The course "Applied Research Methods in International Management" empowers CEMS students to succeed in their Master's thesis and generate and interpret evidence-based insights grounded in applied research. The course begins by recapping the foundations of evidence-based management, providing the conceptual and strategic framework for integrating research into managerial practice. Students learn how to identify, critically assess, and synthesize scientific research evidence to inform managerial questions and decisions. Students will then begin their thesis project by learning how to transform complex, real-world business challenges into actionable research questions. Building academic writing skills ensures that participants can structure and present their work to meet both academic and professional standards. In the research methods pillar, students receive hands-on training in qualitative and quantitative approaches, enabling them to design and execute robust studies. Finally, students will explore AI and software tools to support their research, leveraging technology to enhance data collection, analysis, and presentation for maximum impact. The course builds on the following six pillars:

1.    Foundations of evidence-based management (EBM)
2.    Getting started with your thesis project
3.    Academic writing skills
4.    Research methods I
5.    Research methods II
6.    AI & software to support applied research

Upon completion of the course, students
•    understand the principles and value of evidence-based decision-making, can distinguish it from intuition-driven management, and can identify, critically assess, and synthesize scientific research evidence to inform managerial decisions.
•    develop actionable research questions from the academic literature or real-world business challenges, scope and plan a feasible project, and identify relevant academic and industry resources.
•    apply the conventions of clear, concise, and well-structured academic writing, including proper referencing, to communicate effectively with scholarly audiences.
•    select, implement, and interpret appropriate qualitative and quantitative research methods, ensuring ethical standards in data collection, analysis, and reporting.
•    use AI tools and research software to enhance literature review, data collection, and analysis while applying ethical and transparent practices.

The course will be held in a blended learning format. That is, the course consists of a mix of classroom and online activities. Students are supposed to attend all in-person classroom activities. As an exception, students may miss one classroom lecture (but not a lecture in which they are scheduled to participate in any assessment).

The course’s didactic concept rests on three pillars:
1.    Research-based teaching: the course follows a research-based teaching approach, which means teaching is grounded in state-of-the-art research and contextual evidence. Linking research and teaching ensures that students learn concepts and methods that are relevant and effective based on up-to-date knowledge.
2.    Blended learning: The course combines teacher-centered (e.g., lectures) and asynchronous online ("inverted classroom") elements (e.g., exercises, teamwork) to facilitate effective and active learning among students.
3.    Relevance: The lecturer's research background, carefully selected academic literature, and practice-oriented exercises foster close ties between the course and the demands of a CEMS master's thesis.

The course is a continuous assessment course (PI). That is, three assessments will be used to determine the overall course grade:

1.    Research-Informed Management Brief (group): 25%
2.    Data Analysis & Insights Presentation (group): 30%
3.    Research Design Proposal (individual): 45%

Please log in with your WU account to use all functionalities of read!t. For off-campus access to our licensed electronic resources, remember to activate your VPN connection connection. In case you encounter any technical problems or have questions regarding read!t, please feel free to contact the library at readinglists@wu.ac.at.

E-Mail:
•    Univ.-Prof. Dr. Florian B. Zapkau: florian.zapkau@wu.ac.at

Please also approach me before, during, or after classes.

Literature:

•    Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2009). Research methods for business students. Pearson Education.
•    Further literature will be provided during the course.