Hello Christopher,
We have just introduced a Business Research Methods module in our Exec MBA programme.
In the past a Scientific Methodology module existed (with Case study methodology discussed as well as Quantitative Analysis) but was not explicitly linked to other modules. It seemed to raise more questions as to the purpose of the module than it did to provide answers.
I felt that the semantics of "scientific methodology" created distance and accentuated the gap between theory and practice. By adopting the module name "Business Research" I think we were able to bridge that gap (we as academics made a step towards the practising managers and their companies and in doing so have demonstrated our interest in their problems).
We are keeping case study methodology in the module and underlining the learning objectives of case study methodology for practising managers as well as of course the MBA competencies it seeks to develop (collecting valid information, critical analysis, making recommendations). We also do exercises on writing up valid problematic/business research question (first in groups then individually) and how to collect information and avoid plagiarism.
One major challenge the students face is to understand how to write up a business research question which is relevant from the practitioner's as well as the theoretician's point of view. We advise them to start by writing down a few questions/problems which they are currently facing and expect to deal with in the year to come. They are very surprised that questions they ask themselves are questions of interest to researchers. What they lack are a few helpful concepts, theories and models. The Business research project (or MBA mémoire) becomes then an opportunity to probe at a deeper level a business question which can deprive them of sleep. They also have the opportunity to share this question with a professor tutor and if they so wish an in company tutor. The pay-off for us is a form of much appreciated accompaniment for managers who are in between jobs. For the majority who are presently employed it offers the possibility of exploring alternative jobs/functions/assignments in or outside of their company. It also encourages them to adopt alternative perspectives on problems by engaging in dialogues with a professor and with (or without) an in company tutor. It provides us the opportunity to bring the academic and business worlds closer together.
I'd be very happy to share the ups and downs of the experience with others implementing a similar course: krista.finstad-milion@icn-groupe.fr
<st1:personname productid="Krista Finstad" w:st="on">Krista Finstad</st1:personname>
Executive MBA Programme Director
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">ICN</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Business</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">School</st1:placetype></st1:place>
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Nancy</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">France</st1:country-region></st1:place>
De : Management Education and Development Discussion [mailto:MG-ED-DV@AOMLISTS.PACE.EDU] De la part de Steve Henson
Envoyé : mercredi 11 mars 2009 19:17
À : MG-ED-DV@AOMLISTS.PACE.EDU
Objet : Re: Business Research Methods Courses- Housed in Management or Marketing
We have had a core quantitative methods course. We're revising our curriculum and eliminating it, having chosen to integrate the course into functional areas.
Steve Henson
MBA Director
Graduate Programs Director
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">College</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Business</st1:placename></st1:place>
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Western</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Carolina</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype></st1:place>
828-227-3227
From: Christopher Pratt
Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 1:53 PM
To: Steve Henson
Subject: FW: Business Research Methods Courses- Housed in Management or Marketing
From: Management Education and Development Discussion [mailto:MG-ED-DV@AOMLISTS.PACE.EDU] On Behalf Of Daniel E. Martin
Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 1:11 PM
To: MG-ED-DV@AOMLISTS.PACE.EDU
Subject: Business Research Methods Courses- Housed in Management or Marketing
Colleagues,
I am interested in two questions regarding your MBA programs.:
- Do you have a business research methods class taught by your Management faculty; and
- Is it in the core of your MBA program
Thank you very much in advance!
Dan
______________________________________________
Daniel E. Martin, Ph.D. | Assistant Professor, Department of Management
<st1:placename w:st="on">California</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype>, <st1:placename w:st="on">East</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Bay</st1:placetype> | <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">College</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Business</st1:placename></st1:place> and Economics
email: daniel.martin@csueastbay.edu | phone: 510-885-2060
Alinea Group SF | Vice President
email: dmartin@alineagroup.com | phone: 800-590-8095 | Fax: 800-203-7055