No special requirement

This subject aims to provide a general view on research methods in the specific area of Human Resource Management. Given the growing impact and importance of conducting top quality research in the management area, it is critical for students of HRM to develop the knowledge and skills in that area. If they do it properly, that knowledge can become a real source of competitive advantage in the job market. At the end of the course participants will be able to: ¿ Understand the nature and purpose of research in the HR area. ¿ Identify the main stages and characteristics of a good research project. ¿ Describe the main research paradigms and research methodologies in the realm of HRM. ¿ Develop some basic statistical tools to conduct analytical surveys in the HRM area.

Section 1: Paradigms, Methods and Topics. 1. Research paradigms in HRM. 2. The positivist paradigm. 2.1. The principles 2.2. Importance of contributions to theory 2.3. State of prior theory and methodological fit 2.3.1. Theory Building and Grounded Theroy. 2.3.2. Theory Building and Theory Testing: The mix-method approach. 2.4. Ways to advance theory: Approaches and tactics to elaborate theory 2.4.1. Constrasting approaches 2.4.2. Structuring 2.4.3. Construct specification 3. Doing non-positivist research. Section 2: Quantitative Methods in HR. 1. Measuring your variables 1.1. Simple variables 1.2. Constructs 2. Collecting your sample using surveys and other means 2.1 Population and sample 3. Conducting quantitative analysis 3.1. Preparing data for analysis: database 3.2. Descriptive analysis 3.3. Inferential analysis Section 3: Group Presentations

The course will be based on readings, some exercises, and a final written exam. Throughout the course, students will be asked to hand in some exercises and are urged to actively participate during every class with their opinions, doubts and comments. Students will be also encouraged to consult different sources of information (webs, journals, career services, etc.). Notice that a significant part of the course workload will be done within learning teams.