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Hochschule Osnabrück - University of Applied Sciences

Empirical Research Methods and Thesis Writing

Faculty

Faculty of Business Management and Social Sciences

Version

Version 1 of 30.05.2025.

Module identifier

22C002

Module level

Bachelor

Language of instruction

English

ECTS credit points and grading

2.5

Module frequency

only winter term

Duration

1 semester

 

 

Brief description

This module enables students to understand and to become familiar with empirical research methods, to adequately and efficiently apply these methods and to critically evaluate their own and other researchers‘ results. It aims to prepare students for the upcoming bachelor thesis in semester 6.

Teaching and learning outcomes

1. Introduction to empirical research

        1.1 The research process

        1.2 Research paradigms and assumptions of the paradigms

        1.3 Research approaches (inductive, deductive)

        1.4 Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies

       1.5 Reviewing the literature

       1.6 Identifying the research topic

       1.7 Writing the research proposal 

2. Data collection and analysis

        2.1. Data collection using quantitative approaches

        2.1.1 Research designs

        2.1.2 Survey and questionnaire development

        2.1.3 Sampling and access to the field

        2.1.4 Quantitative data analysis 

        2.2. Data collection using qualitative approaches

        2.2.1 Research designs

        2.2.2 Design of interview guidelines and observation protocols

        2.2.3 Sampling and the interview / observation process

        2.2.4 Qualitative data analysis

3. Quality criteria in quantitative and qualitative research

4. Writing a good bachelor thesis: structure, content and aspects related to academic writing

5. Roles and responsibilities in the supervision process

Overall workload

The total workload for the module is 75 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

Teaching and learning methods
Lecturer based learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
20LecturePresence or online-
5Learning in groups / Coaching of groupsPresence or online-
5Individual coachingPresence or online-
Lecturer independent learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
15Preparation/follow-up for course work-
15Study of literature-
15Exam preparation-
Graded examination
  • Portfolio exam
Remark on the assessment methods

The portfolio examination consists of:

PFP1: a one-hour exam (30%) and a written project report (70%)
PFP2: a one-hour exam (30%) and a seminar paper with oral and written parts (R; 70%)
PFP3: a one-hour exam (30%) and a written paper (70%)

Exam duration and scope

Written examination: in accordance with the valid study regulations

Written paper: approx. 10-15 pages

Seminar paper: approx. 5-10 pages/ approx. 5 -10 minutes

Written project report: approx. 8-10 pages

The requirements are specified in the relevant class.

Recommended prior knowledge

None

Knowledge Broadening

Students who have successfully completed this module 

  • know and understand the major approaches to empirical research and the principle phases in which research takes place.
  • can develop and formulate adequate research questions related to their topics.

Knowledge deepening

Students who have successfully completed this module 

  • know and apply central principles of empirical research and relevant terminology.
  • can distinguish between and elaborate on different research approaches.

Knowledge Understanding

Students who have successfully completed this module have developed the competence to select and apply empirical research methods that are relevant to their research question(s) and can critically reflect upon and argue their choice. 

Application and Transfer

  Students who have successfully completed this module

  • have developed a differentiated view on scientific knowledge and findings from empirical studies.
  • can interpret findings from different research approaches and methods and transfer these findings to practice, developing appropriate recommendations.

Academic Innovation

  Students who have successfully completed this module

  • can develop, formulate and discuss relevant theoretical and practical contributions from their own and others research findings. 

Communication and Cooperation

Students who have successfully completed this module can formulate, present and critically evaluate their main research findings or results in an articulated and professional manner.

Academic Self-Conception / Professionalism

Students who have successfully completed this module

  • have developed a thorough understanding of the collection, preparation, interpretation and presentation of research data.
  • are able to asses the advantages and limits of different methods for data collection and analysis and critically evaluate their own actions in this process.
  • are able to use the quality criteria in their own research process to scientifically defend their research.

Literature

Adams, J., Khan, Hafiz T.A. & Raeside, R. (2014). Research Methods for Business and Social Science Students. 2nd ed. New Delhi, India: SAGE Publications India Pvt Ltd.

Braun, V. & Clarke, V. (2013). Successful qualitative research: a practical guide for beginners. SAGE.

Braun, V. & Clarke, V. (2021). Thematic analysis. A practical guide. SAGE

Bryman, A. (2016). Social research methods. 5th edition. Oxford University Press.

Collis, H. & Hussey, R. (2014). Business Research: A practical guide for undergraduate and postgraduate students. 4th ed. London, UK: Palgrave Macmillan.

Creswell, J.W. & Creswell, J.D. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. 5th ed. Los Angeles: Sage Publications, Inc.

Creswell, J.W. & Poth, N. (2018). Qualitative enquiry and research design: choosing among 5 approaches. Thousand Oaks, SAGE.

Dawson, C. (2009). Introduction to Research Methods: A practical guide for anyone undertaking a research project. 4th ed.  Oxford, UK: How to books. 

Field, A. (2013). Discovering Statistics Using SPSS (4th Edition.). Los Angeles: Sage Publications Ltd.

Flick, U. (2014). An Introduction to Qualitative Research (5th edition.). Los Angeles: Sage Publications Ltd.

Gelo, O., Braakmann, D., and Benetka, G. (2009). Quantitative and Qualitative Research: Beyond the debate. Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science. Vol 42 (September), 3:266-290.

Hair Jr., J.F., Black, W.C., Babin, B.J. & Anderson, R.E. (2014). Multivariate data analysis. 7th ed. Edinburgh Gate, Harlow: Pearson Education Limited.

McClave, J. T., Benson, P. G., & Sincich, T. L. (2013). Statistics for Business and Economics: Pearson New International Edition (12th ed.). Pearson 

Remenyi, D. (1996). So you want to be an academic researcher in business and management studies! Where do you start and what are the key philosophical issues to think about?   South African Journal of Business Management, 27(1/2).

Remenyi, D. (1998). Central ethical considerations for masters and doctoral research in business and management studies.   South African Journal of Business Management, 29(3), 109-118. 

Remenyi, D. and Money, A. (2006). Reflections on how to be a theoretical researcher in business and management studies.  Irish Journal of Management, 2, 23-43.

Riege, A. M., (2003). Validity and reliability tests in case study research: A literature review with ‘‘hands-on’’ applications for each research phase.  Qualitative Market Research: An International Journal, 6(2), 75-86. 

Rowley, J. & Slack, F. (2004). Conducting a literature review. Management Research News, [e-journal] 27(6), 31-3. 

Saunders, M., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A. (2016). Research Methods for Business Students. 7th ed. Edinburgh Gate, Harlow: Person Education Limited.

Sekaran, U. & Bougie, R. (2016). Research Methods for Business: A Skill-Building Approach. 7th ed. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: John Wiley & Sons.

Strauss, A., & Corbin, J. (2014). Basics of qualitative research: Grounded theory procedures and techniques. Newbury Park, CA: Sage Publications.

Taylor, S.J., Bogdan, R. & DeBault, M.L. (2016). Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods: A guidebook and resource. 4th ed. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Veal, A.J. (2017). Research Methods for Leisure and Tourism. Pearson.

Yin, R.K. (2014). Case study research design and methods (5th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. 282 pages.

Zikmund, W.G., (2000). Business research methods. 6th ed. New York: Dryden.

Linkage to other modules

This module particularly bases on the module „Intercultural Communication and Academic Writing“ (semester 1) and deepens the knowledge in order to prepare students for the upcoming bachelor thesis in semester 6.

Applicability in study programs

  • International Event Management Shanghai, B.A. (IEMS)

    • International Event Management Shanghai (IEMS), B.A.

    Person responsible for the module
    • Werner, Kim
    Teachers
    • Werner, Kim