PINS9200 Research Methodology and Research Design for Sustainability Course description

Sustainable development implies inter-, multi- and transdisciplinary encounters. This course will enable the PhD candidates to develop mixed methods and research design for a multitude of approaches. The course will introduce the candidates to different research methodologies in different research methods especially suitable to illuminate complex phenomena, including Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI), Universal design, Eco-Aesthetics, and holistic design solutions that can contribute to reconfiguration of the global society in a more sustainable direction. The candidates will learn to develop a research design appropriate for their PhD project and will acquire skills in research methods that are relevant to their projects. The syllabus may be abbreviated and adapted to fit the interest of the participants of the course in cooperation with the supervisors.

Completed Master’s degree (120 ECTS credits) or equivalent education level.

Upon completing the course, the candidates are expected to have gained the following learning outcomes (knowledge, skills, and general competence).

Knowledge

The candidate:

• has advanced knowledge about opportunities and challenges of inter- and transdisciplinary research
• has comprehensive knowledge about research ethics
• has a good understanding of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) and how to translate this into new, responsible practices.

Skills

The candidate:

• can reflect critically on strengths and weaknesses of various methods for production of knowledge
• can make a valid interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary or multidisciplinary research design
• has advanced skills in co-creation of knowledge
• can contribute to advanced collaboration in inter- and transdisciplinary disciplinary projects
• can analyse and reflect on ethical dilemmas in data collection

General competence

The candidate:

• can communicate in inter- and transdisciplinary teams
• can identify transfer value from empirical studies to other areas
• can translate the principles of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) into practice for socially and environmentally robust science and innovation

Innovation is an essential part of developing sustainability. Society needs new thinking, new technology and alternative perspectives on value. This course provides candidates with a solid theoretical basis and the ability to design and implement research projects within sustainability (corporate sustainability, sustainable development, environmental management, transformation management and social entrepreneurship) and innovation (social innovation, technological innovation, innovative business models). The syllabus may be abbreviated and adapted to fit the interest of the participants of the course in cooperation with the supervisors.

The course will address the following, non-exclusive list of themes in Sustainability and innovation

• • Sustainability and innovation
  • Definitions and concepts
  • Professions, participation, and management of sustainable innovation

Completed Master’s degree (120 ECTS credits) or equivalent education level.

Upon completing the course, the candidates are expected to have gained the following learning outcomes (knowledge, skills, and general competence).

Knowledge

The candidate:

• • has deep understanding of theories, documents, concepts, and definitions within the area of sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship
  • has advanced knowledge of the nature of cultural, organizational, institutional, economic, and business based innovation for sustainability.
  • has a nuanced understanding of the multiple challenges in the development of innovative sustainable solutions for a fair society
  • has knowledge of professions and the role of professions in sustainable innovation.

Skills

The candidate:

• • has developed an ability to critically examine and challenge established thinking and solutions to ‘wicked’ and complex problems
  • can work and contribute efficiently in cross- and multidisciplinary teams concerning sustainable innovation
  • can apply a sustainable and policy relevant approach to scientific problem identification and development work.

General competence

The candidate:

• • can identify new, relevant research problems and challenge established knowledge and practice within sustainable innovation
  • can contribute to new, advanced knowledge and insight within the area of sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship based on scientific judgement and integrity
  • can communicate research and development work to society as well as through recognized academic channels such as scientific workshops, conferences and journals in the field of sustainable innovation

Seminars will be given in the format of discussions, lectures, and candidate presentations and reviews. Concrete examples, preferably from the candidates’ own PhD projects, will be used as a basis for discussing different perspectives and aspects of the course content.

Active participation in the seminars is necessary to adequately understand the course material and themes. Preparation and participation are therefore mandatory, and candidates are expected to attend all days of teaching and required to attend at least 80 percent of teaching days. In special cases of documented illness, the course leader may accept exceptions to this requirement. In these cases, lack of participation can be substituted with alternative arrangements such as active reading of the relevant syllabus literature.

Course requirements are assessed as confirmed or not confirmed. The course requirement must be completed and confirmed within the given deadline in order to have the right to submit a final essay.

The course requirements are:

• A plenary presentation on a subject decided in collaboration with the course lecturer.
• A prepared opposition to at least one other presentation.
• 80 % attendance is required.

The final essay is assessed by the course lecturer and one other examinator. External examinators will be used regularly. The assessment of the essay is based on the learning outcomes for the course.

Confirmed participation in the course and accepted final essay.

• Individual essay (4000-5000 words). The essay will discuss the most important theoretical aspects from the syllabus, with relevance for the candidate’s PhD project. Cover page, illustrations, and list of references come in addition.