Course Overview
Students learn essential foundations of empirical research and apply them practically. In small groups, they conduct their own empirical investigations, going through all empirical steps from study design through data collection to analysis. Through presentations and assignments, participants learn to independently deal with current research questions in organizational research, integrate them into a theoretical framework, and present their findings.
Learning Objectives
The presentations are supported by ClassEx, digitally conducted classroom experiments, which facilitate students' theoretical access to experimental economic research. Students experience the complete research process from conception to publication-ready results.
- Master essential foundations of empirical research methodology
- Design and conduct original empirical investigations
- Navigate the complete research process from design to analysis
- Integrate findings into theoretical frameworks
- Present research results professionally
- Understand experimental economics through ClassEx platform
Course Content
Current issues in organization and human resource management are discussed. Students select their own research questions and conduct their own empirical investigations. The work is carried out in self-directed learning groups.
Research Areas
Organizational Behavior
- Leadership Effectiveness
- Team Dynamics
- Employee Motivation
- Workplace Culture
Human Resource Management
- Recruitment Strategies
- Performance Management
- Training Effectiveness
- Employee Retention
Experimental Economics
- ClassEx Experiments
- Decision-Making Studies
- Behavioral Research
- Economic Psychology
Research Methodology
- Study Design
- Data Collection Methods
- Statistical Analysis
- Result Interpretation
Course Structure
Seminar Format
4 hours per week of intensive seminar sessions combining theory, methodology, and practical application.
Small Group Research
Students work in small groups to conduct original empirical research projects throughout the semester.
ClassEx Experiments
Digital classroom experiments provide hands-on experience with experimental economic research methods.
Self-Directed Learning
120 hours of independent study including literature review, data collection, analysis, and presentation preparation.
Research Process
Phase 1: Research Design
Develop research questions, review literature, design methodology, and plan data collection strategies
Phase 2: Data Collection
Implement research design, collect empirical data using various methods including experiments and surveys
Phase 3: Analysis
Analyze collected data using appropriate statistical methods and interpret results within theoretical framework
Phase 4: Presentation
Present findings through intermediate presentations and final poster sessions with academic discussion
Assessment Structure
Continuous Assessment (MCA)
- Intermediate Examination (20%): Presentation with slides, maximum 15 minutes
- Final Examination (80%): Poster presentation, 15 minutes with subsequent discussion
Performance verification is graded. Limited to 30 participants with registration deadline two weeks before semester start.
Prerequisites & Requirements
- Language Skills: Ability to read and understand English literature
- Exclusions: No successful participation in related discontinued modules (38501 Resource and Knowledge Management AND 38428 Management and Business Ethics 2)
- Registration: Separate registration in Moodle learning portal required
- Deadline: Registration deadline two weeks before semester start
Course Information
- Language: German (taught and examined)
- Duration: 1 semester
- Frequency: Every winter semester
- Credits: 6 ECTS
- Participant Limit: 30 students
- Registration: Required in Moodle portal
Study Programs
This advanced course is offered as part of various graduate degree programs:
- M.Sc. Applied Mathematics (university profile)
- M.Sc. Business Administration (university profile)
- M.Sc. eBusiness (university profile)
- M.Sc. Business Engineering (university profile)
- Dual M.Sc. Business Engineering programs
- International degree programs (subject to availability)
Teaching Materials
Primary Resources:
- Seminar accompanying script in Moodle learning portal with corresponding literature references
- ClassEx platform for digital classroom experiments
- Access to statistical software and research databases
- Current research papers from leading organizational science journals
Research Support:
- Individual consultation sessions for research guidance
- Access to university research facilities
- Statistical software training and support
- Presentation skills development workshops
Career Applications
This course prepares students for advanced careers in:
- Academic Research in Organization Science
- Management Consulting
- Organizational Development
- Human Resource Research
- Data Analytics and Research
- Policy Research and Analysis
- Corporate Strategy and Planning
- PhD programs in Business and Economics
Special Notes
Limited Enrollment
This course has a strict limit of 30 participants to ensure quality supervision of research projects and meaningful group discussions.
Early Registration
Students must register in the Moodle learning portal at least two weeks before the semester begins. Late registration is not possible.
Intensive Format
This course requires significant time commitment beyond classroom hours for research activities, data collection, and analysis.