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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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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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 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.

The exam in the course is a supervised exam of 4 hours.

The following aids are permitted:

• Calculator (see regulations for the use of calculators in the programme description)
• One dictionary (either first language-English/English-first language or English/English)

Aagoth Storvik