Research Methods
Forskningsmetoder

VBE020F, 5 credits

Valid from: Autumn 2021
Decided by: Gudbjörg Erlingsdóttir
Date of establishment: 2021-09-09

General Information

Division: Construction Management
Course type: Third-cycle course
Teaching language: English

Aim

The course aims to equip participants with a broad range of skills, knowledge and tools to undertake research at the doctoral level and the many ways in which it can be accomplished successfully. The course adopts a practical approach to designing and undertaking a research project.

Goals

Knowledge and Understanding

For a passing grade the doctoral student must

• Show proof of practical insights into the research process in addition to the scientific basis for research within a university environment and in industry.
• Be able to formulate scientific questions based on the searching for relevant information.
• Present data communicatively, oral and written expression
• Be able to lead a discussion in a scientific topic

Competences and Skills

For a passing grade the doctoral student must

• Independently be able to make informed judgement in scientific matters by effective use of information
• Independently conduct investigations and observations

Judgement and Approach

For a passing grade the doctoral student must Show a critical attitude that includes a meta-cognitive perspective with e.g. self-reflection and self-evaluation.

Course Contents

The course covers: (1) research models, strategies and methods; (2) experiments, surveys and case studies; (3) data analysis and presentation; and (4) scientific and technical writing.

Course Literature

Fellows, R. & Lui, A.M.M.: Research Methods for Construction, 4th edition, Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 2015. 2015.
a 5th edition is scheduled for publication in October 2021

Instruction Details

Types of instruction: Lectures, exercises, project. Lectures, workshop sessions, assignments. The course is structured around four themes. The course platform is Canvas.

Examination Details

Examination format: Written assignments. To pass the course, participants must achieve 80% attendance and submit, and pass, a multi-part assignment linking the subject matter and learning to the participant’s research project. Examinator: Brian Atkin
Grading scale: Failed, pass
Examiner:

Admission Details

Admission requirements: Before the course starts, the course participants must present a short description of their research projects and their status.

Further Information

Course coordinators: Brian Atkin, Radhlinah Aulin

Course Occasion Information

Contact and Other Information

Course coordinators:
Web page: Canvas