Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

English

Prerequisites

PhD candidates.

Recommended previous knowledge

Students who have not had a master-level course in international business or organization theory are expected to develop knowledge in this area based on individual reading.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course the student will:
  • understand the role and interplay of ontology, epistemology, and methodology in management research.
  • be able to contextualize their own research and find their ontological and epistemological position.
  • choose and develop their methodology in line with their ontological and epistemological position.
  • have a good understanding of core theories in management and their underlying ontological assumptions.
  • be able to select, criticize and apply appropriate theories for their own studies.

Contents

The main objective of the course is to introduce the most important (prevalent) ontological and epistemological positions in the philosophy of knowledge and relate these to some of the most widely used theories in management in order to criticize and apply these in the student's own research.

Topics:

  • Ethics in research
  • Theory of knowledge - ontology - epistemology - methodology
  • The logic of social science explanation - What is a "good" theory and what theory is not
  • Middle-range theory and "Grand" theory
  • The role of theory in management research
  • Micro-level theories: Agency theory, Stewardship Theory, Self-determination theory
  • Macro-level theories: Resource-based view, Transaction cost theory, Institutional theory
  • Combining micro and macro-level: Social capital theory
  • Is there a "Grand" theory in management research?

Teaching and learning methods

The course will be a combination of lectures and student discussions as well as presentations by the students.

Estimated Work Load

Reading before course: 40 hours

Course (7 days * 8 hours): 56 hours

Group work/ preparation of presentations: 30 hours

Course paper: 80 hours

Total: 206 hours

Examination requirements

Students are required to participate during lectures and class discussions and to do their own presentations on selected topics.

Examinations

Course paper. Pass/Fail - where Pass must be equivalent to the letter grade B or better.
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 7:30:52 AM