aims at providing a deepened understanding for science theoretical points of departure, methodological approaches and concrete research practices. Moreover the course treats how these are related to each other and how various methodological approaches affect specific choices of method and research design.

Course objectives

After the course the student shall be able to:
- describe various science theoretical points of departure
- describe social sciences and natural / technical sciences quantitative and qualitative approaches, the differences between these, and their value in various contexts
- describe how different science theoretical points of departure affect the choice of research design, research methods and research practices
- critically review the methodology approaches in scientific works
- formulate research plans, purpose, research questions, literature study and make use of previous research and theories
- choose and use various methodological approaches and practices relevant for the discipline
- choose and use quantitative and/or qualitative approaches relevant for the discipline
- reflect over and analyze ethical and social aspects of research and development

Content

The course comprehends a thorough walk-through of science theoretical points of departure, methodological approaches (quantitative and qualitative approaches) and the relation between science theory, research design and choice of method.
Further the course includes the practice of research through a focus on the formulation of purpose and research questions, literature study and the use of previous research and theories. The course is ended with a deepened individual project in which each student will be able to immerse in an area relevant for the discipline, with a research approach and method relevant for the discipline.

Entry requirements

Bachelor's degree, or alternatively at least three years studies in technical or natural science.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

Lectures, seminars, supervision and individual work, and feedback on assignments.

Examination form

R101: Written Report 1, 1.5 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.

R201: Written Report 2, 3 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.

T101: Written Exam, 3 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.

1.5 hp, R101: Written report 1
Grades: A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. A-E are passed and Fx and F are failed.

3.0 hp, R201: Written report 2
Grades: A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. A-E are passed and Fx and F are failed.

3.0 hp, T101: Written exam
Grades: A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. A-E are passed and Fx and F are failed.

Grading criteria for the subject can be found at www.miun.se/gradingcriteria.

Grading system

Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.