Research Methods in International Financial Services can be very different, depending on the specific research area of Banking, Finance and Taxation. This module description is developed for a student with a need for advanced methods in econometrics. For students with different needs appropriate courses will be choosen and credited.

• Principles of Estimation and Testing
• Limited Dependent Variable Methods
• Longitudinal Data Models
• Stationary Time Series Models
• Stochastic Trends and Co-Integration

Lecture and self-study; presentation and paper by students is possible.

The module "Research Methods in International Financial Services " aims at deepening the students' competences regarding knowledge in their research design.

• This course should help - based on research methods offered on the master's level - to apply advanced econometric research methods, currently used by the research community.
• This course helps the student to independently develop a research concept for specific research questions.
• This course helps students to discuss methodological issues with colleagues working in the same area.

Students will be able to:

• Have an advanced overview of econometric principles for cross-sectional, panel, and time-series data sets.
• Apply econometric techniques in the area of microeconomics, macroeconomics and finance.

Required Reading:

• Copeland, T.E., Weston, J.F., Shastri , K. (2005), Financial Theory and Corporate Policy. Boston: Pearson Addison Wesley.
• Cochrane, J. (2001). Asset Pricing. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
• Specific articles and books on Econometrics.

The students will be assessed in this module through:

• Written exam or presentation and paper (about 4000 - 5000 words)

The module "Research Methods in Information and Process Management Science" aims at deepening the students' skills in research design. It focuses on pivotal issues of conducting and structuring research activities as part of information and process management research.

Subjects dealt with in the model comprise (but are not limited to):

• Introduction into design science
• Design science vs. behavioural science
• Rigour vs. relevance
• Design science in information systems research
• The design science research process
• Reviewing the literature
• Design science examples
• Design science challenges
• Theorizing in design science
• Publishing design science

• Lecture
• Self-study
• Presentation by students

Students successfully participating in the module will

• know how to explain the design science approach as related to 'traditional' approaches in research,
• be able to differentiate between major constructs and issues in information systems research, such as relevance, rigour, truth, and utility,
• know about the major contributions on design science published in information systems research,
• be able to structure the design science research process,
• be capable of conducting rigorous literature reviews as part of design science research,
• know about major evaluation methods,
• be aware of the role of theories in design science research, and
• know the major information systems outlets for publishing design science research.

• Required Reading:
• Hevner, A. R., March, S. T., Park, J. and Ram, S. (2004). Design Science in Information Systems Research. MIS Quarterly, 28 (1), pp. 75-105.
• March, S. T. and Smith, G. F. (1995). Design and Natural Science Research on Information Technology. Decision Support Systems, 15 (4), pp. 251-266.
• Peffers, K.; Tuunanen, T., Rothenberger, M. A., Chatterjee, S: A Design Science Research Methodology for Information Systems Research. Journal of Management Information Systems 24 (3), pp. 45-77.
• Peffers, K., Tuunanen, T., Gengler, C. E., Rossi, M., Hui, W., Virtanen, V. and Bragge, J. (2006). The Design Science Research Process: A Model for Producing and Presenting Information Systems Research. Proceedings of the First International Conference on Design Science Research in Information Systems and Technology (DESRIST 2006), Claremont, pp. 83-106.
• vom Brocke, J., & Buddendick, C. (2006). Reusable Conceptual Models. Requirements Based on the Design Science Research Paradigm. Paper presented at the First International Conference on Design Science Research in Information Systems and Technology (DESRIST 06), Claremont, CA, USA.
• vom Brocke, J., Simons, A., Niehaves, B., Riemer, K., Plattfaut, R., & Cleven, A. (2009). Reconstructing the Giant: On the Importance of Rigour in Documenting the Literature Search Process. Paper presented at the 17th European Conference on Information Systems (ECIS 2009), Verona, Italia, accepted for publication.

The students will be assessed in this module through:

• Presentations
• Discussions

Besides a more in-depth knowledge in epistemology doctoral students in entrepreneurship and management research require an applicable base of research methods and tools. The course will cover the following topics:

• Epistemology in entrepreneurship and management research
• Research design and the use of theory
• Research questions and hypotheses
• Quantitative methods
• Qualitative methods
• Mixed method procedures
• Transdisciplinary research
• Research projects with industrial partners

Participant centered learning approach consisting of cases, best practices, self-study, presentation as well as paper by students

The students will be able to

• clearly understand and communicate the epistemological underpinning of their research work
• differentiate between different schools of thought
• design research processes corresponding to their research questions
• select suitable qualitative and quantitative research methods
• evaluate their own research with respect to validity, reliability and generalisability

Selected Required Readings (a full reader will uploaded on moodle):

• J. W. Cresswell (2009). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Method Approaches. Thousand Oaks, California, Sage Publications Inc. (preferably the whole book)
• P. Johnson and J. Duberley (2000). Understanding Management Reserach. London, SAGE Publications. Chapter 1+8
• H. Ulrich (2001). Die Betriebswirtschaftslehre als anwendungsorientierte Sozialwissenschaft. Gesammelte Schriften. H. Ulrich. Bern, Verlag Paul Haupt. 5: 17-51.
• J. Bortz and G. A. Lienert (2008). Kurzgefasste Statistik für die klinische Forschung: Leitfaden für die verteilungsfreie Analyse kleiner Stichproben. Heidelberg, Springer. Chapter 1.
• K. M. Eisenhardt and M. E. Graebner (2007). "Theory Building from Cases: Opportunities and Challenges." Academy of Management Journal 50(1): 25-32.
• A. F. Chalmers (1999). What is this thing called science?: an assessment of the nature and status of science and its methods. St. Lucia, University of Queensland Press. Selected chapters.
• M. Easterby-Smith, R. Thorpe, et al. (2008). Management Research: Theory and Practice. London, Sage Publications ltd.

Additional / suggested reading:

• J. Strübing (2004). Grounded Theory: Zur sozialtheoretischen und epistemologischen Fundierung des Verfahrens der empirisch begründeten Theoriebildung. Wiesbaden, VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften. Chapter 1.
• P. Feyerabend (1986). Wider den Methodenzwang. Frankfurt am Main, Suhrkamp Verlag.

The students will be assessed in this module through:

• Paper; ready to be submitted to a scientific conference (e.g. AOM) or journal (min. 5000 words)

For all organizational details please get in touch with Zorica Zagorac (zorica.zagorac@uni.li).

Doctoral students in Architecture and Planning require in-depth knowledge in epistemology and ontology as well as an applicable base of research methods and design methodical tools. The individually tutored, recherche based investigative project will complement the module Research Design, and be tailored to the needs of the individual students and cover a selection of the following and other related topics:

• Theories of design in architecture and urban planning
• Form values in history
• Normative approaches to the theory of spatial quality
• Research design and the use of theory in architecture and planning
• Inquiry by design
• Interdisciplinary research in design and planning
• Research projects with industrial and government partners in he built environment
• Action research in planning and environmental studies
• Project design / design project

Participant centered learning approach consisting of inquiry into the literature, cases and best practices in a structured process of self-study, concluded by a presentation as well as a paper submission.

The students will be able to

• understand and be conversant in the ontological and epistemological foundations of their research work
• differentiate between different schools of thought
• design research procedures according to valid research questions
• select, develop and apply suitable qualitative and quantitative research methods
• evaluate their own research with respect to the ability to validate assumptions and hypotheses
• be successfully examined by a group of academics in a presentation and paper submission at the end of the tutorial recherche

Selected Required Readings

Research methods specific to architecture and design:

Groat, L. and D. Wang (2002) Architectural research methods. New York: J. Wiley

Laurel, B. (2003) Design research: methods and perspectives. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press

Valiela, I. (2001) Doing science: design, analysis, and communication of scientific research. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press

Zeisel, J. (2006) Inquiry by design: environment/behavior/neuroscience in architecture, interiors, landscape, and planning . New York: W.W. Norton

Sanoff, H. (1991) Visual research methods in design. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold

de Jong, T.M. and D.J.M. van der Voordt (2002) Ways to study and research: urban, architectural and technical design. Delft: DUP Science

Theory of Perception:

Arnheim, R. (1969): Visual Thinking. University of California Press, Berkley (especially chapters 1,2,3)

Merleau-Ponty, M. (1958): Phenomenology of Perception. Routledge London & NY (orig. 1945)

Crary, J. (1990): Techniques of the Observer. October Book/ MIT Press, Cambridge MA

Burnett, R. (2004): How Images Think. MIT Press, Cambridge MA


Suggested additional general reading:

J. W. Cresswell (2009). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Method Approaches. Thousand Oaks, California, Sage Publications Inc.

K. M. Eisenhardt and M. E. Graebner (2007). "Theory Building from Cases: Opportunities and Challenges." Academy of Management Journal 50(1): 25-32.

A. F. Chalmers (1999). What is this thing called science?: an assessment of the nature and status of science and its methods. St. Lucia, University of Queensland Press. Selected chapters.

T. Lorenz and P. Staub (2011): Mediating Architecture. AA Publications, London

The students will be assessed in this module through:

• Paper
• Presentation

A personalised working-schedule and tutorial times for participants will be agreed in due time.

Voraussetzung für die Anmeldung zur Modulprüfung ist:

• der erfolgreiche Abschluss aller Module des 1. Vollzeit-Regelstudienjahres
• der erfolgreiche Abschluss von Modulen des 2. Vollzeit-Regelstudienjahres (ohne Berufspraktika-Module) im Umfang von mindestens 35 Credits

Bei Studienbeginn 2008 zusätzlich wahlweise:

• der erfolgreiche Abschluss des Moduls "Communication in English for Business"
• die Anerkennung BEC II

Bei Studienbeginn ab 2009 zusätzlich:

• der erfolgreiche Abschluss des Moduls "Communication in English for Business"

Ausnahme für das Studienjahr 2009/2010:
Bei Studienbeginn vor WS 2008/2009 keine formale Voraussetzungen.

This module helps the student to further broaden and intensify his knowledge and methodological skills needed for his dissertation.
This module could focus on Banking, Finance or Taxation.

Lecture or seminar or self-study, possibly combined with preparation and presentation of a paper.

Based on lectures offered on the master's level, this module helps to enable the student

• to further intensify the existing knowledge and methodology needed for the dissertation project;
• to independently develop a research concept for specific research questions;
• to develop, analyze and synthesize new complex ideas;
• to develop the scientific and/or cultural progress for an academic or non-academic environment.

Students will be able to:

• Have an advanced and intensified overview on specific topics needed for the dissertation project;
• Develop their own research project;
• Apply the methodological structures of these specific topics for their dissertation project.

• Cochrane, J. (2001). Asset Pricing. Princeton: Princeton University Press
• Specific articles and books on Empirical Finance

The students will be assessed in this module through:

• competitive selection process of the research seminar
• specific mechanisms of the research seminar

Module availability:
On application at an internationally renown PhD program, such as organised e. g. by London School of Economics, University of Constance, Zürich, St. Gallen, Innsbruck.

This module serves manifold competences: As a doctoral consortium it aims at deepening both, methodological and professional research skills of the students. In addition, it is designed to foster the international profile of their work.

By means of submitting their work to an internationally reknown doctoral consortium the students learn how to position themselves in a highly competitive environment.

Since successful applications are invited to be discussed by a selective academic committee the doctoral consortium also serves to further develop the communicative and social competences of the students.

Students' participating in a doctoral consortium arranged in the context of an internationally well-regarded information systems conference, therein share both the main contents of and progress in their own researches. Moreover, they benefit from listening to the other students' experiences and results and receive valuable feedback of the consortium chairs and student participants.

Students will be assisted by lecturers of the Institute of Information Systems at the University of Liechtenstein in preparing their proposal and application for the doctoral consortium. Accepted students will take part in the consortium. Also a reflection of the lessons learned at the consortium together with the lecturers at Liechtensetin is part of the module.

The primary objective of the doctoral consortium is to present and defend the PhD students' research in a competitive and international scientific environment.

The students will be assessed in this module through:

• Competitive Selection Process of the docotral consortium
• Research paper submitted to the doctoral consortium
• Assessment by the Professors discussing the proposal at the doctoral consortium

Module availability:
On application at an internationally renown doctoral consortium, e.g. at ICIS, International Conference on Information Systems; ECIS, European Conference on Information Systems; AMCIS, American Conference on Information Systems or ACIS, Australasian Conference on Information Systems.

This module serves manifold competences: As a doctoral consortium it aims at deepening both, methodological and professional research skills of the students. In addition, it is designed to foster the international profile of their work.

Students' participating in a doctoral consortium, therein share both the main contents of and progress in their own researches. Moreover, they benefit from listening to the other students' experiences and results and receive valuable feedback of the supervisors, consortium chairs and student participants.

The primary objective of the doctoral consortium is to present and defend the PhD students' research in a competitive and international scientific environment.

The students will be assessed in this module through:

• Competitive Selection Process of the doctoral consortium
• Research paper submitted to the doctoral consortium
• Assessment by the Professors discussing the proposal at the doctoral consortium

Module availability:
On application at an internationally renown doctoral consortium.

In the defence the doctoral students prove whether they have fulfilled the requirements of the dissertation.

The defence can be held when the dissertation has been recommended for acceptance in the written appraisal of the supervisors and each supervisor has awarded a minimum grade of 4.0.

The Doctoral Examination Board holds the defence and determines which grade is awarded.

The doctoral consortium is an opportunity to sharpen and deepen both focus and methods of research, supervised by a group of external professors and/or advisors. It is designed to foster the presentational, critical and discursive skills in a group of international peers. By submitting their work-in-progress and interim results to an international doctoral consortium candidates also learn how to position their work in a competitive research environment.
Applications are refereed through an academic committee. Participants benefit from understanding others' experiences and results and receive valuable feedback from consortium chairs and other participants. A joint publication is to result from a consortium. A doctoral consortium will take the form of a multi-institution and often international seminar, workshop or summer school - an example can be found on www.dokonara.org, the consortium on sustainable spatial development our University participates in each year.

Students will be assisted by lecturers of the Institute of Architecture and Planning at the University of Liechtenstein in preparing their proposal and application for their doctoral consortium participation. Insights acquired will be discussed and reinforced by your doctoral supervisor and other advisors at the University of Liechtenstein.

The primary objective of the doctoral consortium is for the candidates' doctoral research to be presented, argued and advanced in an international and scientific setting.

Successful participation will strengthen research content, method and students' ability to engage in focused, critical discourse.

The students will be assessed in this module through:

• competitive selection process of the doctoral consortium
• research paper submitted to the doctoral consortium
• assessment by the Professors reviewing proposals at the doctoral consortium

Module availability:
In coordination with supervisor: upon application at an international doctoral consortium, e. g. international doctoral research workshops, seminars or symposia on architectural design theory; low-carbon building technology and building integrated sustainability systems; or sustainable spatial development, urban and regional planning and design, or an approved related field.