ETKS020 Theory Construction and Conceptual Development in Management
COURSE SYLLABUS, third-cycle courses
Course name:
Theory Construction and Conceptual Development in Management (English)
ECTS/HP:
6 ECTS
Course code: ETKS020
Educational level: Third-cycle course.
Eligibility requirements: The course is open for students admitted to third-cycle studies at LTU. The course is also open to doctoral students from European universities. Applicants from other regions may be admitted upon approval by the examiner.
Entry requirements:
Participants should have foundational knowledge of management, marketing, or a related discipline and be actively engaged in doctoral-level research.
Course content:
This doctoral course focuses on the role of theory in scientific research, with particular emphasis on theory construction and conceptual development in management and related disciplines. The course examines the nature and purpose of theory, the distinction between theory and empirical observation, and the role of theory in explaining and predicting phenomena.
Participants explore a range of theoretical perspectives from management, marketing, economics, psychology, sociology, and other disciplines, and critically assess their applicability to research problems. The course emphasises the development of theoretically grounded research, including the specification of constructs, relationships, assumptions, and boundary conditions.
A central component of the course is the application of theory to research problems, culminating in the development of a conceptual paper or research proposal suitable for doctoral-level work and potential academic publication.
The course will be facilitated by Professor Leyland Pitt
Learning outcomes:
Upon completion of the course, the doctoral student should be able to:
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of the role and function of theory in scientific research
- Critically evaluate and compare theoretical perspectives within and across management-related disciplines
- Identify and articulate theoretical gaps and contributions in academic research
- Develop theoretically grounded research frameworks, including constructs, relationships, assumptions, and boundary conditions
- Apply existing theories to novel research problems in management and related fields
- Communicate theoretical arguments clearly in written and oral academic formats
Course methods:
The course is conducted through lectures, seminar discussions, student presentations, and group-based conceptual development exercises. Participants engage with seminal and contemporary academic literature and actively contribute to discussions and peer feedback.
A significant portion of the course is devoted to developing a research idea or conceptual paper through iterative group work and instructor feedback.
Examination form:
Assessment is based on three components:
(i) a written conceptual or theoretical paper (individual or co-authored),
(ii) oral presentation and critical discussion of assigned academic papers, including participation as discussant, and
(iii) active participation in seminars and group work.
The written assignment must demonstrate the ability to construct and articulate a theoretical contribution, including clear specification of constructs, relationships, assumptions, and boundary conditions.
Grading scale: Pass/Fail.
Course literature:
A selection of seminal and contemporary journal articles in management, marketing, and related disciplines will be assigned.
Key readings include:
Alvesson & Sandberg (2011); Bacharach (1989); Eisenhardt (1989); Weick (1989); Whetten (1989); Sutton & Staw (1995); Corley & Gioia (2011); and others.
A full reading list will be provided prior to the course.
Education cycle:
2026-08-31 – 2026-09-04
Course is given periodically:
No.
Send application to: Associate Professor Jeandri Robertson
Include the following information in your application:
Doctoral student name and surname, civic registration number, e-mail, doctoral programme, University affiliation, Division and Department.
Deadline for application:
2026-05-29
Course open for application by doctoral students admitted to other universities than LTU:
Yes. Is decided by the course examiner, in consultation with the Head of Subject.
Limited number of students:
Yes, 10.
Tuition:
If the course is allocated resources via internal resource allocation system, the course is free of charge for doctoral students admitted at LTU.
For doctoral students admitted to other universities than LTU, the course examiner, in consultation with the Head of Subject, decides if course fees may be required. The course cost is covered by a grant obtained through Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility funding.
Contact person:
Jeandri Robertson
0920-492-408
Examiner:
Jeandri Robertson
0920-492-408
Course syllabus decided by:
Helena Ranängen
Date of decision:
2026-04-09
Updated:
Page author: Contact us