Course Catalogue

You have a promising research idea - but linking it to theory and translating it into a rigorous empirical model feels daunting?

This course helps you bridge that gap with clarity, confidence, and academic rigor. In this intensive workshop, you will develop the tools to craft strong theoretical models that guide your empirical testing and stand up to peer review.

Deductive studies in management and adjacent fields require sound theory building and rigorous statistical testing. However, researchers often face challenges in bridging the gap between theory and empirics - one of the most frequent concerns raised by reviewers. This course focuses on this critical issue in empirical studies that follow the hypothetico-deductive approach, addressing key questions such as:

1. How do I define my constructs while balancing the trade-off between high generalizability of theoretical predictions and high credibility of empirical measurements?
2. How do I identify dependent variables that are theoretically significant and practically relevant?
3. How do I implement the logical structure of theoretical constructs - such as non-linearity, moderation, mediation, multi-level dynamics, and temporal effects - into regression models?
4. How do I find a degree of model complexitythat appears ambitious but still digestible to readers?

Course Format and Location
This course is delivered as an intensive one-week block course, held on-site at NHH Norwegian School of Economics in Bergen, Norway, from October 6-10, 2025.

It follows a workshop-style format that combines the following elements:

• Interactive lectures, where instructors provide input while fostering discussions on key challenges regarding the link between theory and empirical testing in management research
• Self-study and model development, where students work on their own papers developing and refining their theoretical models based on course insights
• Peer feedback and coaching, where students give and receive constructive input on their work, guided by faculty
• Presentation sessions, where students present their theoretical models, discuss improvements, and receive feedback from both instructors and peers

Application documents
To apply, please submit a single 3-page PDF that outlines your project and demonstrates its fit with the course. Structure your document as follows:

• Motivation Letter (max. 1 page): Why do you want to take this course, and how does it support your PhD project?
• Abstract (0.5 page): What is your project about, and what’s the broader context?
• Problem Definition / Research Questions (0.5 page): What problem are you addressing, why is it relevant, and what is your main research question(s)?
• Theory (0.5 page): What theory or theories will guide your work? What are their main ideas, and how do they relate to your research question(s)?
• Data (0.5 page): What data do you plan to use?

Application Process The application process consists of two steps: Register via the Application Portal (Soknadsweb): All interested PhD students, whether from a Norwegian institution or an ENGAGE.EU partner institution, must first register in NHHs application portal Soknadsweb. When registering, please upload documentation of admission in the PhD programme at your institution and a copy of your passport. Click "How to apply" at the bottom of this page for further details on how to apply through Soknadsweb. Submit Your Application Document: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email from NHH. Please reply to this email and attach your 3-page PDF document. Selection process The course instructors will evaluate submissions based on how well the projects development stage aligns with the courses objectives. We accept applications on a first come, first serve policy, starting June 23rd 2025 - you will receive a decision within 7-10 days of submission. Early applications increase your chances of admission!

Contact:

For questions related to the course content and organization:

• Assoc. Prof. Bjorn Schmeisser: [email protected]

For questions related to the application process and Soknadsweb:

• Rahim Islam: [email protected]