MSM-CENTRUMS’s DBA students from Colombia and Ecuador visit Maastricht

From 14 to 25 November 2016, MSM offered a course in qualitative research methods to DBA researchers in our joint program with Latin America’s premier business School, Centrum Catolica Graduate School of Business. 21 participants, mainly from Colombia and Ecuador took part in the intensive two-week program that introduced them to the analysis of ‘text and talk’ that would complement their elaborate quantitative methods training.

The course consisted of two elements. First, the entire range of qualitative data generation and data analysis was covered, with lectures, in-class exercises and graded assignments addressing the epistemology of qualitative research; the qualitative case-study as a research design; how to conduct interviews, focus groups, observations and document analysis; the techniques of coding and analysis; and, finally, how to ensure validity and reliability in qualitative research. In addition to that, second, the course included a component on research design and conceptual modeling that helped participants focus their research questions, develop their theoretical framework, operationalize their core concepts and write a strong research proposal. The combination of these two aspects of doctoral research, methodological rigor and conceptual design, made for a unique and, according to participants, highly relevant course.

Mr. Esteban Durán Becerra, DBA student of the MSM – CENTRUM Católica program, described the time at MSM in Maastricht as the best course in his DBA studies so far. Not only for all the knowledge they acquired, but also for the skills developed. He was delighted – by the high quality and standards of the Qualitative Research Methods course.

“The lecturers didn’t only provide us with their rigor and knowledge but also gave us insights for our Research Proposal. One tends to think that a couple of weeks is not enough time, but the MSM team managed to give us criteria to better argue our scientific approaches and our research proposals. It would be a pleasure to come again and take other courses”.

Ms. Diana Tellez said that the two weeks at MSM greatly increased her abilities to do research in business and management.

“Our insights and opinions were greatly encouraged and integrated into a truly global qualitative research module. Also, I was greatly inspired by the dedication of our teachers and its ability to cope with the variances in our backgrounds. I would definitely stay in touch with MSM and hope to be part of its alumni around the world”.

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