Qualitative Methods in Business Research

Time: 09.05. – 12.05.2016

Place: Brussels, Belgium

Learning Goal and Objectives:

The objectives are three-fold:
• to broaden the participants’ basic knowledge and skills within the qualitative research,
• to show the variety within the existing qualitative approaches and
• to identify methods and methodologies suitable for doctoral research projects.

The course consists of readings, hands-on exercises, individual consultation, dialogue and collective learning. Teachers’ will tackle each participant’s methodological and methodical questions through consultations.
Learning outcomes: The course has several educational objectives. The first objective is to broaden the participants’ knowledge concerning the various qualitative approaches, as well as to outline their potential for doctoral dissertations in the area of business research in various European countries. The third objective is to help students to identify appropriate qualitative methodologies and methods for their own doctoral research projects. The objective of enhancing publication process based on doctoral thesis is among the educational objectives on the course.

Instruction and examination: The course is built on prior reading, on-site action learning, short introductory lectures, consultative discussions and hands-on-exercises on how to do qualitative research. The course consists of intensive small group work sessions and discussions, individual consultations, some lectures and also of presentations made by the students. The course will be helpful for doctoral students by assisting in decision making, and selection concerning methods and methodologies, data gathering and analyzing.

Assignments
1. Individually performed analysis and a written report of max 10 pages. The report is based on analysis of a pre-assigned doctoral dissertation;
Reports are due prior to course and all participants need to read all reports.
2. An exam based on pre-reading material.
3. Dissertation analysis and evaluation as a group work. Small exercises on data collection and analysis based on the materials provided during the course.
4. Presentations prepared by the students on various qualitative approaches
5. Individual consulting is based on a short presentation by the student.
6. Active participation in small group sessions and general discussions during course.
7. Writing a field diary during the course.
8. A learning diary (max. 10 pages), submitted after the course (based on the field diary notes).

Credits: 6 ECTS

Grading: 1-5 based on individual assignment

Prerequisites:The course is designed particularly for doctoral students who use qualitative approaches in their own doctoral dissertation. The course is suitable for students at the early stages of their doctoral studies although basic knowledge of qualitative research is required in order to be able to follow the course. The participants will be selected partly based on their university’s EIASM affiliation.

Admittance:

Interested doctoral students should submit register online and submit the required documents at EIASM website no later than February 22nd, 2016. The selection among the applicants will be conducted by the Institute’s Faculty. They will review the following documents which should necessarily complement each application form:
• the applicant’s curriculum vitae demonstrating his/her capabilities of doing research ;
• a letter of recommendation of his/her local faculty supporting the application ;
• a two-page description of his/her doctoral research, indicating the general objectives.

PARTICIPATION FEE
The normal participation fee for an EDEN seminar is 1.100€ (VAT Excluded). This fee includes participation to the seminar, the documents, lunches and a group dinner.
It does not include travel, accommodation and any additional expenses.

As part of the collaboration between KATAJA and EIASM, the participation fee is waived from a maximum of 10 students from the KATAJA Finnish member universities. KATAJA supports these students by paying the fee with the help of a Finnish trust fund. Students need, however, to cover accommodation and travel costs. No additional student funding, on top of the fee, is covered by KATAJA. The students are requested to make their own hotel arrangement.

EIASM SCHOLARSHIPS
The Institute offers a substantial reduction of the participation fee per member institution. Scholarships are strictly limited to students coming from an EIASM Institutional Member (the Academic Council). Allocation of the scholarships is entirely at the discretion of the European Institute.

Cancellations made before April 24, 2016 will be reimbursed with 10% deduction of the total fee. No reimbursement will be possible after this date.

Course website (for applications):http://www.eiasm.org/frontoffice/eden_announcement.asp?event_id=1169

Faculty:

Prof. Anne Kovalainen, University of Turku

Prof. David Silverman, University of London

Adjunct Prof. Seppo Poutanen, University of Turku

Course Coordinator and contact information: Elisa Akola, elisa.akola@utu.fi