Empirical research in international business is based on rigorous theory building. Inthis course, students explore a novel research question by reviewing the literature, developing a theoretical model, and deriving testable hypotheses from this model.

Lecture 1

A brief introductory presentation by the instructor covers the foundations of economic models and empirical research in international business. At the end of the lecture topics for the group research projects are introduced and assigned.

Lecture 2

After a first group coaching with faculty students present a preview of their group research projects in class. In-class discussion and comments by fellow students provide valuable input in order to progress the research project.

Lecture 3 - 7

Based on the input from in-class discussion and a second group coaching with faculty students complete their research project and present their theoretical models as well asthe derived hypotheses in class. Fellow students act as critical reviewers ofthe research project.

The main goal of this course is to give students an opportunity to apply their international business know-how on a scientific research project of theoretical and practical relevance.

After having completed this course, students have developed the skills to:

•Successfully integrate their international business knowledge into a research project

•Provide constructive comments on their colleagues’ work and to integrate peer feedback into their own Research projects

•Author scholarly articles and are thus prepared for a cutting-edge master thesis and academic work that might follow

Theself-employed research process is supported through a mix of lectures, group coaching with faculty and feedback to a presentation preview. Fellow students act as reviewers and stimulate in-class discussion. Active participation is crucial for a favorable outcome of this course. Thus, all students are required to attend the entire seminar.

Individual level (20 %)

•Class participation 20%                                                                            

Group level (80 %)

•Seminar Thesis 40%
•Presentation 20%
•Comments on another group’spresentation 20%

Note:

It is necessary to pass each of the grading elements to pass the course as a whole.