Research Methods for PhDs (June 2026)

The module aims to help participants get a better understanding of the various types of research methods used in management research, with some emphasis on operations management, their main characteristics and selection criteria, strengths and weaknesses. The participants will understand the basis of the rigor vs relevance debate and how this debate has been changing over time, disciplines and journals with the objective to develop an understanding of and an open attitude to a variety of modeling methods. They will understand the characteristics of excellent papers that use various research methods and paradigms. On successful completion of this module, participants will know how to justify their methodological choices following academic conventions. For every method, strengths and risks will be discussed along with how this method can be published, what the reviewers are typically looking for and at which journals.
 

Day 1: More generic discussion on the topic

• Welcome and introduction of participants
• Academic Research: Rigor and Relevance – What do we need in Business Schools, How has the “trade-off” been changing over time?
• Editorial policies and understanding the journals
• Various methodologies used in research: from literature review papers, to qualitative and quantitative methods. How do we choose the appropriate methods?

Day 2: Going deeper into various methods

• Literature Review papers
• Case studies, observations and interviews
• Surveys and experiments

Day 3: Going deeper into various methods

• Working with numerical secondary data
• Operations Research (OR) modeling
• Agent-based modeling

Day 4: Going deeper into various methods and publication

• System dynamics
• Combining different methodologies
• Interdisciplinary research
• “Negotiating” with the editors
• Q&A, debrief
   

The course is open to up to 25 participants. Only students that are formally enrolled in a PhD program may take part; KLU may request evidence of such registration. KLU students have preference for registration in cases of oversubscription. Students from other universities are welcome to take part subject to availability of places. Preference will be given to partner universities that have opened their PhD classes to KLU students. 

Please by 15.05.2026 send an email to maria.besiou@klu.org with the following information:

• Your CV
• A brief description of your research (maximum 300 words)
• Your contact details
• The name of the institution where you are registered as a PhD student and the name(s) of your advisor(s)

Your registration does not count if the lecturer does not receive this information on time.
 

Date 08.06.2026 -  Time: 9.00 – 10.30, 11.00 – 12.30, 13.30 – 15.00
Date 09.06.2026 - Time: 9.00 – 10.30, 11.00 – 12.30, 13.30 – 15.00
Date 10.06.2026 - Time: 9.00 – 10.30, 11.00 – 12.30, 13.30 – 15.00
Date 11.06.2026 - Time: 9.00 – 10.30, 11.00 – 12.30, 13.30 – 15.00
 

For this course, a non-grade certificate of the course based on which 5 european credits (ECTS) will be awarded based on

(1) on the paper,
(2) presentations,
(3) and class participation.

If you would like to receive a more differentiated grade, you can distinguish yourself via an additional assignment to be arranged with the instructor.
 

Throughout the module, participants will be asked to pre-read the selected research papers, editorials, and other supportive materials by the students prior to the class.

The teaching method will combine introductory lectures by the instructor with presentations by students in groups, summarizing the studied research papers, and class discussion (twice).

The allocation of the students to the groups and topics will be done by the instructor by 24.05.2026 based on a similar interest with regard to research method. Inform the instructor by email before 15.05.2026 of any preferences for methods you would like to present in class looking at a particular method of your interest (either close to your research or close to your interest) or any other persons you would like to work with or not work with in preparing your presentation. You should prepare in the groups allocated a presentation of about 30-40 minutes, discussing the papers assigned.

After the end of the course, by 30.06.2026 the students should deliver an individual short essay (maximum 3 pages) on one of the methods discussed in the course that the students intend to use in their theses, why they chose this method, how they would like to use it and what they have learnt that they will pay specific attention to with regard to this type of research.
 

The course fee is €320. Exceptions may apply, please refer to the registration form for more information. 
Cancellation with subsequent refund is possible until the start date of the course. Nevertheless, we ask that you see the registration as a commitment to participate.
Participants are required to arrange their own travel and accommodation.

We look forward to hearing from you!