Introduction to research work: practices and results

Abstract

Considering the current importance of scientific research, in the academic world as well as in any business-related context (Hunter, Laursen & Seymour, 2007), and in view of the transverse nature of the skill set it requires (Lopatto, 2009), efforts have been made, within the first cycle degree in Office Management and Business Communication (OMBC) held at the Higher School of Technology and Management of Águeda (ESTGA), to create conditions that foster the convergence and interaction of training and research, providing students with skills that enable them to contact with tools, methodologies and knowledge creation situations through diversified initiatives. Thus, the present study describes different initiatives that have been carried out with the aim of promoting the introduction to scientific research within the context of this degree, which, itself, includes several different fields, such as Languages, Office Management and Business Communication, Social Sciences, Management, IT Applications, among others. Moreover, this study also outlines not only the evolution in the number of directly involved students, but also the contribution of the different curricular units, the typology of produced research works, as well as its dissemination context.