06260286 - Preparation to research in International Business

This course is designed to equip master's students with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct research in the field of international business. It covers the fundamental principles of research design, methodology, data collection, and analysis. Particular attention will be paid to integrity and ethical dilemmas.

Estimation of private study (outside of contact hours): 6 hours

TARGETED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS 

Targeted knowledge
• Knowing the differences between exploratory, descriptive, and explanatory research.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the stages involved in conducting research (from problem identification to reporting findings and formulating contributions)
• Understanding of the main qualitative and quantitative research methods and when to apply them
• Understanding the challenges and considerations when conducting research in different cultural contexts.
• Knowing how to apply research findings to address practical problems in international business.

Targeted skills
• Formulating Research Questions, Propositions and/or Hypotheses
• Conduct Literature Reviews, systematically reviewing and synthesizing existing research literature.
• Qualitative Data Collection and analysis
• Quantitative Data Collection and analysis
• Ethical Conduct
• Academic writing and communication: structuring and writing research papers and presenting findings effectively.

COURSE OUTLINE

1. Introduction to Research: Aims, Specificities and Ethical Considerations
2. Research Design: Research Questions and Literature Reviews 
3. Methodology: Data Collection & Analysis Techniques
4. Writing and presenting results

PRESCRIBED TEXTS AND PUBLICATIONS

• Ghauri, P., Grønhaug, K., & Strange, R. (2020). Research Methods in Business Studies. Cambridge University Press.

RECOMMENDED TEXTS AND PUBLICATIONS

1. Beaulieu, P., & Kalika, M. (2020). The DBA thesis project in practice. éditions ems.
2. Chevalier, F., Cloutier, L. M. & Mitev, N. (2019). Research methods for the DBA. EMS Editions
3. Chevalier, F., Cloutier, L. M., & Mitev, N. (2022). Qualitative Research: Voices in Management Sciences. Éditions EMS.
4. Gavard-Perret, M., Gotteland, D., Haon, C., Aubert, B., Avenier, M., & Duymedjian, R. (2012). Méthodologie de la recherche en sciences de gestion: Réussir son mémoire ou sa thèse (2e édition ed.). Pearson.

EMBLEMATIC BOOKS OR RESEARCH PAPERS REGARDING THE SUBJECT OF THE COURSE

• Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldaña, J. (2020). Qualitative data analysis: A methods sourcebook (4th ed.). Sage.
• Render, B., Stair, R. M., Hanna, M. E., & Hale, T. S. (2024). Quantitative analysis for management (14th ed.). Pearson.
• Thietart, R. (2014). Méthodes de recherche en management (4ème éd), Dunod.
• Yin, R. K., & Campbell, D. T. (2018). Case study research and applications: Design and methods (6e édition ed.). Sage.

Individual grade
Writing a Literature review

Other grade
Oral presentation in a group
20 minutes per group

Weight: 50% individual + 50% team work

TEACHING METHODS
This course will be made of seminars, case studies, teamwork and autonomous work

NATURE OF MATERIALS
The syllabus will be provided to students on moodle at the beginning of the course. Additional materials such as academic articles, videos and books (references) will be included on the platform.

TEACHING INNOVATIONS AND USE OF TECHNOLOGY
Data analysis softwares (e.g. Nvivo) will be presented to students

PRE-REQUISITES IN TERMS OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
This course lays the foundations of research in international business. No prior knowledge is required, but students are expected to read the materials specifically provided prior each lecture (cf. reading list provided on moodle).

RESOURCES AVAILABLE
Academic articles and books are available at the library (site and website). Students will be granted access to academic resources (Business Source Ultimate, Proquest, Science Direct, Cairn…), tools and databases (Orbis, etc.) at the University.