Deductive studies in management and adjacent fields require sound theory building and rigorous statistical testing. However, researchers often face challenges in bridging the gap between theory and empirics—one of the most frequent concerns raised by reviewers. This course focuses on this critical issue in empirical studies that follow the hypothetico-deductive approach, addressing key questions such as:

• How do I define my constructs while balancing the trade-off between high generalizability of theoretical predictions and high credibility of empirical measurements?
• How do I identify dependent variables that are theoretically significant and practically relevant?
• How do I implement the logical structure of theoretical constructs—such as non-linearity, moderation, mediation, multi-level dynamics, and temporal effects—into regression models?
• How do I find a degree of model complexity that appears ambitious but still digestible to readers?

Through a combination of in-class discussions, self-study modeling exercises, and peer feedback, participants will refine their ability to develop sound theoretical models that can be rigorously tested in empirical research in management and adjacent fields.

Knowledge

Upon completing the course, the student will:

• Have an advanced understanding of the key components of deductive management studies—research problem, theory, model, and data—and how they interconnect and follow from the research process.
• Critically evaluate the relationship between theoretical constructs and model variables, as well as different types of relationships between model variables in empirical research studies.
• Recognize what constitutes a theoretical contribution, the various types of theoretical contributions, and how to position one’s research accordingly.

Skills

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:

• Establish a sound connection and fit between theoretical arguments, empirical data, and the empirical findings in their dissertation research.
• Critically assess and refine the links between problem formulation, theoretical framework, model structure, and empirical data in their own studies.
• Develop strategies to ensure coherence and rigor in the development of theoretical models for empirical management research.

General Competence

Upon completing the course, the student will:

• Effectively present and communicate their research to an expert academic audience.
• Provide, receive, and integrate constructive feedback from academic peers and reviewers.
• Build and maintain professional networks with international peers in the research community.

The course takes place at NHH in Bergen, Norway, from 6 to 10 October, 2025. Minimum attendance is 80% of course hours.

The course is delivered as an intensive one-week block course, held on-site at NHH Norwegian School of Economics. It follows a workshop-style format that combines the following elements:

• Interactive lectures, where instructors provide input while fostering discussions on key challenges regarding the link between theory and empirical testing in management research.
• Self-study and model development, where students work on their own papers developing and refining their theoretical models based on course insights.
• Peer feedback and coaching, where students give and receive constructive input on their work, guided by faculty.
• Presentation sessions, where students present their theoretical models, discuss improvements, and receive feedback from both instructors and peers.

The assessment for this course is on an individual basis and consists of four equally weighted components:

• First Presentation (25%)
• A presentation of the paper’s initial hypotheses and methods section.
• Format: 5-10 slides, 15-minute presentation
• Comments on a Peer's Presentation (25%)
• Constructive feedback on peers' presentations.
• Format: 3-5 slides, up to 5-minute discussion.
• Final Presentation (25%)
• A refined presentation incorporating feedback and further theoretical development.
• Format: 10-15 slides, 30-minute presentation.
• Write-up (25%)
• A structured document summarizing the theoretical model, hypotheses, and methodological approach.
• Length: 8-10 pages (including figures, no appendix);to be submitted 2 weeks after the final class of the course.

This assessment structure ensures that students actively engage in developing, presenting, and refining their theoretical models, while also fostering peer learning and constructive academic discussion.

All parts of the assessment must be passed in the same semester.

To apply, please prepare a single 3-page PDF that outlines your project and demonstrates its fit with the course. Structure your document as follows:

• Motivation Letter (1 page): Why do you want to take this course, and how does it support your PhD project?
• Abstract (0.5 page): What is your project about, and what is the broader context?
• Problem Definition / Research Questions (0.5 page): What problem are you addressing, why is it relevant, and what is your main research question(s)?
• Theory (0.5 page): What theory or theories will guide your work? What are their main ideas, and how do they relate to your research question(s)?
• Data (0.5 page): What data do you plan to use?

For questions related to the application process and Soknadsweb:

• Rahim Islam: Rahim.Islam@nhh.no

For questions related to the course content and organization:

• Assoc. Prof. Bjorn Schmeisser: bjorn.schmeisser@nhh.no
• Univ. Prof. Jan Hendrik Fisch: jan.fisch@wu.ac.at

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To facilitate informed discussions and peer feedback, short abstracts of each participant’s paper will be circulated two weeks before the course starts. All participants are expected to read these abstracts in advance to familiarize themselves with their peers’ research, enhancing collaboration and in-class discussions.

Additional recommended readings will be made available through NHH Canvas in due time.