Selected topics in Management Research (PHD602)

This is a reading course 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.


Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.

Facts

Course code

PHD602

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

5

Semester tution start

Spring, Autumn

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Autumn

Language of instruction

Norwegian

Content

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

The candidate will formulate one or more research questions and carry out a literature review related to them. 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. The candidate will submit a brief project outline (maximum 1,000 words) to the course coordinator for approval. Upon approval, the candidate will proceed with the 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, will be submitted to the course coordinator for evaluation.

Learning outcome

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.

Required prerequisite knowledge

Participants must be enrolled in a PhD programme.

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Take home exam 1/1 Passed / Not Passed

Written paper of maximum 7000 words excluding references and appendices (APA7 format).Grade: Passed / not passed.

Coursework requirements

Write a brief project outline (maximum 1,000 words) to the course coordinator for approval.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Gro Ellen Mathisen

Method of work

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.

Open for

PhD candidates enrolled in the PhD program in Social science at the University of Stavanger.

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital course evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

Search for literature in Leganto