FME3557 Quantitative Methodology in Industrial Economics and Management 6.0 credits

The course provides a comprehensive understanding of the different qualitative research methods used in management research and covers research design, qualitative data collection, qualitative analysis and interpretation of results. The course emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, which prepares students to conduct qualitative empirical research of high relevance and good quality.

Examples of content:

• Fundamentals of qualitative research: Understand the principles and philosophies that underlie qualitative research, including various epistemological and ontological foundations
• Research design: Based on the purpose of the research, plan a qualitative study with respect to, among other things, sources, collection techniques and data analysis
• Data collection techniques: Various methods such as document studies, interviews, field observations and action research
• Data analysis: Techniques for analyzing and interpreting qualitative data
• Ethical considerations: The management of ethical issues and dilemmas in qualitative research.
• Practical applications: Suggest how qualitative methods can be applied in participants' own research

After passing the course, the student should be able to:

• Explain the foundations and basic assumptions of qualitative research
• Formulate research questions suitable for qualitative empirical investigations
• Select and apply appropriate qualitative research methods based on the research purpose
• Use different methods to analyze and interpret qualitative data
• Report qualitative research results
• Make ethical considerations in connection with qualitative research.
• Critically assess published qualitative research.

The course is aimed at doctoral students in industrial economics and management, or equivalent subjects. Students should have a basic understanding of statistics and research. Familiarity with statistical software is recommended but not required.

• DEL1 - Active participation, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
• INL2 - Hand-in assignments, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F

The examiner decides, based on a recommendation from KTH's support officer for students with disabilities, on any adapted examination for students with documented, permanent disabilities. The examiner may allow a different examination form when re-examining individual students.

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.