Qualitative and Quantitative Methods

Entry requirements

180 credits including 40 credits within Industrial Engineering and Management on advanced level. 

Learning outcomes

After a completed course the student will be able to:

• identify and explain basic scientific theoretical points of departure, relevant for scientific work within industrial technology,
• relate different methodological approaches to each other, and describe their benefits and limitations,
• apply qualitative and quantitative methods, including statistical methods, to contribute to knowledge in industrial technology,
• assess and critically review scientific work in industrial technology in the light of how the knowledge presented is related to the study's methodological approach,
• identify and delineate socio-technical research questions in industrial technology, and how they should be tackled methodologically to produce relevant knowledge about the chosen problems,
• assess methodological approaches from ethical point of view, and show awareness of research ethics as an important component of scientific method.

Content

Brief discussion of a number of theoretical assumptions and methodological considerations that are relevant to knowledge production in industrial technology. Orientation of the theoretical points of departure that a variety of methods rests upon. Illustration of how different methodological approaches are related to the cognitive problems they adress, and the kind of knowledge they are seeking. Analyse and critically examine scientific knowledge in industrial technology, in light of methodological and ethical considerations. Application of different qualitative and quantitative methods, including statistics.

Instruction

Lectures, seminars, individual reading and writing exercises, laboratory as well as group work.

Assessment

Written assignments and active participation in seminars (5 credits) and group work (5 credits).