Common Skills 2008

Lars Haglund

Mini Cases in Research Methodology

Based on earlier or ongoing research we will train the student’s ability of evaluate the
choice of methods for research. The Case seminar is an assignment carried out during one
day. The work starts at 8.15 in the morning with a short seminar where the
researcher/seminar coordinator presents the background and purpose of the study. A short
1-2 page summary of this is prepared and handed out and mailed out to the students.

Next step in the Case is that the students are assigned to groups of 2-3 by random choice.
The assignments for the groups are to:
 Develop the research questions
 Discuss pros and cons with possible research methods
 Make a recommendation what method or what methods to use for the project

The groups work with the assignment up to 13.15. The case analysis of the group is
mailed to the researcher.

At 13.15 the class meets for a discussion. Each group prepares a short (maximum 5
minutes) presentation of their research plan. After group presentations the methodology is
further discussed in class and the researcher presents his/her thoughts about the choice of
methodology. What actually was carried out in or planned for the research project is
presented to class.

The coordinator reads the reports submitted by the student groups and comments on
these. Comments are sent back to the student the same day as the seminar. Groups with
reports that need more work will be given one day to rewrite. Finally the reports are
graded.

Mini Cases are a part of the third section of the course. Main text for third part of course
is:
Bryman A & Bell E. Business Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007.