University Catalogues

PhD: Methods and Philosophy (PHD)

PHD 1501 Phil. of the Social Sciences     (3 credits)

The aim of this course is to enable students to reflect critically on the concepts and practices of research in the social sciences. We will explore various ways of thinking about the nature of research in the social sciences and will investigate the value and problems of potential research methods.

Typically Offered: Every two or more years

PHD 1502 Quantitative Analysis I     (3 credits)

This is the first course of a two-course sequence in statistical methods and will focus on univariate statistical methods. In the first section of this first course, participants will be provided with a thorough review of descriptive and inferential statistics including classical tests of hypotheses such as tests for means and variances, goodness of fit tests, tests of independence, and analysis of variance tests. More modern non-parametric and bootstrap alternatives to classical tests will be introduced. The second section of the course will cover regression models, both linear and logistic.

Typically Offered: Fall

PHD 1503 Qualitative Methods     (3 credits)

The label qualitative research has been applied to numerous research techniques and approaches used by scholars who profess to be positivists, interpretivists, or realists. Qualitative methods may also differ in their purposes (e.g., description, theory generation, theory testing, or interpretation). Consequently, qualitative methods may differ sharply in relevant evaluation criteria. This course is designed as an introduction to the distinctive strengths of qualitative methods as an alternative and a complement to quantitative methods. The course will emphasize the realist case study research strategy for purposes of description, theory building, and theory-testing. The course is designed to allow hands-on practice using a variety of techniques in a small, but complete research project from study design through writing strategies. The controversies and ethical issues surrounding the use of qualitative methods will be explored.

Typically Offered: Fall

PHD 1504 Quantitative Analysis II     (3 credits)

This is the second course of a two-course sequence in statistical methods and will focus on multivariate statistical methods. Building on the material from Quantitative Analysis I, the course will study some of the most commonly used multivariate techniques. The course begins by extending the ANOVA model to ANCOVA and then to the multivariate equivalents MANOVA and MANCOVA. Then classical forms of cluster analysis, principal components and exploratory factor analysis follow. Confirmatory factor analysis will then be covered and the rest of the course will be devoted to the study of structural equations models.

Typically Offered: Spring

PHD 1505 Qualitative Research Method II     (3 credits)

This course deepens students exposure to qualitative methods by in-depth study of interpretative and collaborative methods that were only briefly examined in Qualitative Methods I, such as discourse analysis, interpretive case study, ethnography, and grounded theory development. In Addition, the course provides students with an opportunity to complete a qualitative investigation in their dissertation topic area using the qualitative method of their choice. Emphasis in the practicum will be on executing the chosen method well according to its unique evaluation criteria and on producing complete written work, of quality sufficient for submission to a leading journal in the students field. Students are expected to conduct significant fieldwork, via participant-observation, interviewers, or document analysis, during the semester in addition to interpretation/data analysis and writing. Discussion of course texts and clinics of students work will be complemented by occasional guest lectures.

Typically Offered: Every two or more years

PHD 1506 Quantitative Research Meth I     (3 credits)

This is an introductory seminar in management and business research. Its main objective is to help seminar participants understand the role of research in an academic community, as well as the quantitative methods of business and management research in particular, and social science research in general. Additionally, the seminar seeks to develop participant motivation to become a contributor to the research communities in the management disciplines by examining: The research processes, and overview of research methods; Quantitative methodologies and strategies; the management research context the nature of organizational sciences research. You will also develop an understanding of the ethical issues raised by different research methods and contexts, and your personal responsibilities in this regard. The course is a mixture of readings, lectures/discussions, and hands-on experience in empirical research.

Typically Offered: Spring

PHD 1507 Quantitative Analysis III     (3 credits)

This course will introduce participants to some of the most recent data mining techniques, with an emphasis on: 1. getting a general understanding of how the method works, 2. understanding how to perform the analysis using suitable available software, 3. understanding how to interpret the results in a business research context, and 4. developing the capacity to critically read published research articles which make use of the technique. Contents may vary according to the interest of participants.

PHD 1510 Signature: Eth & Corp Soc Resp     (3 credits)

This seminar focuses on three primary domains of inquiry: 1) an exploration of questions of ethics and responsibility in the context of commerce and profit; 2) the role of the corporation in the larger society; 3) the role of the individual in the corporation. Within each of these areas, the course examines a range of ethical and social performance issues and challenges that managers must confront. Our goal is to broaden student understanding of the different theoretical arguments and tensions in this area, with a concomitant focus on application to the world of practice in general and ones dissertation research in particular.

Typically Offered: Every two or more years

PHD 1511 Signature: Globalization     (3 credits)

This doctoral level seminar studies the impact of globalization on the business environment.

Typically Offered: Every two or more years

PHD 1640 Quant Workshop     (0 credits)

Typically Offered: Fall

PHD 1650 Teaching Practicum     (0 credits)

Excellence in classroom teaching is a lifelong quest and a differentiator in todays academic job market. In this three-day workshop, you will learn about critical areas that can help you maximize your individual success as a college educator. Simply stated, this workshop is designed to help doctoral students and recent doctoral graduates maximize their potential in the classroom.

Typically Offered: Spring

PHD 1701 Experimental Course - PhD     (3 credits)

Experimental courses explore curriculum development, with specific content intended for evolution into a permanent course. Students may repeat experimental courses with a different title or topic for credit.

Typically Offered: As needed

PHD 1750 Independent Research Project     (3 credits)

During the summer at the end of their first year, each student will take part in an independent research project and reading class focused on their specialized area of research. The PhD supervisor is responsible for developing this course and acting as the independent study tutor and grading the final paper that will be the output from the course a paper that will subsequently be developed in year 2. This paper is expected to be suitable for conference and journal submission.

Typically Offered: Fall and Spring

PHD 1755 Applied Research Seminar     (1 credit)

This seminar is intended to bring Executive PhD students and faculty together to provide for a community of learning and engage in mutual exploration of phenomenon and practices of organizations through rigorous inquiry into, and appreciation for, research in an academic/professional area, field, or domain. Students will work with their ARS professor to gain an understanding of what applied research entails. They will understand critical concepts of applied research through performing literature reviews and content analysis, while also learning to develop critical research questions, contribute to theory development, and develop research frameworks relevant to a proposed area of study.

Typically Offered: As needed

PHD 1850 Dissertation     (9 credits)

Dissertation study.

Typically Offered: Fall and Spring