Industrial Engineering and Management MA, Development of Theory and Research Design, 15 credits

Aim

The course aims to provide an in-depth understanding of scientific theoretical points of departure, methodological approaches, and practical scientific approaches. Furthermore, the course deals with how these are related to each other and how different methodological approaches affect specific method and design choices.

Course objectives

Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:

• Independently conduct scientific literature reviews
• Analyze and evaluate different theories and/or research methods to a scientific project
• Critically examine the methodological approaches in scientific work
• Select and apply to the discipline relevant methodological approaches and practices
• Select and apply relevant quantitative and/or qualitative methods
• Reflect on and analyze ethical and societal aspects of research
• Recognize, motivate and argue for the choice of theory or research method to solve the defined scientific problem
• Demonstrate the ability to identify needs for further knowledge acquisition

Content

The course includes a thorough review of scientific theoretical starting points, methodological approaches (quantitative and qualitative approaches in both social sciences and natural/technical sciences) and the relationship between scientific theory, research design, and methods.

Furthermore, the course addresses the practice of research through a focus on the formulation of research problem, literature studies, and theory adoption.

The course covers in-depth and project-specific elements that include in whole or in part the following: Problem formulation, theories, models, scientific methods, experimental methods, scientific theoretical perspectives, tools and instrumentation, and research design.

Entry requirements

Industrial Engineering and Management MA, Problem formulation and Master Thesis Planning, 7.5 credits.

Selection rules and procedures

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

Teaching form

Teaching is carried out via lectures, seminars, supervision, and feedback on assignments. The majority of the course includes activities based on self-study and individual work.

The course may be given entirely in English.

Examination form

R104: Written report of a completed literature review, 4.5 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A-F o Fx

R204: Written report positioning, method and choice of theory, 3 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A-F o Fx

R304: Research Plan, 7.5 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A-F o Fx

Link to grading criteria: https://www.miun.se/gradingcriteria.

The examiner has the right to offer alternative examination arrangements to students who have been granted the right to special support by Mid Sweden University’s disabilities adviser.

Examination restrictions

Students are entitled to three examination opportunities within one year according to the examination format given in this version of the course syllabus. After the one-year period, the examination format given in the most recent version of the course syllabus applies.

Grading system

Three-grade scale