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Syllabus:

Master's Thesis in Business Administration (first year), 15 Credits

The course is discontinued from 2024-02-29

Swedish name: Master's Thesis in Business Administration (first year)

This syllabus is valid: 2007-09-03 valid to 2012-09-02 (newer version of the syllabus exists)

Course code: 2FE126

Credit points: 15

Education level: Second cycle

Main Field of Study and progress level: Business Administration: Second cycle, contains degree project for Master of Arts/Master of Science (60 credits)

Grading scale: Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail

Responsible department: Business Administration

Contents

The objective of the Master’s thesis is to develop the student’s knowledge of scientific work and to provide students with the understanding to plan, conduct, and present their work independently. A further aim is to develop skills for the critical examination of investigations and research reports and to provide the student with the opportunity for a deeper level of theoretical study within a chosen area. Section 1. Seminars The aim of this part is to develop the student’s ability to examine investigations and reports from a critical and scientific point of view. This part of the thesis work requires the student to submit written critical analyses, 4 to 5 pages in length, of two other Master’s theses. This is an individual assignment. The written critical analyses, in which the student’s critical abilities must be clearly documented, should be numbered consecutively (Number1 - Number2). Section 2. Master's thesis Thesis work should prove the student’s independent ability to investigate and develop an issue within the field of business administration. The emphasis lies in the critical choice of method, in the creation of a relevant theoretical frame of reference, and in the extensive analysis of the theoretical and empirical material in which the author makes a contribution to the literature in a chosen subject or problem area. The methodology discussions must be clearly connected to the problem area and the different parts must be well integrated as a harmonized unity. Thesis work should generally be conducted in groups of two. The lengths of the Master’s theses typically range from 40 to 60 pages. Section 3. Main opposition The aim of this part of the thesis work is to perform a major critical analysis of another Master’s thesis, including the conducting of an oral examination of this thesis.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, the students should be able to • demonstrate that they have gained the knowledge commensurate with having completed a Bachelor thesis • select a for business administration appropriate topic and formulate relevant research questions capable of being assessed in a timely fashion • apply a scientific perspective to theory • demonstrate methodological maturity and show how their chosen methodology motivates their study • assimilate and evaluate scientific publications • explain the place of their research in relation to the research front/knowledge base in their discipline • demonstrate a scientific approach in independently summarizing and analyzing an empirical (or equivalent) material • discuss the thesis’ contribute to scientific knowledge in their chosen area • defend the thesis at a scientific seminar

Required Knowledge

University: Business Administration C, 30 ECTS including a Bachelor´s thesis 15 ECTS or equivalent written experience. and 15 ECTS from the D-level in Business Administration. English proficiency equivalent to IELTS Academic Training –minimum score 5.0 with no individual score below 4.5 (Tests taken before January 2005 not admissible or TOEFL – minimum score 500 on paper based test and not below 4.0 on the TWE, Alternatively 173 on computer based test with iBT61 is also required as well as basic entrance requirements for higher studies in Swedish language proficiency if the course is taught in Swedish.

Form of instruction

The author’s independence and responsibility is emphasized in the conducting of thesis work. Thus the supervisor’s influence and control is reduced in order to create the necessary conditions for individual autonomy, creativity, and personal responsibility. Nevertheless, students are expected to participate actively in joint discussions and seminars during the thesis period. It is understood that the ongoing Master’s thesis work is presented to the supervisor on at least three occasions during the thesis process.

Examination modes

The writing and defending of an independent work is the primary requirement. Students will also be evaluated on their ability to perform a major critical analysis of another Master’s thesis and the quality of their written critical analyses of two other Master’s theses. The following grading system is used: Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd, Vg, 75% or more), Pass (Godkänd, G, 50% or more) and Fail (Underkänd U, less than 50%). In case of failure on seminars, master thesis or main opposition complement in accordance with instructions are given on each occasion. In case of complementary work as instructed by the supervisor, this should be completed and delivered to the supervisor within four weeks after the final seminar. Rules and regulations concerning the production of academic texts and correct referencing will be applicable to all written assignments. Grades on the course are awarded when students have passed all examinations and compulsory course elements. Academic credit transfer. Academic credit transfers are according to the University credit transfer regulations.

Other regulations

The course is included in the one-year Master’s Programs and Magisterprogram at Umeå School of Business.

Literature

The literature list is not available through the web. Please contact the faculty.