ØAMET4200 Research Methods for Social Sciences Course description

The course particularly builds on a foundation course in social science research methods at bachelor's degree level and a foundation course in statistical methodology. This is a compulsory common course in the main profile Strategy, Organisation and Leadership.

The course starts with an introduction to scientific theory and various scientific theoretical positions. The research process from A to Z is also reviewed. Formulations problems are discussed in relation to previous research, theory and method. Differences between qualitative and quantitative data are described and various applications outlined. Research ethics, literature searches and validity criteria (reability and validity) are also covered.

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After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student has

• knowledge of various scientific theoretical positions
• in-depth knowledge and understanding of how the research process takes place and which different methods are used in the social sciences

Skills

The student is capable of

• formulate suitable topics and research questions
• be able to connect research questions to theory and earlier research
• choose a suited method to be able to analyse and answer the research questions
• be able to handle research ethical considerations
• plan and write a master’s thesis in strategy, organization and management under supervision

General competence

The student has

• is familiar with theory abouth knowledge and able to evaluate knowledge claims

Varied forms of teaching will be used, with a combination of lectures, guest lectures, class discussions, project assignment and student presentations. A series of exercises intended to familiarise students with the different steps involved in research work is a key element of the course. These exercises are designed to enable students to assess, plan and carry out empirical studies.

The following coursework requirements must have been approved in order for the student to take the exam:

• Coursework 1: Three written submissions of approximately 5 pages each. Each submission is written in groups of 5 to 7 students per group. All submissions must be presented in class and attendance at these presentations is compulsory. Each presentation lasts approximately 20 minutes. Written feedback on each group's submissions pointing to strengths and weaknesses will be given.

The purpose of the coursework requirement is to give students experience in planning and carrying out a research project.

All required coursework must be completed and approved by the given deadline in order for the student to take the exam. If one or more coursework requirements have not been approved, the student will be given one new opportunity to get these approved, within a given deadline.

The market for financial derivatives is one of the biggest in the world. The most important derivative securities are forwards, futures, options, and swaps. Derivatives are central instruments for companies when they deal with risk. This subject focuses on how companies and other institutions can reduce risk by using derivatives contracts.

Language of instruction is English.

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After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• has advanced knowledge of markets, trading and valuation of forwards, futures, options and swap contracts
• has in-dept knowledge about the theories behind valuation models such as Cost of carry for futures and Binominal and Black-Scholes for options
• has in-dept knowledge about central risk measures such as delta, gamma, vega, theta and rho
• can analyze new problems using valuation models such as Cost of carry for futures and Binominal and Black-Scholes for options

Skills

The student can

• analyze existing theories and methods in derivatives pricing
• work independently on practical problems in valuing and trading derivatives contracts.
• use valuation models such as Cost of carry for futures and Binominal and Black-Scholes for options independently

General competence

The student can

• contribute to the development and innovation of the use of derivatives contracts
• communicate extensive and independent work in the use of derivatives contracts

The course is taught in lectures.

The following coursework requirements must have been approved in order for the student to take the exam:

• Coursework 1: Futures
• Coursework 2: Swaps
• Coursework 3: Options 1
• Coursework 4: Options 2
• Coursework 5: Futures, Swaps and Options

All of the coursework requirements are submissions of approximately 2-3 pages, written individually.

The goal of the assignments are to help the students reflect over own independent work on practical problems in valuing and trading derivatives contracts and to use valuation models such as Cost of carry for futures and Binominal and Black-Scholes for options independently.

All required coursework must be completed and approved by the given deadline in order for the student to take the exam. If one or more coursework requirements have not been approved, the student will be given one opportunity to submit an improved version by the given deadline.