Research Seminar "Contemporary Studies in Business"

2026/2027

Учебный год

ENG

Обучение ведется на английском языке

6

Кредиты

Кто читает:

Департамент маркетинга и предпринимательства

Статус:

Курс обязательный

Когда читается:

1-й курс, 1, 2 модуль

Преподаватель

Бутрюмова Надежда Николаевна

Course Syllabus

Abstract

The course is competence oriented and designed to help students in development their own research style and allow to plan, design, organize research, as well as analyze data, and presents results of scientific project in Management. During the course students should develop their own academic competencies. Seminars will be devoted to analysis of articles from top leading Management Journals, discussions of possible research problems, and methodology issues, as well as possible ways for data collection and analysis. Although, the course mainly focuses on research methodology, all phases of the research will be considered: finding idea, choosing research paradigm, searching sources, designing research, collecting data, data analysis (quantitative and qualitative data), presenting results. The final grade will be based on final research proposal, taking into account the results of current control.

Learning Objectives

• The aim of the research seminar is mastering research competences in the field management

Expected Learning Outcomes

• selects appropriate tools and methods for analyzing research data
• Selects appropriate research methods based on the research question and objectives
• Critically evaluates existing research in the field of management and identifies relevant research gaps
• Formulates a research problem, objectives, and tasks within a chosen management research area

Course Contents

• Modern Approaches to Data Analysis
• Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods in Management
• Writing a Master’s Thesis

Assessment Elements

• Research proposal
  Research proposal. You are required to develop a methodological research design for a scientific or applied study aimed at addressing a relevant problem. Select a problem area, formulate the research problem, and identify the variables (Dependent and Independent) for its analysis. Part 1: Problem Identification and Conceptualization Formulation of the problem area: Identify a general problem area (for example, issues related to the implementation of new digital tools, low motivation, or the effectiveness of continuing professional development (CPD) programs). Problem statement: Based on the selected area, formulate a clear, focused, and unambiguous problem statement (or research question) that requires a scientific solution. Part 2: Defining the Methodological Design For your selected problem and variables, determine the most appropriate research design. Justify each of your choices with reference to the characteristics of scientific research and the elements of research design. Purpose of the study: Determine whether your study is exploratory, descriptive, or analytical (hypothesis testing). Justify why the selected type best corresponds to the research task you have formulated. Type of investigation: Choose between a causal or correlational study. Explain why establishing correlation may be sufficient for the managerial decision-making context. Researcher interference: Define the level of researcher intervention: minimal, moderate, or excessive. Study setting: Specify whether the study will be conducted in a non-contrived natural setting (field study) or in a contrived, artificially created environment. Unit of analysis: Identify the level of data aggregation: individuals, groups, or the organization. Time horizon: Choose between a cross-sectional design or a longitudinal study. Part 3: Developing the Sampling Plan Develop a sampling plan that ensures the collection of reliable and representative data. Population and sampling frame: Clearly define the entire population of individuals or phenomena of interest and describe how you will compile a complete list of all population elements (the sampling frame). Probability sampling method (for quantitative data – QN): Select the most appropriate probability sampling technique (e.g., stratified, systematic) and explain how it ensures representativeness and allows for generalization of findings. Non-probability sampling method (for qualitative data – QL): Propose a suitable non-probability sampling method (e.g., purposive/judgmental or convenience sampling) for collecting qualitative data (e.g., interviews). Explain why the selection of competent and informed respondents is critical for this method. Part 4: Data Collection, Methods and Instruments of Data Analysis To obtain a comprehensive and valid understanding of the problem, you are required to use mixed methods. Describe how you will combine quantitative (QN) and qualitative (QL) data collection. Quantitative data collection method (QN): Specify the method (e.g., online survey, questionnaire, educational testing). Indicate the measurement scale to be used for the dependent variable (e.g., Likert-type interval scale, ordinal, or ratio scale). Explain how this method will help assess the scope of the problem (e.g., prevalence or magnitude of the phenomenon). Qualitative data collection method (QL): Specify the method (e.g., in-depth interviews, semi-structured interviews, or focus groups). Explain what in-depth information (causes, context, mechanisms) this method will provide that cannot be obtained through quantitative surveys. Goodness of measures: Specify the instrument to be used (e.g., a questionnaire or a newly developed scale). Explain how you will ensure the reliability (consistency/stability) and validity of the instrument prior to its application (for example, by addressing content validity and internal consistency).
• Literature Review
  Objective: The goal of this assignment is to conduct a systematic search and critical synthesis of existing research related to your chosen problem in educational management. You must demonstrate the ability to identify key variables, evaluate previous findings, and establish a theoretical foundation for your study. Task Description: You are required to write a literature review (approx. 1,500–2,000 words) that serves as a logical lead-in to your research problem statement . Part 1: Search Strategy and Source Identification 1. Define your Keywords: Based on your preliminary data gathering, identify the main concepts and variables of your study. 2. Database Search: Use online bibliographic, abstract, or full-text databases (e.g., elibrary.ru, or Google Scholar) to find relevant materials. 3. Source Selection: Select a minimum of 15 to 20 high-quality sources, including refereed journal articles, books, and recent conference proceedings. Ensure that you prioritize significant and recent works (preferably within the last 5–10 years). Part 2: Critical Analysis and Extraction For each selected source, you must extract and document the following information to facilitate your write-up: ∙ The specific management problem that was researched. ∙ The research design (sample size, data collection methods, and variables used). ∙ The ultimate findings and conclusions of the study. Part 3: Writing the Literature Review Your review should not be a mere chronological list of summaries. It must be a cogent and logical synthesis of information. 1. Introduction: Introduce the subject area and explain why it is an important topic to be studied in the current environment. 2. Thematic Synthesis: Group the studies by themes or variables rather than authors. Highlight patterns, conflicting findings, and gaps in the existing knowledge. 3. Critical View: Provide an analytical perspective on the research area. Explain how previous studies help you identify the most important variables for your own theoretical framework. 4. Logical Transition: The review must lead logically to your specific Problem Statement, convincing the reader that your study is relevant and significant. Part 4: Technical Requirements and Referencing 1. Citation Style: Use the GOST7.32—2017 format for all in-text citations and the final reference list. 2. Format: Ensure the report is organized with appropriate headings and subheadings to enhance readability. 3. Academic Integrity: Properly credit all authors. Failure to cite sources correctly is considered a serious ethical violation in research.
• Research results for master thesis
  Research results for master thesis: research methodology, results of the research

Interim Assessment

• 2026/2027 2nd module
  1 * Research proposal
• 2027/2028 3rd module
  0.4 * Literature Review + 0.6 * Research results for master thesis

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

• Jürg Kuster, Eugen Huber, Robert Lippmann, Alphons Schmid, Emil Schneider, Urs Witschi, & Roger Wüst. (2015). Project Management Handbook. Springer.

Recommended Additional Bibliography

• 9781628254587 - Trilling, Bernie; Ginevri, Walter - Project Management for Education : The Bridge to 21st Century Learning - 2017 - Project Management Institute - http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=1703504 - nlebk - 1703504
• Bayramova, A., & Edwards, D.J. (2026). A study of objectivity and subjectivity in research methodology selection. Quality & Quantity, 60(2), 5905-5931. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-025-02517-9
• De Donà, M. (2026). What if the Case is ‘Elusive’? Methodological Challenges for Qualitative Research in International Relations and Global Governance. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 25. https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069261429329
• Shankar S., Muller R., Drouin N. Cambridge Handbook of Organizational Project Management, 2017. Режим доступа: http://library.books24x7.com/bookshelf.asp

Authors

• Butriumova Nadezhda Nikolaevna
• Belokhlebova Natalia Aleksandrovna
• Nazarov Mikhail Gennadevich