This course prepares graduate students to generate novel research ideas in strategic management and craft compelling research proposals that can become the foundation for publishable papers. It blends discussions of research ideas with practical exercises in research design, proposal writing, and peer feedback.

Meeting time 1: 

In the meeting, we will discuss a few current events that are relevant to strategy research and brainstorm new research ideas that are conceptually novel and practically important. Students are encouraged to bring in current events that they are interested in and research ideas/proposals on which they are working. 

Student study/preparation time 1

In this self-study time, students will write a short proposal (up to 3 pages, double space) to develop a research idea, with at least one formal research hypotheses. Students shall email their proposals to the professor before the next meeting. Depending upon the class size, students may form small groups to write proposals together.

Meeting time 2:

In this meeting, we will discuss the proposals and explore possible theoretical foundations for the research ideas. 

Student study/preparation time 2

In this self-study time, students (or student teams) will further develop the proposal, based upon the class discussions. The updated proposal needs to have at least two formal research hypotheses and develop theoretical arguments for the hypotheses. The proposal  (up to 10 pages, double space) shall be emailed to the professor before the next meeting.

Meeting time 3:

In this meeting, we will discuss the proposals and explore possible research designs to test the research hypotheses.

Student study/preparation time 3

In this self-study time, students (or student teams) will further develop the proposal and add a research method section. The research method section includes possible data sources, measurements of key variables, and planned analytical approaches. The updated research proposal (up to 15 pages, double space) shall be emailed to the professor before the next meeting.

Meeting time 4:

In this meeting, we will focus on the research method part and discuss whether the proposed research design is aligned with the research idea. We will also identify rooms for improving the proposals and offer suggestions.

Student study/preparation time 4

In this self-study time, students (or student teams) will further develop the proposal based upon the suggestions provided and prepare presentation slides. The final versions of the proposals and presentation slides shall be emailed to the professor before the meeting.

Meeting time 5:

Final presentations of research proposals. 

Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

- identify and articulate novel research ideas relevant to strategic management;

- develop comprehensive research proposals that include formal hypotheses and theoretical foundations;

- design appropriate research methodologies to test their hypotheses;

- present and critique research proposals effectively.

Attendance is mandatory for all in-person sessions (80%).
Active participation in discussions and presentations is required.

If you are unable to attend a session due to unforeseeable circumstances, you need to inform your lecturer before the session takes place.

• Learning through a combination of in-person meetings and self-study.
• In-person meetings: Five sessions focusing on different core pillars.
• Self-study: Students will engage in independent research and proposal development between meetings.
• Group work: Depending on class size, collaborative proposal writing may be encouraged.

The final course grade is based upon the evaluation of the following assessment assignments:

• Oral participation during all sessions (20%)
• Research proposal (40%)
• Paper presentation or presentation of own research project in class (40%)

Please note that students must participate in all grading components in order to pass the course. We expect all students to actively participate in the in-class discussions.

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IOD guidelines for AI use:

1. Is the use of AI-based software for your course/exam an (un)authorized aid?

Allowed is the use of AI-based software for writing support, such as Grammarly. However, it is mandatory to indicate the use of any AI-based software in your written work. If you use  AI-based software for text and content generation such as ChatGPT in your reports, presentations, or any other written text, it is mandatory to:
a) verify the information generated and
b) add all relevant references for the text, data, and AI-based software.
During in-class discussions, we will challenge the results and insights from your presentations and written work.

2. How to indicate the permitted use of AI-based software?

You need to provide indication in a footnote for the corresponding sections AND add a detailed appendix with specific "prompts" and the responses from the text generation software.

3. What will your initial steps be for any suspected cases of unauthorized use of AI-based software?

Note that in case of suspicious cases, we will set up an additional individual oral audit interview with the student.

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