Objectives and competences
In this course, students systematically enhance their theoretical knowledge of research methodology and gain the ability to apply it in the analysis of complex economic and business problems. Additionally, they acquire a qualitative and quantitative approach to analyzing these complex issues and make critical judgments based on a sound theoretical foundation.
Content (Syllabus outline)
- The Positivist and Phenomenology Approach in Business Research
- Formulatin a research problem
- Overview of methods for data processing and optimisation models constructing and solving
- Conceptualising a research design
- Constructing an instrument for data collection
- Selecting a sample
- Methods for statistical data analysis (descriptive statistics, univariate statistics – test regarding differences among groups and multivariate statistics – correlation and regression analysis, factor analysis)
- Writing a draft of research proposal
- Collecting data
- Data processing
- Interpretation of results and writing a research report
- Use research information for decision making and problem solving.
* An invited guest/lecturer from abroad will be included in the implementation.
Learning and teaching methods
" Interactive lectures,
" Case studies,
" Labor work
" Aktive team work
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Explain and interpret profound and systematic knowledge of research methodology in the field of economics and business. (PILO1a, PILO2a)
2. Apply and evaluate knowledge of research methodology, critically assess research, knowledge, and methodological approaches, and justify the appropriateness of choosing among different approaches. (PILO1a)
3. Identify and analyze ethical dilemmas, dilemmas in the field of social responsibility and sustainability, and demonstrate a proactive approach to finding solutions to these dilemmas in collaboration with others in the field of economics and business. (PILO4a, PILO4c)
4. Select and apply a wide range of qualitative and quantitative methods in the execution of the research process. (PILO1a)
5. Use relevant computer programs for data processing. (PILO3a)
6. Critically synthesize information and evaluate the practical value of knowledge in the field of research methodology within the global business environment. (PILO2b)
7. Solve problems independently and originally, and plan and implement tasks at a professional level. (PILO3b)
8. Apply disciplinary knowledge and work accurately and efficiently. (PILO3b)
The PILO label (i.e., Programme Intended Learning Outcomes) defines the contribution of each listed intended learning outcome of a course towards achieving the general and/or subject-specific competencies or learning outcomes acquired through the programme.
Intended learning outcomes - transferable/key skills and other attributes
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Explain and interpret profound and systematic knowledge of research methodology in the field of economics and business. (PILO1a, PILO2a)
2. Apply and evaluate knowledge of research methodology, critically assess research, knowledge, and methodological approaches, and justify the appropriateness of choosing among different approaches. (PILO1a)
3. Identify and analyze ethical dilemmas, dilemmas in the field of social responsibility and sustainability, and demonstrate a proactive approach to finding solutions to these dilemmas in collaboration with others in the field of economics and business. (PILO4a, PILO4c)
4. Select and apply a wide range of qualitative and quantitative methods in the execution of the research process. (PILO1a)
5. Use relevant computer programs for data processing. (PILO3a)
6. Critically synthesize information and evaluate the practical value of knowledge in the field of research methodology within the global business environment. (PILO2b)
7. Solve problems independently and originally, and plan and implement tasks at a professional level. (PILO3b)
8. Apply disciplinary knowledge and work accurately and efficiently. (PILO3b)
The PILO label (i.e., Programme Intended Learning Outcomes) defines the contribution of each listed intended learning outcome of a course towards achieving the general and/or subject-specific competencies or learning outcomes acquired through the programme.
Readings
Temeljna literatura
1. Kumar R., 2018. Research methodology: a step-by-step guide for beginners. SAGE, London.
2. Tominc,P., Čančer V., Rožman, M. (2018), Metode raziskovanja: Zbirka nalog, EPF Maribor.
Dodatna literatura
1. STERNAD ZABUKOVŠEK, Simona, BOBEK, Samo, ZABUKOVŠEK, Uroš, KALINIĆ, Zoran, TOMINC, Polona. Enhancing PLS-SEM-Enabled research with ANN and IPMA : research study of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems’ acceptance based on the technology acceptance model (TAM). Mathematics. 2022, vol. 10, issue 9, 28 str. ISSN 2227-7390.
https://mdpi-res.com/d_attachment/mathematics/mathematics-10-01379/article_deploy/mathematics-10-01379-v2.pdf?version=1650529003, Digitalna knjižnica Univerze v Mariboru – DKUM, DOI: 10.3390/math10091379. [COBISS.SI-ID 105683203] [JCR, SNIP, WoS, Scopus]
2. Hart C., 1998. Doing a literature review. SAGE, London.
3. Sounders, M., Lewis, P., Thomhill, A. (2016), Research methods for business students, Harlow (Essex): Pearson.
Prerequisits
Completed coursework at the methodological exercises are a prerequisite to take the midterm exams.
Additional information on implementation and assessment Note: Written exam may be replaced with two midterm exams covering all main thematic areas. The student must achieve 56% of the maximum points on both midterm exams combined.
