The course builds on the methodology knowledge that the student developed within the scope of the first cycle thesis project. Certain course components are coordinated with and connected to course components in ME2502 Change project in Industrial Management. Special focus is set on giving each student extensive knowledge of how to exploit scientific methods and research results within academia as well as industry, with special focus on technology intensive activities. The course contains lectures, seminars and other learning activities within the following fields:
- Theory of science, classification of research and research processes.
- Practical support for choice of subject for degree project, data collection (access to empiricism), project planning etc
- Design of investigation and study according to different scientific approaches.
- Qualitative and quantitative methods for collection and analysis of data.
- Examples of ongoing research in industrial engineering and management.
- To critically review and analyse quality of scientific texts and articles.
- Discuss and critically review examples of degree projects and experiences from previous students and supervisor.
- To design and plan a degree project at advanced level, including theoretical problem formulation of industrial problems and choices of method.
- Conduct literature studies, source criticism, plagiarism, and in writing argue for and identify his/her research gap.
- Develop present and argue for an investigation plan (thesis proposal) both in writing and orally.