Research Methodologies
Code
10614
Academic unit
Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia
Department
Departamento de Engenharia Mecânica e Industrial
Credits
3.0
Teacher in charge
António Carlos Bárbara Grilo, Helena Maria Lourenço Carvalho Remígio
Weekly hours
2
Total hours
28
Teaching language
Português
Objectives
The Research Methodologies course main objective is to introduce the principles of scientific investigation to the students, helping them to adopt appropriate methodologies in the Master these. It is intended to build up in students the ability to develop autonomous research in their area of expertise and/or to design and develop innovative approaches in a business context.
Prerequisites
This course has no mandatory precedences, but it is necessary to have knowledge about all the second cycle courses contents.
Subject matter
What is research?
The use of scientific methodologies for phenomenon investigation.
Inductive and deductive approach.
The different types of research: qualitative vs. quantitative and basic vs. applied.
The features of a Master''s these.
The state of the art: its importance and methodologies.
Definition of research questions and objectives.
The case study methodology.
The survey methodology.
Strategies for collecting and analyzing data.
The importance of ethics in scientific research.
Scientific writing style.
Bibliography
Walker, H., Chicksand, D., Radnor, Z., Watson, G. 2015, Theoretical perspectives in operations management: an analysis of the literature, International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 35(8),1182 - 1206
Voss, C., Tsikriktsis, N., Frohlich, M. 2002. Case research in operations management. International Journal of Operations and Production Management, 22(2), 195–219.
Forza C. 2002. Survey research in operations management: a process‐based perspective, International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 22 (2), 152-194.
Eco, U. 1995. Como se Faz uma Tese em Ciências Humanas. 6ªed, Trad. Bastos A.F., Leitão, L. Lisboa: Editorial Presença.
Teaching method
Theoretical-practical classes take place mostly with an oral presentation of the themes, supported in multimedia material. After the teacher presentation, the students develop in a group, in the classroom, a set of activities that include:
Practical case analysis
Analysis and discussion of scientific documents
Writing scientific texts
Presentation of work done
Evaluation method
The course evaluation will be based on 3 elements:
Element 1. Activities: 8 group activities will be held in the classroom.
Element 2. Individual Work: synthesis work to be delivered at the end of the semester
Element 3. Group Work (TG): consists of the preparation of a presentation
The final grade of MI will be composed as follows:
Final score = Σ (0.05 * Ai) + 0.35 * TI + 0.25 * TG
where:
Ai - score of activity i (8 activities will be performed)
IT - Individual Work score
TG - Group Work score
The frequency is given if the Group Work score is equal to or greater than 9.5 values. Being valid for 1 year.
Approval occurs if the final score is equal to or greater than 9.5 points.