Research Methodologies

Not applicable

TM1. Interactive Theoretical-Practical Sessions: Presentation of key topics supported by the discussion of practical situations and real-world cases.
TM2. Flipped Classroom: Promotion of collaborative learning through student-led presentations and the sharing of experiences.
TM3. Tutorial Supervision: Individualized guidance to support the development of the analytical framework and the individual research work plan.

The course unit has the following learning objectives (LOs):

LO1. Contextualize the scientific research process within the field of Social Sciences.
LO2. Identify and apply the fundamental stages of a research process, from topic selection to the interpretation of results.
LO3. Formulate relevant research problems and develop well-founded analytical models.
LO4. Conduct critical literature reviews and select appropriate methods for data collection and analysis.
LO5. Apply and justify the case study methodology in Management contexts.

The competences (Cs) to be acquired are:

C1. Critical Thinking: Ability to identify knowledge gaps and formulate original research problems.
C2. Technical Application: Ability to structure analytical models and develop Dissertation, Project, or Internship plans.
C3. Communication and Technical Defence: Demonstrate oral presentation skills and the ability to justify methodological choices before peers.

P1- The research and writing process

1.1 Scientific writing and the formal rules of academic work

1.2 Structure of a dissertation / project work / internship report.

1.3 How to prepare a work proposal.

1.4 Computer tools to support research.

P2 – Ethics in research.

P3 – Relevant research topics in the field of accounting and public management, selected for seminars.

P4 – The research process

4.1 Research process: choosing the topic, defining the problem, choosing the research strategy, reviewing the literature and applying the selected research method.

4.2 Research design: objective, research questions, identification of variables, formulation of the model and definition of hypotheses.

4.3 Data collection and processing: sample selection, data collection methods and data analysis.

4.4 Qualitative and quantitative methods

4.5. Presentation and interpretation of results.

Students may choose one of the following assessment methods:

A) Continuous Assessment

AM1. Group Theoretical Assignment (2-3 students) on a topic to be defined (15%), followed by an oral presentation (10%).
AI Guideline: Level 2 use of AI is permitted (writing support and drafting assistance). Submission of a declaration listing the prompts used is mandatory.

AM2. Final Research Proposal and Oral Defence (50%): Preparation of a Dissertation/Project/Internship proposal, including an individual in-person presentation and oral defence (mandatory component).

AM3. Individual Practical Assignment (25%): Computer-based assignment completed during class.

Final Grade (FG): Students pass the course with a Final Grade (FG) ≥ 9.5 (on the Portuguese 0-20 grading scale).

Final Grade Formula (FG):

FG = (0.15 × AM1) + (0.10 × AM1) + (0.50 × AM2) + (0.25 × AM3)

Note: Since the oral presentation is part of AM1, an alternative and clearer notation is:
FG = (0.25 × AM1) + (0.50 × AM2) + (0.25 × AM3)

B) Final Examination (Regular / Resit / Special Examination Periods)

AM4. Individual Written Examination (50%)

AM5. Final Research Proposal and Oral Defence (50%):

NAO