Research-based Development (5cr)

Evaluation scale

Pass/Fail

Objective

Purpose of the course
The purpose of this course is to understand the meaning of research-based development and to get one's own toolkit for development activities

Competences:
Ethics
Proactive development
Learning to learn

Learning outcomes
After completing this course, you will understand the difference between scientific research and research-based development. You understand the principles of research-based development and its methodological starting points. You know the process of research-based development. You master and are able to apply some working life development methods in development activities at your field of practice. You understand the importance of research ethics and good scientific practice in research-based development.

Execution methods

The primary modes of delivery are face-to-face learning (lectures, workshops, presentations), distance learning (e.g. online lectures and presentations), and blended learning.

Content

The starting points and methodology of research-based development
Research ethics and the responsible conduct of research
Process and management of research-based development
Research and development methods, data collection and data analysis
Assessment as part of research-based development

Location and time

According curruculum.
Details will be added later in 2025.

Materials

Brannen, J. 2016. Mixing methods: qualitative and quantitative research. Harlow: Pearson
Yin, R. K. 2018. Case study research and applications : design and methods. Los Angeles: Sage

Responsible conduct of research and procedures for handling allegations of misconduct in Finland. 2023. Finnish National Board on Research Integrity. https://tenk.fi/sites/default/files/2023-03/HTK-ohje_2023.pdf

The ethical principles of research with human participants and ethical review in the human sciences in Finland. Finnish National Board on Research Integrity TENK guidelines 2019 https://tenk.fi/sites/default/files/2021-01/Ethical_review_in_human_sciences_2020.pdf

Teaching methods

Intented for Professional Project Management students.
Online exam
Individual learning tasks e.g. essays
Small group work online
Webinars
Online Discussions
Recorded online lectures, podcasts

Exam schedules

Online exam on mid December, exact date will be provided in the coure Moodle. Two resit exams in January 2026.
Material for the examination: Toikko, T. & Rantanen, T. 2009. Tutkimuksellinen kehittämistoiminta. Tampere: Tampereen yliopistopaino Oy. eKirjana TamPub- julkaisuissa http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-951-44-7732-4.

Completion alternatives

You can complete the course by combining study and work, by studification. Agree on studification of the course with the lecturer in charge of the course. For more information on studification, see the degree regulations and study guide.

Student workload

- lectures/online lectures 3 h
- webinars/replacing assignments 17 h
- learning tasks 40 h
- studying the course material 35 h
- preparation for the exam 40 h
Total 135 hours.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

You are able to compare the differences and similarities between research-based development and academic research. You are able to analyse development processes and methods suitable for your development topic, and reflect on and assess their suitability with the help of literature. You understand the significance of research ethics in research-based development. You can develop a topic proposal for your thesis.

Further information

Evaluation methods:
Reflective self-evaluation, peer commentary, continuous feedback and overall evaluation of the course based on the online exam and learning tasks.