Selected topics in Management Research (PHD602)

This is a reading course without teaching, in which the candidate selects a topic and relevant literature within the field of management. The candidate formulates a research question and writes a literature review on the chosen topic.

In this course, the candidate will explore a self-selected topic within the broad field of management literature. The objective is to deepen their understanding of management research and enhance their skills in conducting literature reviews. Candidates may choose to focus on a specific theme within management research, a particular theory, a comparison of theories, contextual factors, or methodological approaches. The selected focus area should address a knowledge gap in the existing literature. While the topic may be related to the candidate's doctoral research, it should not be included as part of the dissertation.

Candidates will formulate one or more research questions and conduct a literature review related to those questions. The type of literature review will be decided in consultation with the candidate's supervisor. Options may include a systematic review, meta-analysis, scoping review, critical review, narrative review, or umbrella review. The choice of review type must be justified.

Candidates will submit a brief project outline (maximum of1,000 words) to the course coordinator for approval. Upon receiving approval, they will proceed with the literature review. Supervision will be provided by the candidate's supervisors or another qualified academic during the process. The final review paper, with a maximum length of 7,000 words (including reference list) will be submitted to the course coordinator for evaluation.

A candidate who has completed the course should demonstrate the following learning outcomes, categorized into knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge

The candidate

• possesses advanced knowledge of a specific topic, theory, or methodology in management research

• understands how to identify knowledge gaps within the research literature

• can critically assess the characteristics and suitability of various types of literature reviews

Skills

The candidate

• is capable of planning, conducting, and presenting a literature review at an advanced level within a chosen topic

• can engage in advanced discussions at the forefront of research within the chosen area

General competence

The candidate

• can carry out literature review projects at an advanced level

• can synthesize research in ways that contribute to generating new knowledge at the research frontier.

Supervised reading course. The candidates' PhD supervisor or another relevant scholar will oversee the selection of topic as well as the literature review and the writing of the paper.

The course leader will provide oral or written feedback on both the research outline and the final review paper.