Topic outline

  • LECTURING THE COURSE OF ECONOMIC METHODS

             Sanja Blažević Burić                                   Daniel Tomić                                          Saša Stjepanović
                       

    • In order to shed light on the evolution of economic methodology, this course brings carefully selected content from the history of the discipline. It evaluates the development of theoretical and empirical thinking about research and its relevance in making key scientific research confirmations. It is difficult to determine the way to start a discussion on the history of science (from the dawn to the decadence of society), but since the beginning of economics more than two hundred years ago, the tools available to the discipline have become increasingly sophisticated. This course will offer relevant materials for students from different fields such as economic analysis, economic methodology, history of economics, and history and philosophy of social sciences.

       
       

    • Important information about the course Page

      A brief systematization of important information about the course for full-time and part-time students.


  • INFORMATION


    • INFORMATION ABOUT THE COURSE

      Main lecturer:             Associate professor Sanja Blažević Burić

      Other lecturers:           Associate professor Daniel Tomić

                                          Associate professor Saša Stjepanović


      Possibility to interact with lecturers during regular consultations or by prior arrangement during the working week from 08:00 to 20:00 via the BigBlueButton platform; possibility of interaction with lecturers during the weekend possible by prior arrangement by e-mail, via the BigBlueButton platform! Other communication channels such as Zoom, Teams, etc. possible by prior arrangement.

       

      The course is attended by: All first-year undergraduate students of Applied Economics and Business Economics. Prerequisite for enrollment and mastering: There are no prerequisites for enrolling in the course. The conditions for mastering the course are continuous work and commitment during the current semester.


      INSTRUCTIONS:

      1. For all inquiries and ambiguities about the course, contact the professor by email or online communication via the BigBlueButton platform

      2. How to use BigBlueButton platform?: 

       

       

      3. Students are obliged to respect the principles of academic integrity, which are regulated by the Statute of the University of Juraj Dobrila in Pula, the Ordinance on Studies, the Ordinance on Disciplinary Responsibility of Students and the Code of Ethics.

      4. In order to pass the course, the student must a) prepare a research project, b) successfully pass the final written exam and c) collect a minimum of 50% share in the total grade.


  • IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

    • Curriculum - The study programe in Applied economics (link)

      Class schedule for the academic year 2021/2022 (link)

      Teaching schedule:

      Lectures:

      · Full-time students: Tuesday, 17: 00-18: 25 (BigBlueButton or Dv. Istra)
      · Part-time students: Monday, 17: 00-19: 10 (BigBlueButton or Dv. Istra)

      Seminars:

      · Full-time students: Tuesday, 18: 30-20: 00 (BigBlueButton or Dv. Istra)
      · Part-time students: consultative by arrangement
      


        
      COURSE OBJECTIVES
      


      To
provide students with a critical reflection on research and validity of research. Acquire
knowledge, skills and competences for the proper writing and presentation
of student work. Recognizing
the stage of the research process and mastering the basics of conducting
scientific and professional research in the field of economics.
      



      


      LEARNING OUTCOMES
      


      1.
Adopt rules for writing and presenting student papers
      


      2.
Browse available databases and literature
      


      3.
Understand concepts from economic methodology
      


      4.
Critically reflect on the research process
      




      


      COURSE CONTENT
      


      1.
Introduction to the course. Classification and interpretation of concepts
in the field of research methodology in the field of economics.
      


      2.
Science development and characteristics of scientific research. History
of economic methodology.


      3.
Ethics in research. Ethical behavior of students in conducting research.
Getting to know the University rules about preparing and writing
student papers. Preparation for oral presentation.
      


      4.
Phases of the research process. Selecting appropriate methodological approach.


      5.
Selection, formulation and precise definition of areas, themes and subjects
of research.


      6.
Critical search of the literature. Getting familiar with searchable databases.


      7.
Designing the objectives and research purpose. Formulation of hypotheses.


      8.
Difference between quantitative and qualitative research methods.
      


      9.
Sampling process.
      


      10.
Survey.
      


      11.
Types of validity and checking the validity of scientific research.
      


      12.
Writing the final report. Writing as a skill.
      


      13.
Research presentation. Peer review of research reports.
      


       
      




      ACTIVITY PLAN; in accordance with the curriculum, the dynamics of the schedule for the current academic year and the epidemiological situation.
      10/04/2021 - Introduction to Economic methods and introduction to the course, professors, obligations and the manner of taking the exam; (plus introductory video with instructions )
      10/11/2021 - Science and methodology - what is methodology, what are research methods, hypotheses, why do students need the course Economic methods?; (plus video work with instructions Lecture 1)
      10/18/2021 - Economic methodology; (plus video work with instructions - Lecture 2)
      10/25/2021 - Methodology of research work (history and phases); (plus video work with instructions - Lecture 3)
      11/02/2021 - Student engagement in research and writing; (plus video with instructions - Lecture 4)
      11/08/2021 - Literature and data; (plus video work with instructions - Lecture 6)
      11/15/2021 - On sampling; (plus video with instructions - Lecture 5)
      11/22/2021 - Quantitative vs. qualitative research; (plus video with instructions - Lecture 7)
      11/29/2021 - Evaluation of processed material, analysis of short quizzes, peer review
      12/06/2021 - Criteria of research work; (plus video with instructions - Lecture 8)
      12/13/2021 - Other research methods; (plus video with instructions - Lecture 9)
      12/20/2021 - Operationalization of research; (plus video with instructions - Lecture 10)
      01/10/2022 - Lecture plus workshops 'How to learn?'; (plus video with instructions - Lecture 11)
      01/17/2022 - Lecture and workshop 'Public appearance'; (plus video with instructions - Lecture 12) 

      After each lecture there is a short quiz as a form of self-assessment, and it is directly related to the learning outcomes of the related lecture. 
      Seminar
 classes take place at the same time immediately after the lecture, in 
accordance with the schedule and implementation curriculum. Uploading 
exercises and reports can be done at the link Upload for full-time  and part-time student reports.
      Exams: February 7, 2022, February 21, 2022, April 4, 2022, June 20,
 2022, July 4, 2022, September 5, 2022. and 19.09.2022. Online exams 
will be visible a week in advance and available for taking on exam day. 
Instructions and examples of the online test (as a form of 
self-assessment) are available under the Trial test.

      






      EVALUATION METHOD
      
 
      
  
  
      Obligations 
      
        		
  
  
      Outcomes
      
        		
  
  
      Hours
      
        		
  
  
      Share in ECTS-u*
      
        		
  
  
      Max. share in grade (%)
      
        		
 
      
 
      
  
  
      Live lectures, Watching videos, reading books and articles, reading thematic forums
      
        		
  
  
      1-4
      
        		
  
  
      29
      
        		
  
  
      0,96
      
        		
  
  
      25
      
        		
 
      
 
      
  
  
      Working together on a task, seminars, discussion groups, using online scripts, analyzing ideas and information from different teaching materials
      
        		
  
  
      1-4
      
        		
  
  
      67
      
        		
  
  
      2,23
      
        		
  
  
      25
      
        		
 
      
 
      
  
  
      Homework, Essays and reports, Quizzes
      
        		
  
  
      1-4
      
        		
  
  
      30
      
        		
  
  
      1
      
        		
  
  
      20
      
        		
 
      
 
      
  
  
      Final written exam
      
        		
  
  
      3-4
      
        		
  
  
      54
      
        		
  
  
      1,81
      
        		
  
  
      30
      
        		
 
      
 
      
  
  
      Total
      
        		
  
  
      180
      
        		
  
  
      6
      
        		
  
  
      100
      
        		
 
      

      


       
      Instruction for preparing a seminar
      Instructions for making a research paper
      The final exam is in writing and carries 30% of the grade (the possibility of access to the trial version of the test to make it easier to navigate the time of the exam).
      Numerical assessment of students is performed on the basis of final achievement, i.e. the sum of grades achieved during classes or grades during classes and grades in the final exam as follows:
      Excellent
– 89% to 100%,
      


      Very
good – 76% to 88.9%,
      


      Good
– 63% to 75.9% rating,
      


      Sufficient
- 50% to 62.9%.

  • LITERATURE
    • LITERATURE - required literature is available in the FET library, while part of the elective literature can be found online through the ability to download and / or read online.

      In English language: 
      


      1.      Trochim,
W., Donnelly, J. P. (2006) The Research
Methods Knowledge Base, 3rd ed., Atomic Dog, Cincinnati, Ohio. 
      




      2.     
Zikmund, W. et
al. (2008) Business
Research Methods, 9TH ED., South-Western Cernage Learning,
USA.
      3.      Course materials.

      




      In Croatian language:
      




      1.     
Bedeković, V. (2011.) Osnove metodologije stručnog i znanstvenog rada. Visoka škola za
menadžment u turizmu i informatici u Virovitici, Virovitica.
      


      2.     
Cohen, L., Manion, L., Morrison, K. (2007.) Metode istraživanja u obrazovanju.
Naklada Slap, Zagreb.
      3.      Halmi, A. (2005.) Strategije kvalitativnih istraživanja u primijenjenim društvenim
znanostima. Naklada Slap, Zagreb.
      


      4.     
Tkalac Verčić, A., Sinčić Ćorić, D., Pološki
Vokić, N. (2010.) Priručnik za
metodologiju istraživačkog rada. Kako osmisliti, provesti i opisati znanstveno
i stručno istraživanje. MEP d.o.o., Zagreb.
      5.      Pavić, Ž., Šundalić, A. (2021.) Uvod
u metodologiju društvenih znanosti (drugo dopunjeno izdanje). Ekonomski
fakultet Osijek, Osijek.
      6.      Zelenika, R. (2000.) Metodologija i tehnologija izrade znanstvenog i stručnog dijela.
Ekonomski fakultet u Rijeci, Rijeka.

  • ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE 1 - INTRODUCTORY LECTURE
    •  
       

    • Additional external materials to look at and reflect on: in English language
      An introduction to economics and economic methodology
       
       

    • Additional external materials to look at and reflect on: in Croatian language
      Critical Mind Development - What is Economics?
      (additional external materials to look at and reflect on)
       
       

    • Discussion - today we answered:
      

      

      




      TEACHING
      


      ◦Attendance at classes
      


      ◦Writing emails
      


      ◦Searching for information
      


      ◦Consultations
      

      

      




      COURSE CONTENT
      


      ◦Course information
      


      ◦Contents
      


      ◦How to study
      

      

      




      EXAM
      


      ◦Registration and deregistration of the exam
      


      ◦Recording grades
      

      

      




      Relationship to learning outcomes: 1 learning outcome and 2 learning outcome

  • ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE 2 - ECONOMIC METHODOLOGY
    • Learning outcomes 2:
      • Get acquainted with the basic concepts in economic methodology
      • Define the concept of science
      • Learn scientific categories

       
       
      Prerequisites:
      • Watch the recorded lecture
      • Study materials from scripts and presentations
      • Prepare specific inquiries

    • Additional external materials to look at and reflect on: in English language
      Economic methodology and economic problem (a level self study)
       
       
    • Additional external materials to look at and reflect on: in Croatian language
      Research and elements of the scientific method - a brief overview
      (additional external materials to look at and reflect on)
       
       
    • Discussion - today we answered:
      THEORETICAL DOUBTS
      ◦What is science?
      ◦Scientific and non-scientific knowledge
      ◦Analysis of scientific categories

      ON METHODOLOGY IN ECONOMICS
      ◦Critically think about research in economics
      ◦Changing the economy requires a change in methodology

      Relationship to learning outcomes: 3 learning outcomes and 4 learning outcomes

  • ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE 3 -METHODOLOGY; HISTORY AND PHASES
    • Learning outcomes 3:
      • Get acquainted with the beginnings of scientific methods
      • Compare scientific methods
      • Refine research topics
       
       
      Prerequisites:
      • Watch the recorded lecture
      • Study materials from scripts and presentations
      • Prepare specific inquiries


    • Additional external materials to look at and reflect on: in English language
      How economists think - The scientific method
       
       
    • Additional external materials to look at and reflect on: in Croatian language
      What is the method and methodology - the context of scientific research?
      (additional external materials to look at and reflect on)
       
       
    • Discussion - today we answered:

      THEORETICAL DOUBTS
      ◦Scientific methods
      ◦Defining research topics and steps in research
      ◦Determination of theoretical model and hypotheses

      HISTORY
      ◦Historical development and definition of science
      ◦Understanding modern economic methodology

      Relationship to learning outcomes: 2 learning outcomes, 3 learning outcomes and 4 learning outcomes

  • ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE 4 - STUDENT WORK
    • Additional external materials to look at and reflect on: in English language
      Learning outcomes 4:
      • Preparing to write student papers
      • Get acquainted with the most common mistakes when writing papers
      • Find the necessary documents and regulations related to student work
      How to write an effective research paper
       
       
      Prerequisites:
      • Watch the recorded lecture
      • Study materials from scripts and presentations
      • Prepare specific inquiries




    • Additional external materials to look at and reflect on: in Croatian language
      5 tips for the most written seminar paper
      (additional external materials to look at and reflect on)
       
       
    • Discussion - today we answered:

      ADOPT RULES
      ◦Writing various student papers
      ◦Preparation of presentations and skills

      DOCUMENTATION
      ◦Analysis of important documents (example UNIPU and FET)
      ◦Search databases and literature

      Relationship to learning outcomes: 1 learning outcome, 2 learning outcome and 3 learning outcome

  • ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE 5 - SAMPLING
    • Learning outcomes 5:
      • Define basic concepts related to sampling
      • Learn about mistakes when choosing a pattern
      • Learn pattern types
       
       
      Prerequisites:
      • Watch the recorded lecture
      • Study materials from scripts and presentations
      • Prepare specific inquiries


    • Additional external materials to look at and reflect on: in English language
      The quality of an individual survey does not "fall" or "pass", only on the appropriateness of the methodology and instruments, but also on whether the appropriate sampling strategy has been adopted!!!
      Types of sampling methods
       
       


    • Discussion - today we answered:

      PREPARATION OF THE RESEARCH
      ◦Identification of basic concepts and phenomena in sampling
      ◦Analysis of sampling approach and common errors
      ◦Learning through examples and exercises

      Relationship to learning outcomes: 1 learning outcome, 3 learning outcome and 4 learning outcome

  • ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE 6 -LITERATURE AND DATA
    • Additional external materials to look at and reflect on: in English language
      Learning outcomes 6:
      • Get to know the sources of literature
      • Literature planning
      • Collection of literature
      • Search citation databases
      • Systematization of literature
      Citing sources: Why and how to do it?
       
       
      Prerequisites:
      • Watch the recorded lecture
      • Study materials from scripts and presentations
      • Prepare specific inquiries

    • Additional external materials to look at and reflect on: in Croatian language
      Citing sources from the Internet
      (additional external materials to look at and reflect on)
       
       
    • Discussion - today we answered:

      SEARCH FOR AVAILABLE SOURCES
      ◦Research and analysis of literature with understanding and critical review
      ◦BazeQuotation databases
      ◦Critical evaluation of the literature
      ◦Tips in data source analysis

      Relationship to learning outcomes: 1 learning outcome, 2 learning outcome and 4 learning outcome

  • ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE 7 - QUANTITATIVE VS. QUALITATIVE
    • Introduction to the distinction between quantitative and qualitative research
      Learning outcomes  7:
      • Get to know qualitative and quantitative research
      • Get acquainted with research techniques
      • Learn quantitative nomothetic explanations
       
       
      Prerequisites:
      • Watch the recorded lecture
      • Study materials from scripts and presentations
      • Prepare specific inquiries

    • Additional external materials to look at and reflect on: in English language
      Qualitative vs. quantitative research
        
       
       
    • Additional external materials to look at and reflect on: in Croatian language
      Basic procedures for editing and displaying data
      (additional external materials to look at and reflect on)
       
       
    • Discussion - today we answered:

      QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
      ◦Empirical assessment and evaluation
      ◦Analysis of numerical solutions
      ◦Understanding analytical processes

      QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
      ◦Understanding motivation
      ◦Theoretical vs. applied research
      ◦Adoption of research techniques

      Relationship to learning outcomes: 1 learning outcome, 2 learning outcome, 3 learning outcome and 4 learning outcome

  • ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE 8 - EVALUATION OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
    • Assessment of scientific research - is our research reliable and valid?
      Learning outcomes 8:
      • Assess the validity of scientific research
      • Compare reliability and validity
      • Make an example of research
      • Define causality versus correlation
       
       
      Prerequisites:
      • Watch the recorded lecture
      • Study materials from scripts and presentations
      • Prepare specific inquiries

    • Additional external materials to look at and reflect on: in Croatian language
      Open access to scientific research
      (additional external materials to look at and reflect on)
        
       
       
    • Discussion - today we answered:

      RESEARCH EVALUATION
      ◦Empirical cycle analysis
      ◦Reliability and validity of research
      ◦Understanding correlation and causality

      Relationship to learning outcomes: 1 learning outcome, 2 learning outcome, 3 learning outcome and 4 learning outcome

  • ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE 9 - OTHER RESEARCH METHODS
    • Additional external materials to look at and reflect on: in Croatian language
      Unstructured interview - topics and hypotheses; description and instructions
      Learning outcomes 9:
      • Get acquainted with other research methods
      • Construct a questionnaire
      • Test the questionnaire
      • Get acquainted with the method of observation
      (additional external materials to look at and reflect on)
       
       
      Prerequisites:
      • Watch the recorded lecture
      • Study materials from scripts and presentations
      • Prepare specific inquiries

    • Discussion - today we answered:

      ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENT METHODS
      ◦“What should be asked through the questionnaire?
      ◦Reliability of the case study
      ◦Understanding the method of observation
      ◦Conducting interviews plus exercises

      Relationship to learning outcomes: 2 learning outcomes, 3 learning outcomes and 4 learning outcomes

  • ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE 10 - MEASUREMENT AND OPERATIONALIZATION
    •   Measurement and scaling concepts
      Learning outcomes 10:
        
      Prerequisites:
      • Watch the recorded lecture
      • Study materials from scripts and presentations
      • Prepare specific inquiries

    • Discussion - today we answered:

      ACTIVITIES
      ◦Examples of measurements and scales
      ◦Measuring attitudes
      ◦Operationalization of research

      Relationship to learning outcomes: 2 learning outcomes, 3 learning outcomes and 4 learning outcomes

  • ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE 11 - HOW TO STUDY?
    • Introduction to the topic and workshop 'How to learn'
      Learning outcomes 11:
      • Learn ways to learn
      • Distinguish the differences between focused and diffuse mode
      • Get to know the benefits of focused attention
       
       
      Prerequisites:
      • Watch the recorded lecture
      • Study materials from scripts and presentations
      • Prepare specific inquiries

    • Additional external materials to look at and reflect on: in Croatian language
      How to improve concentration
      (additional external materials to look at and reflect on)
       
       
    • Discussion - today we answered:

      LECTURE AND WORKSHOP
      ◦Ways of brain functioning
      ◦Learning process
      ◦Tools, tips and tricks

      Relationship to learning outcomes: 2 learning outcomes, 3 learning outcomes and 4 learning outcomes
  • ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE 12 - PUBLIC APPEARANCE
    • Additional external materials to look at and reflect on: in Croatian language
      Preparation for public speaking and diction
      Learning outcomes 12:
      • Get to know the important elements during a public appearance
      • Learn to organize and write a speech
      • Compare different presentation techniques
      (additional external materials to look at and reflect on)
       
       
      Prerequisites:
      • Watch the recorded lecture
      • Study materials from scripts and presentations
      • Prepare specific inquiries

    • Discussion - today we answered:

      LECTURE AND WORKSHOP
      ◦Question of important elements of public appearance
      ◦How to prepare a presentation for a public appearance?
      ◦15 tricks on how to gain confidence for public speaking

      Relationship to learning outcomes: 2 learning outcomes, 3 learning outcomes and 4 learning outcomes

  • Materials - additional materials to aid the learning process
    Additional materials are presented as standard lectures with extended explanations on certain topics. Materials are mostly in Croatian language, whereas additional materials in English language are in preparation.
  • Uploading homework/exercises/projects
  • Upload a report
  • Trial online exercise test - self-assessment