88488 - Evaluation Methods In The Horticultural Systems

Academic Year 2024/2025

  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Forli
  • Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Business Administration and Sustainability (cod. 5944)

    Also valid for Campus of Bologna
    Second cycle degree programme (LM) in International Horticultural Science (cod. 8883)

Learning outcomes

The student acquires the ability to understand the research process in marketing and management and to apply it to the horticulture-related problems. Starting from project idea, the student is able to develop the research question, prepare a research proposal, design a research plan, a data collection plan, and appropriate data analysis procedures. The student is able to implement the research plan, from data collection to presentation of research results, in oral and written form, critically review research proposals and research results. The student knows and applies criteria of the integrity of the research process and results, including credibility criteria, professional, and ethical criteria.

Course contents

Molule 1

1 Introduction to research

2 Research process and research design

3 Literature review

4 Theoretical framework

5 Source of Data

6 Data collection method

7 Measurement

8 Sampling

9 Data analysis techniques

 

Module 2

1 Research proposal

2 Introduction

3 Literature review

4 Objectives and hypothesis

5 Methodology

6 Expected results, limitations of the study and future research

7 Responsibilities, workplan, budget

Readings/Bibliography

Sekaran, U., & Bougie, R. (2013). Research Methods for Business: A Skill-Building Approach (6th ed.). Wiley.

Alternative textbook: Bhattacherjee, A. (2012). Social Science Research: Principles, Methods, and Practices. Textbooks Collection. Book 3.

Teaching methods

The course is based on face-to-face lectures, assignments and practical training.
The class activity is split into content units. For some units, the theoretical and practical sessions will be integrated into the same lesson.
Students are invited to propose a mandatory individual project work, aimed at preparing a research proposal that will be presented and discussed at the exam. The student must prepare a written research proposal (length in the range of 30-60 thousand characters) on their individual project work and its discussion will be the oral exam.

Assessment methods

The oral exam will start with the discussion on the research project proposal submitted at least 1 week in advance.

Teaching tools

Teaching materials (slides, scientific articles, and grey literature) made available online.

Office hours

See the website of Giulia Maesano