IBF581 Advanced Business Research Methods
IBF581 Advanced Business Research Methods
Syllabus | International University of Sarajevo - Last Update on Mar 03, 2026
Syllabus Quick Jump
Search and navigate to any syllabus instantly
International Business and Finance
Course Objectives
This course is designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge and skills regarding research methods in business where students will develop skills needed to plan, organize, and undertake a business research project by using both quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
Course Materials
Required Textbook
Saunders, M., Lewis, P., and Thornill, A. (2019). Research Methods for Business Students. Pearson.
Additional Literature
-Teaching Methods
The methods include lectures (which may involve power point presentation
Video and audio aids)
Student presentations
Projects and class discussions.
Weekly Topics
| Week | Topic | Readings / References |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introductory Lecture | |
| 2 | Topic selection and structure of a research paper | Chapters 1, 2 |
| 3 | Literature review | Chapter 3 |
| 4 | Theoretical framework | Chapter 4 |
| 5 | Research design / Reflective paper | Chapters 5-7 |
| 6 | Presenting a research topic | |
| 7 | Research design | Chapters 5-7 |
| 8 | Data collection | Chapters 8-11 |
| 9 | Research proposal | |
| 10 | Quantitative data analysis | Chapter 12 |
| 11 | Quantitative data analysis | Chapter 12 |
| 12 | Qualitative data analysis | Chapter 13 |
| 13 | Qualitative data analysis | Chapter 13 |
| 14 | Interim exam | |
| 15 | Mixed methods approach | Special reading |
Course Schedule (All Sections)
Office Hours & Room
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Assessment Components
Final paper
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 1 2 3 4 5 6
Research proposal
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 1 2
Interim exam
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 1 2 3 4 5 6
Reflective paper
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 3
Classwork
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 1 2 3 4 5 6
IUS Grading System
| Grading Scale | IUS Grading System | IUS Coeff. | Letter (B&H) | Numerical (B&H) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 44 | F | 0 | F | 5 |
| 45 - 54 | E | 1 | ||
| 55 - 64 | C | 2 | E | 6 |
| 65 - 69 | C+ | 2.3 | D | 7 |
| 70 -74 | B- | 2.7 | ||
| 75 - 79 | B | 3 | C | 8 |
| 80 - 84 | B+ | 3.3 | ||
| 85 - 94 | A- | 3.7 | B | 9 |
| 95 - 100 | A | 4 | A | 10 |
Late Work Policy
Information about late submission policies will be shared during class and posted in this section. Please check back for official guidelines.
ECTS Credit Calculation
📚 Student Workload
This 6 ECTS credit course corresponds to 150 hours of total student workload, distributed as follows:
Lecture hours
45 hours ⏳ (15 week × 3 h)
Home study
30 hours ⏳ (15 week × 2 h)
Reflective paper
10 hours ⏳ (1 week × 10 h)
Research proposal
15 hours ⏳ (1 week × 15 h)
Interim exam
20 hours ⏳ (1 week × 20 h)
Final paper
30 hours ⏳ (1 week × 30 h)
150 Total Workload Hours
6 ECTS Credits
Course Policies
Academic Integrity
All work submitted must be your own. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in disciplinary action according to university policies. When in doubt about citation practices, consult the instructor.
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to adhere to the attendance requirements as outlined in the International University of Sarajevo Study Rules and Regulations. Excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused, may impact academic performance and eligibility for assessment. Mandatory sessions (e.g., labs, workshops) require attendance unless formally exempted. For detailed policies on absences, documentation, and penalties, please refer to the official university regulations.
Technology & AI Policy
Laptops/tablets may be used for note-taking only during lectures. Phones should be silenced and put away during all class sessions. Audio/video recording requires prior permission from the instructor.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: The use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini) varies by assessment component. Please refer to the AI usage indicator next to each assessment item in the Assessment Methods and Criteria section above. Submitting AI-generated content as your own work, where AI is not explicitly allowed, constitutes an academic integrity violation.
Communication Policy
All course-related communication should occur through official university channels (institutional email or SIS). Emails should include [IBF581] in the subject line.
Academic Quality Assurance Policy
Course Academic Quality Assurance is achieved through Semester Student Survey. At the end of each academic year, the institution of higher education is obliged to evaluate work of the academic staff, or the success of realization of the curricula.
Learning Tips
Be prepared to contribute thoughtfully during class discussions, labs, or collaborative work. Active participation deepens understanding and encourages critical thinking.
Complete assigned readings or prep materials before class. Take notes, highlight key ideas, and jot down questions. Aim to grasp core concepts and their applications—not just facts.
Use course frameworks or methodologies to analyze problems, case studies, or projects. Begin early to allow time for reflection and refinement. Seek feedback to improve your work.
Don’t hesitate to reach out when something is unclear. Use office hours, discussion boards, or peer networks to clarify concepts and stay on track.
Syllabus Last Updated on Mar 03, 2026 | International University of Sarajevo
Print Syllabus
Referencing Curricula Print this page
| Assessment Methods and Criteria | Evaluation Tool | Quantity | Weight | Alignment with LOs | AI Usage |
| Final paper | 1 | 35 | 1-6 | Not Allowed | |
| Semester Evaluation Components | |||||
| Research proposal | 1 | 15 | 1-2 | Not Allowed | |
| Interim exam | 1 | 25 | 1-6 | Not Allowed | |
| Reflective paper | 1 | 10 | 3 | Not Allowed | |
| Classwork | 1 | 15 | 1-6 | Not Allowed | |
| *** ECTS Credit Calculation *** | |||||
| Activity | Hours | Weeks | Student Workload Hours | Activity | Hours | Weeks | Student Workload Hours | |||
| Lecture hours | 3 | 15 | 45 | Home study | 2 | 15 | 30 | |||
| Reflective paper | 10 | 1 | 10 | Research proposal | 15 | 1 | 15 | |||
| Interim exam | 20 | 1 | 20 | Final paper | 30 | 1 | 30 | |||
| Total Workload Hours = | 150 | |||||||||
| *T= Teaching, P= Practice | ECTS Credit = | 6 | ||||||||
| Course Academic Quality Assurance: Semester Student Survey | Last Update Date: 27/03/2026 | |||||||||