Business Administration MA, Quantitative and Qualitative Method, 7.5 credits

Aim

The course aims to provide students with knowledge to conduct and apply qualitative and quantitative research and investigation. Furthermore, the course aims to equip students with the ability to critically review their own research and the work of other researchers.

Course objectives

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

- Relate the theoretical foundations of qualitative and quantitative methods to applied research.

- Formulate and critically evaluate quantitative and qualitative research problems in business administration.

- Prepare a qualitative and a quantitative research design, including sampling, data collection, and analysis methods, for an independently outlined research problem.

- Identify and develop various methods for collecting qualitative empirical data and construct surveys suitable for collecting quantitative data.

- Apply and contrast different qualitative methodological approaches and analysis methods.

- Identify and compile the most common quantitative analysis methods for descriptive and causal analyses.

- Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of various quantitative and qualitative methods.

Content

The course relates scientific theory to various quantitative and qualitative research methods and emphasizes the connection between research questions and method selection. Participants have the opportunity to learn to choose an appropriate research method based on different scientific problems and receive theoretical and practical training in all crucial stages of investigation. Business elements are also included.

Some of the qualitative research methods covered in the course include case studies, ethnography, and grounded theory. Qualitative data collection and analysis are described and discussed based on issues within the field of business administration. Additionally, the utilization of qualitative research results is addressed.

The course covers the entire quantitative research process from study design, through data collection and management, to data analysis. Key course elements include unit selection, data collection method selection, instrument design (e.g., survey), and selection of statistical analysis methods. Various statistical analysis techniques are taught, focusing on different bivariate and multivariate relationship analyses, such as correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis.

Entry requirements

Business Administration BA (A/B/C) 90 credits, including Business Administration BA (C) at least 30 credits, and Basic Statistics Course, 15 credits, or equivalent.

Selection rules and procedures

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

Teaching form

Campus Course:

The teaching consists of lectures, seminars, assigned materials, various forms of exercises, and elements from the business sector. Mandatory attendance applies to seminars and elements from the business sector (in case of absence, supplementary tasks will be assigned). Access to a computer with internet connection is required to complete the tasks included in the course. The language of instruction can be Swedish or English.



Online Course:

The teaching consists of digital lectures, seminars, assigned materials, elements from the business sector, and communication in an online learning platform. Physical meetings are not obligatory, except in cases where a written individual in-class examination takes place. Access to a computer with internet connection is required to complete the tasks included in the course. The language of instruction can be Swedish or English.



Student Responsibility:

Students are responsible for their own learning and are expected to independently seek information and take responsibility for both individual and group work.



Limitation of Teaching:

Teacher-led teaching and support from the course responsible teacher are only offered during the course period when the student is admitted to the course.

Examination form

1000: Written Exam, 3 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A-F o Fx

2000: Individual written assignment, including seminar participation, 4.5 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A-F o Fx

3000: Business element
Grade scale: Two-grade scale

Seven-point grading scale, A-F and Fx. A-E is passed, Fx and F is failed. 



Criteria for assessment: see discipline specific criteria: www.miun.se/gradingcriteria



Campus course and distance course: During the examination, a supplementary oral presentation may be requested by the examiner in order for the student to demonstrate the required knowledge. This is to ensure that the student is the actual sender and author of the written work.



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 registered for this version of the course plan are entitled to be examined three (3) times within one (1) year according to this course plan. Thereafter, the latest version of the course plan applies.

Grading system

Seven-grade scale, A-F o Fx

Other information

Course certificates, credit transfers, appeals, etc., are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance.