Study Guide

Objective

The student
• Identifies the development tasks of organizations and companies and select the appropriate research approach and data collection methods for these tasks.
• Can plan and schedule a research and development project effectively.
• Is able to utilize key concepts related to research and development methods.
• Can apply chosen research and development approaches and data collection strategies in their development or thesis plans, or in project work during the course.
• Thinks critically when selecting research and development approaches and sources.
• Implements results from research and development work in organizational development.
• Evaluates the success of the applied research approach and the suitability of the research methods in their thesis projects or other projects.
• Justifies the chosen research approach and methods, and critically assess the selected research approach, data collection methods, literature, and empirical data.
• Leverages the results of research and development projects at a strategic level in organizational development work.

Content

• Understanding Applied Research
o Definition and significance
o Differences between basic and applied research
• Research and Development Approaches
o Various methodologies
o Selecting the appropriate approach for different tasks
o Data Collection and Analysis Strategies
o Techniques for gathering data
o Methods for analysing data effectively
• The Development Work Process
o Steps involved in development projects
• Best practices for managing development work
• Research Ethics
o Ethical considerations in research
• Ensuring Integrity and Compliance
o Applied Research in Organizational Development
• Role of applied research in enhancing organizational growth
• Case studies and practical applications

Location and time

Online: September 23, 2025 ( 5 pm- 8 pm)
September 30, 2025 (5 pm -8 pm)
November 4, 2025 (5 pm -8 pm)

Henriksgatan campus: October 24, 2025 (9-16)

Materials

Moilanen, T. , Ojasalo, K. & Ritalahti, J. (2022). Methods for Development Work. Books on Demand

Other material is specified in Moodle.

Teaching methods

• Contact lessons
• Teamwork
• Independent studies
• Online studies
• Own research and development
• Flipped learning

Exam schedules

Group work and individual portfolio of flipped learning notes.

Completion alternatives

Other courses in research methodology at a master's level.

Student workload

Classes 17 h
Own learning 118 h

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

•The student can choose appropriate research approaches and data collection methods for development tasks.
• The student can effectively plan and schedule research and development tasks.
• The student can use key concepts related to research and development methods, though critical thinking is limited.
• The ability to generate new knowledge for organisational development is currently weak.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

• In addition to Grade 1 requirements, the student can apply chosen research and development approaches and data collection strategies in development or thesis plans, or in project work during the course.
• The student understands the importance of critical thinking in selecting research and development approaches, as well as in evaluating literature and empirical data.
• The student can use the results from research and development work in organizational development.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

• In addition to the requirements of Grades 1 and 3, the student can assess the success of the applied research approach and the suitability of research methods in their thesis projects or other projects.
• The student can justify the chosen research approach and methods, and critically assess the selected research approach, data collection methods, literature, and empirical data.
• The student can use the results of research and development projects at a strategic level in organisational development work.

Assessment methods and criteria

Group work (40%)
Moodle exam (20%)
Individual portfolio (40%)

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Grade 1
• Students can choose appropriate research approaches and data collection methods for development tasks.
• Students can effectively plan and schedule research and development tasks.
• Students can use key concepts related to research and development methods, though critical thinking is limited.
• The ability to generate new knowledge for organisational development is currently weak.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

Grade 3
• In addition to Grade 1 requirements, students can apply chosen research and development approaches and data collection strategies in development or thesis plans, or in project work during the course.
• Students understand the importance of critical thinking in selecting research and development approaches, as well as in evaluating literature and empirical data.
• Students can use the results from research and development work in organizational development.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Grade 5
• In addition to the requirements of Grades 1 and 3, students can assess the success of the applied research approach and the suitability of research methods in their thesis projects or other projects.
• Students can justify their chosen research approach and methods, and critically assess the selected research approach, data collection methods, literature, and empirical data.
• Students can use the results of research and development projects at a strategic level in organisational development work.

Qualifications

No prerequisites.

Further information

Recognition of prior learning (RPL).
If students have acquired the required competence in previous work tasks, recreational activities or on another course, they can show their competence via a demonstration. The demonstration must be agreed with the course teacher.

A similar course at Master's level (EQF /) can replace this course and the student must apply for replacement in Peppi.