Qualitative Methods for Public Administrations
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
Undefined
Expected learning outcomes
Undefined
Lesson period: First trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First trimester
Course syllabus
The course provides students with the theoretical and methodological competencies necessary to analyse social organisations with qualitative research methods. The lectures are organised in three parts for a total of 6 credits. The first part of the course deals with the construction of a qualitative research design: from the elaboration of the research question to the choice of cases and method. The second part illustrates the main qualitative research methods. The last part of the course proposes some possible paths of research, also through the discussion of empirical researches conducted in different organisational and social contexts. A research exercise is also planned, with the aim of understanding the main phases of a research: the design of the study, the construction of the research tools, the field work and the presentation of the collected empirical data.
Prerequisites for admission
There are no requirements for prior knowledge and skills.
Teaching methods
The course includes both lectures and seminars. Each week the slides will be made available on the MyAriel page of the course. The use of cinematographic material is foreseen in order to favour learning and collective discussion. The intervention of external researchers is planned, with the aim of providing students with examples of qualitative research recently carried out within organisational and social contexts. It is also planned to conduct a research exercise on a topic chosen by the students, who will illustrate the addressed research question, the research design, the selected empirical context, and the research technique they decided to adopt.
Teaching Resources
- Cardano, M. (2011). La ricerca qualitativa. Bologna: Il Mulino (cap. 1 - La ricerca qualitativa; cap. 2 - Il disegno della ricerca qualitativa; cap. 4 - L'intervista discorsiva).
- Gherardi, S., Murgia, A., Poggio, B. (2011). Donne, genere e lavoro, in G. Gosetti (ed.) Lavoro e lavori. Strumenti per comprendere il cambiamento. Milano: Franco Angeli, pp. 164-176.
- Murgia, A., Bottalico, A. (2022). Posizionamenti liminali tra autonomia e dipendenza: il caso del settore bancario e assicurativo, Studi organizzativi, XXIV(2), 35-69.
- Murgia, A., Pulignano, V. (2021). Neither precarious nor entrepreneur: The subjective experience of hybrid self-employed workers. Economic and Industrial Democracy, 42(4), 1351-1377.
- Clarke, V., Braun, V. (2014). Thematic analysis, in A. C. Michalos (ed.) Encyclopedia of quality of life and well-being research, Springer, pp. 6626-28.
- Gherardi, S., Murgia, A., Poggio, B. (2011). Donne, genere e lavoro, in G. Gosetti (ed.) Lavoro e lavori. Strumenti per comprendere il cambiamento. Milano: Franco Angeli, pp. 164-176.
- Murgia, A., Bottalico, A. (2022). Posizionamenti liminali tra autonomia e dipendenza: il caso del settore bancario e assicurativo, Studi organizzativi, XXIV(2), 35-69.
- Murgia, A., Pulignano, V. (2021). Neither precarious nor entrepreneur: The subjective experience of hybrid self-employed workers. Economic and Industrial Democracy, 42(4), 1351-1377.
- Clarke, V., Braun, V. (2014). Thematic analysis, in A. C. Michalos (ed.) Encyclopedia of quality of life and well-being research, Springer, pp. 6626-28.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The course is taken from the course "Qualitative Research in Social Organisations" (CES bachelor's degree programme). MAPPE students are kindly requested to inform the lecturer before the start of the course or during the first class so that their participation in the hybrid format can be arranged.
The examination is written and consists of a written paper aimed at testing students' knowledge and analysis skills in line with the expected learning outcomes. Specifically, an 8 page paper (10 pages in total + appendices, in Times New Roman 12 font and 1.5 line spacing) is to be written, developed on the basis of a research exercise to be conducted using the qualitative interview technique. The paper is assessed on the basis of the ability to critically discuss the issues addressed during the course. Specifically, the text must consist of four parts (in addition to introduction and references): 1) illustration of the topic to be addressed and the research question to be answered; 2) description of the research design, the empirical context in which it was carried out, and the research method used (offline or online interviews); 3) presentation of the main findings of the research exercise; 4) conclusions (comparison between results obtained and reference literature). Finally, please include in the appendix: A) the interview guide used; B) the informed consent.
The assessment takes into account the ability to critically illustrate one's arguments and the appropriateness of the specific language relating to qualitative research in social organisations. The ability to make connections between the concepts addressed during the course and the research exercise performed constitute further elements of assessment.
The paper is to be handed in via email to the professor on the day of the exam.
The examination is written and consists of a written paper aimed at testing students' knowledge and analysis skills in line with the expected learning outcomes. Specifically, an 8 page paper (10 pages in total + appendices, in Times New Roman 12 font and 1.5 line spacing) is to be written, developed on the basis of a research exercise to be conducted using the qualitative interview technique. The paper is assessed on the basis of the ability to critically discuss the issues addressed during the course. Specifically, the text must consist of four parts (in addition to introduction and references): 1) illustration of the topic to be addressed and the research question to be answered; 2) description of the research design, the empirical context in which it was carried out, and the research method used (offline or online interviews); 3) presentation of the main findings of the research exercise; 4) conclusions (comparison between results obtained and reference literature). Finally, please include in the appendix: A) the interview guide used; B) the informed consent.
The assessment takes into account the ability to critically illustrate one's arguments and the appropriateness of the specific language relating to qualitative research in social organisations. The ability to make connections between the concepts addressed during the course and the research exercise performed constitute further elements of assessment.
The paper is to be handed in via email to the professor on the day of the exam.
SPS/07 - GENERAL SOCIOLOGY - University credits: 6
: 6 hours
: 14 hours
Lessons: 20 hours
: 14 hours
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Murgia Annalisa
Professor(s)
Reception:
Tuesday 17.00-19.00 ; Wednesday 9.00-10.00
Please, get in touch via email to schedule a meeting