2026 (Current Year) Faculty Courses School of Environment and Society Department of Technology and Innovation Management Graduate major in Technology and Innovation Management
Methodology of Political Science and Economics I
- Academic unit or major
- Graduate major in Technology and Innovation Management
- Instructor(s)
- Taro Sugihara
- Class Format
- Lecture/Exercise (Livestream)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 11-12 Fri
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- TIM.A403
- Number of credits
- 0.50.50
- Course offered
- 2026
- Offered quarter
- 1Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 5, 2026
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
This course focuses on the fundamental methodology and academic logic of research design within qualitative analysis, a common approach in case studies within the social sciences. Through understanding the foundational methodologies of the social sciences, students will cultivate logical thinking and insight—from identifying problems to formulating hypotheses and conducting empirical verification. Such logical thinking skills are essential for conducting academically productive analysis using quantitative data.
Course description and aims
By the end of the course the students are expected to be able to:
• present a relevant research project
• plan and implement a scientific study
• express themselves clearly in accordance with scientific practice
• apply social science methods for qualitative analysis
• analyze empirical data
• critically review a scientific study, with a focus on qualitative case analysis of decision-making and policy concerning research & development (R&D)
Keywords
methodology of social sciences, qualitative analysis & case studies
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
The course consists of lectures on qualitative methods and seminars on case studies of decision-making/policy analysis in the field of S&T and R&D.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Introduction |
Key Points of Social Science Methodology and Course Objectives |
| Class 2 | Qualitative case analysis I |
Research Design and Formulating Research Questions Using Qualitative Methodology |
| Class 3 | Qualitative case analysis II |
Research Design and Formulating Research Questions Using Qualitative Methodology |
| Class 4 | Case study I |
An overview of case studies |
| Class 5 | Case study II |
An overview of case studies |
| Class 6 | Qualitative data analysis I |
An overview of qualitative data analysis |
| Class 7 | Qualitative data analysis II |
An overview of qualitative data analysis |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Textbook(s)
Robert K. Yin (2018). Case study research and applications. Sage.
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Supplementary articles and book chapters may be included as hand-outs
Evaluation methods and criteria
Evaluation is based on active attendance in lectures (50%), group research presentations (20%), and the final research report (30%).
Related courses
- TIM.A513 ： Study design in user research
- TIM.A540 ： Science and Technology Policies &Social IssuesⅠ
- TIM.A541 ： Science and Technology Policies &Social IssuesⅡ
- TIM.B416 ： Organizational Management I
- TIM.B417 ： Organizational Management II
- TIM.B531 ： Management of Information and Knowledge I
- TIM.B532 ： Management of Information and Knowledge II
Prerequisites
N.A.