Course Details

<p><b>You have a promising research idea - but linking it to theory and translating it into a rigorous empirical model feels daunting?</b></p><p> This course helps you bridge a gap between theory and empirics with clarity, confidence, and academic rigor. In an intensive, one-week workshop, you will develop the tools to craft strong theoretical models that guide your empirical testing and stand up to peer review.</p><p>The course focuses on this critical issue in empirical studies that follow the hypothetico-deductive approach, addressing key questions such as:</p> <ol> <li><strong><em>How do I define my constructs</em></strong><em> while balancing the trade-off between high generalizability of theoretical predictions and high credibility of empirical measurements?</em></li> <li><strong><em>How do I identify variables</em></strong><em> that are theoretically significant and practically relevant?</em></li> <li><strong><em>How do I implement the logical structure of cause-effect relations </em></strong><em>- such as non-linearity, moderation, mediation, multi-level dynamics, and temporal effects - into regression models?</em></li> <li><strong><em>How do I find a degree of model complexity </em></strong><em>that appears ambitious but still digestible to readers?</em></li> </ol> <p><strong>Course Format and Location</strong><br />This course is delivered as an <strong>intensive one-week block course</strong>, held <strong>on-site at NHH Norwegian School of Economics in Bergen, Norway</strong>, from <strong>October 6-10, 2025</strong>.</p> <p>It follows a <strong>workshop-style format</strong> that combines the following elements:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Interactive lectures</strong>, where instructors provide input while fostering discussions on key challenges regarding the link between theory and empirical testing</li> <li><strong>Self-study and model development</strong>, where students work on their own papers developing and refining their theoretical models based on course insights</li> <li><strong>Peer feedback and coaching</strong>, where students give and receive constructive input on their work, guided by faculty</li> <li><strong>Presentation sessions</strong>, where students present their theoretical models, discuss improvements, and receive feedback from both instructors and peers</li> </ul> <p><strong>Application documents</strong><br /> To apply, please submit a single <strong>3-page PDF</strong> that outlines your project and demonstrates its fit with the course. Structure your document as follows:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Motivation Letter (1 page): </strong>Why do you want to take this course, and how does it support your PhD project?</li> <li><strong>Abstract (0.5 page): </strong>What is your project about, and what is the broader context?</li> <li><strong>Problem Definition / Research Questions (0.5 page): </strong>What problem are you addressing, why is it relevant, and what is your main research question(s)?</li> <li><strong>Theory (0.5 page): </strong>What theory or theories will guide your work? What are their main ideas, and how do they relate to your research question(s)?</li> <li><strong>Data (0.5 page): </strong>What data do you plan to use?</li> </ul> <table border=0><tr><td valign="top"> <p><strong>Application Process</strong><br /> The application process consists of <strong>two steps:</strong></p> <ol> <li><strong>Register via the Application Portal (Soknadsweb):<br /></strong>All interested PhD students, whether from a Norwegian institution or an ENGAGE.EU partner institution, must first register in <a href="https://fsweb.no/soknadsweb/velgInstitusjon.jsf" target="_blank">NHHs application portal Soknadsweb</a>. When registering, please upload documentation of admission in the PhD programme at your institution and a copy of your passport.<br /><br />Click <a href="https://www.nhh.no/en/study-programmes/phd-programme-at-nhh/phd-courses/become-a-visiting-student-at-a-phd-course-at-nhh/" target="_blank">"How to apply"</a> at the bottom of this page for further details on how to apply through Soknadsweb.<br /><br /></li> <li><strong>Submit Your Application Document: <br /></strong>After registering, you will receive a confirmation email from NHH. Please reply to this email and attach your 3-page PDF document.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Selection process</strong><br /> The course instructors will evaluate submissions based on how well the projects development stage aligns with the courses objectives.</p> <p><strong>We accept applications by rolling admission starting June 23, 2025</strong> - you will receive a decision within <strong>7-10 days</strong> of submission. Applying early <em>increases your chance of admission.</em></p> </td> <td valign="top"><img src="https://www.engageuniversity.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ENGAGE.EU_Map_2023_Final-2048x1789.jpg" alt="Engage.EU Map" width=600 /></td></tr></table> <p><strong>Contact:</strong></p> <p>For questions related to the course content and organization:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Assoc. Prof. Bjorn Schmeisser:</strong> <a href="mailto:bjorn.schmeisser@nhh.no">bjorn.schmeisser@nhh.no</a></li> </ul> <p>For questions related to the application process and Soknadsweb:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Rahim Islam:</strong> <a href="mailto:Rahim.Islam@nhh.no">Rahim.Islam@nhh.no</a></li> </ul>