A central mission for universities is to conduct research that both advances a scientific discipline and enlightens practice in a professional domain. To make research not being a solitary exercise but instead a collective achievement it should be carefully designed and implemented. Different research approach are available for social scientists: quantitative and qualitative research methods. For each of them there are different research tools that should be implemented. The overall objective of this course is to present the main steps to develop a rigorous and relevant research for academics and managers.

Upon completion of the course, students will have developed the following knowledge and skills: Knowledge and understanding: Reading and interpretation of scientific papers and reports; Understanding and knowledge of research methodology; Ability to evaluate research done and to design a research project; Ability to evaluate and discuss papers. Applying knowledge and understanding: Ability to apply the concepts taught in the course to the different research methodologies; Ability to diagnose research methodology advantages and drawbacks. Analytical capacity to implement statistical models to analyze data; Design, interpret and carry out evidence-based research for decision making in businesses. Communication skills: Communication and interpretation skills, processing and synthesis of data relating to the problems under study; Acquisition of the appropriate terminology; Communicate evidence-based findings to different audiences. Ability to learn (learning skills): At the end of the course, the student will be equipped with the knowledge necessary to interpret and understand the various research methodologies and the structure of scientific papers and reports.

The course deals with the concept of engaged scholarship, evidencing the crucial step to develop a rigorous and relevant research: formulating the research problem and research question based on an accurate literature review and on the current empirical need; the need for theory building; the choice of the research design; how to collect data and how conduct empirical analyses; and how to communicate the outcomes. Concerning the research design phase, students will be exposed to quantitative and qualitative methods with empirical application.

Andrew Van de Ven, J. 2011. Engaged Scholarship. Slides

Frontal classes, scientific articles reading, case discussion, individual assignments, group work.

For attending students: • Individual assignment exercises (30% of the final grade) • Group assignment (50%) • Class participation (20%) • Grade given from groupmates (bonus and malus applied) Note: marks for group assignment and class participation cannot be rejected. In case of rejection of the individual assignment exercises, the student will have to take an exam. For non-attending students: • Individual assignment (70%) • Exam 30% Note: The individual assignment mark cannot be rejected. In all the evaluation criteria it must be reached a sufficient grade, otherwise additional deliverables will be assigned to pass the exam.

Chronological order. Approval subject to the evaluation of a structured abstract.