Data Collection and Interpretation

Degree programme International Management and Leadership
Subject area Business and Management
Type of degree Master part-time
Type of course unit (compulsory, optional) Compulsory
Course unit code 025123022002
Teaching units 15
Year of study 2026
Name of lecturer(s) Florian BÜHLER, Kim HARTMANN
Requirements and Prerequisites

None

Course content
  • Design of appropriate data collection methods within a research project
  • Development and implementation of standardised surveys
  • (Semi-)structured interview techniques
  • Case study analysis Multivariate analysis methods (e.g., factor analysis, regression analysis)
  • Correlation analysis
  • Statistical tests to verify quality criteria
  • Application of analysis tools (e.g., R, SPSS, MAXQDA)
  • Presentation and documentation of research results in professional report formats
Learning outcomes

Systematic data collection and precise interpretation are essential for making well-founded, data-driven decisions. Careful data gathering forms the basis for meaningful analysis, allowing the identification of economic trends and relationships. Through data interpretation, targeted recommendations can be derived, and practical solutions can be developed. This process strengthens analytical skills and enhances the understanding of complex economic processes.

Students...

  • can apply data collection methods in a targeted, problem-oriented manner.
  • can select and justify appropriate methods for solving specific problems. can analyze and interpret collected data using suitable tools.
  • can critically evaluate results and assess their validity.
  • can identify and delineate additional research needs.
  • can professionally document research work.
  • understand and can apply the following cross-cutting themes within the course context:
    • business psychology
    • digital transformation
  • understand the relevance of the following FHV Future Skills:
    • Professional Mastery
    • Critical Thinking
    • Academic Creativity
    • Information Literacy
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
  • Project group work with regular supervision

 

Assessment methods and criteria
  • Group presentation (30%)
  • Project report (70%)

(In the case of partial assessments, all parts must be passed positively.)

 

Comment

The course content is integrated with the "Research Methods" course.

Recommended or required reading
  • Döring, Nicola; Bortz, Jürgen (2023): Forschungsmethoden und Evaluation in den Sozial- und Humanwissenschaften. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg (= Springer-Lehrbuch). Online im Internet: DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-41089-5 (Zugriff am: 03.05.2023).
  • Saunders, Mark; Lewis, Philip; Thornhill, Adrian (2016): Research methods for business students. Seventh. Harlow: Pearson. Online im Internet: URL: https://go.exlibris.link/Wbc7ChZj (Zugriff am: 03.05.2023).
  • Collis, Jill & Hussey, Roger (2021): Business research. A practical guide for undergraduate and postgraduate students. 5th  Ed., Houndmills: Palgrave Macmillan.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face, distance learning)

Blended Learning:

  • Face-to-face instruction (87%)
  • Online instruction (13%)
    • asynchronously supported (13%)