Syllabus for Research Process and Academic Writing

Decisions and guidelines

Master's Programme in Business and Management - specialisation Organisation.

Learning outcomes

This course offers students a chance to gain knowledge about the process and work of conducting an independent research project and to gain the skills necessary to present a convincing argument. The aim is to prepare students for performing accurate analyses of interesting and relevant organisational issues.

After the course, the student should:

• Understand the basic elements of an argument and be able to apply basic argument analysis
• Be able to analyse and evaluate arguments and conclusions in various types of texts
• Organise and present a literature review
• Structure and critically appraise ones’ own and others’ written work
• Design, perform and report on an independent scientific study

Content

Basic tools for constructing arguments are discussed, but the main focus is on developing the skills necessary to formulate relevant research questions and to construct, perform and evaluate scientific research arguments. Different steps in the research process will be discussed, and students will develop their analytical skills.

Instruction

The course is designed around exercises, supported by seminars and lectures. A written assignment is included. Supervision is primarily in relation to seminars. The course is taught in English.

Assessment

The student will get one single grade, equivalent to 7.5 credits.

Examination will take place through seminars, exercises and a written assignment. The grade for the entire course is based on an assessment of all parts of the examination.

Grading criteria are presented in the study guide provided at the beginning of the course. The following grades will be used: pass with distinction (VG), pass (G), and fail (U). Examinations handed in late will not be assessed except under special circumstances. Any remaining supplemental work must be completed and handed in by the deadline specified in the study guide. Otherwise the entire course (all examinations included) must be retaken during subsequent course sections, pending availability of a place in the course.

Uppsala University does not accept cheating or plagiarism. Suspected incidents of cheating or plagiarism are reported to the Disciplinary Committee of the University, which may issue a formal warning to the student or suspend the student from studies for a designated period.

NOTE: Only completed courses can count toward a degree.

Other directives

This course overlaps 2FE848 Advanced Analysis of Organisation Studies.