Degree project in Business Administration for Degree in Master of Science in Business and Economics, 30 credits

Contents

The course aims to further develop the student's ability to address a Business Administration problem. Furthermore, the course aims to provide knowledge about, and experience of how to independently plan and conduct a study using scientifically grounded methods. The Degree Project must have an empirical basis. The course also aims to develop the student's ability to critically review and assess other scientific reports. The course consists of three work seminars, the degree project, a main opposition and a side opposition.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing this course, the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• identify a topic within Business Administration and formulate and argue for a theoretically and practically relevant research question,
• develop a relevant theoretical framework and describe how the thesis relates to previous research.

Skills and ability

After completing this course, the student should be able to:

• collect comprehensive empirical material relevant to answer the research question,
• communicate the main arguments, contents and results of the thesis in a scholarly manner,
• defend the thesis at a seminar and critically examine other theses both orally and in writing.

Judgement and approach

After completing this course, the student should be able to:

• argue for the choice of research methods and discuss the strenghts and weaknesses thereof,
• discuss relevant ethical aspects in the research process,
• analyse empirical material consistent with the research approach,
• discuss research findings using a theoretical framework,
• draw conclusions from research findings, discuss the implications thereof, and formulate practical recommendations to relevant stakeholders,
• reflect on ethical and societal implications of research findings.

Required Knowledge

90 credits whereof at least 75 credits in Business Administration whereof 15 credits bachelor level, excluding internship courses, and 15 credits advanced level. Previously completed courses must include studies of scientific methodology within Business Administration/Social sciences corresponding to at least 7.5 credits, including both qualitative and quantitative methodology. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6 or the equivalent.

Form of instruction

The degree project is largely an independent project, which means that the student's individual freedom, creativity and personal responsibility are emphasized. It is expected that drafts of the Degree Project manuscript is presented and discussed with the supervisor at least three times during the course process. The course consists of three work-in-progress seminars, a degree project, a main opposition, and a side opposition. The work-in-progress seminars should be conducted before the collection of empirical data begins. The course structure is described in the department’s thesis manual.

Examination modes

For the course as a whole, a three-grade scale is used: Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd, VG), Pass (Godkänd, G) and Fail (Underkänd, U). Grades on the course are awarded when students have passed all examinations and compulsory course elements. To obtain the grade Pass with Distinction, all examinations must be passed, and a Pass with Distinction must be achieved on the degree project.

For the grade to be registered in Ladok, an archive copy of the thesis must be registered in DiVA. Examinations take place during specified periods during the semester.

Work-in-progress seminars (2 credits) is examined through participation in three compulsory work-in-progress seminars. The work-in-progress seminars must be graded as Pass before defending the degree project. The work-in-progress seminars are graded as Pass (Godkänd) or Fail (Underkänd).

Degree Project (26 credits) is examined through the writing and defence of an independant work. The defence cannot take place until the student has passed the work-in-progress seminars. The degree project is graded as Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd, VG), Pass (Godkänd, G) and Fail (Underkänd, U). The Degree Project is assessed and graded by a grading teacher and an examiner, whereas the defence is graded at the seminar.

Side-opposition (1 credit) is examined through a written individual side-opposition on another degree project and active participation in the relevant thesis seminar. The written side-opposition is an individual examination. The side-opposition is graded as Pass (Godkänd) or Fail (Underkänd).

Main opposition (1 credit) is examined through an oral and written main opposition on another degree Project. The written main opposition is an individual examination. The main opposition is graded as Pass (Godkänd) or Fail (Underkänd).

Other regulations

The course is a campus course which requires physical presence for supervision, participation in seminars and collaboration with the thesis partner. Supervision is only guaranteed during the first semester the student is registered for the course.

The scope of the degree project is usually between 50 and 80 pages. The thesis is written by two students together. If there are special reasons, the course coordinator may decide that the thesis can be written individually. It is not possible for students registered in different thesis courses to write a thesis together (for example, mixing a master's thesis and a degree project).

The supervisor must be given access to all material during the course. The empirical data used must be available to the supervisor, main opponent, grading teacher and examiner in its complete form (raw data).

Students in the International Business programme must write their degree project in English to meet the requirements for obtaining their degree. The seminar must be held in English when a student International Business programme defends their thesis.

In the case where the degree project is written in English, the seminar must also be held in English unless all seminar participants (including side opponents and supervisors) are Swedish speaking.

This document has been translated from Swedish into English. If the English version differs from the original, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Adaptations

Examiners may decide to deviate from the modes of assessment in the course syllabus. Individual adaptation of modes of assessment must give due consideration to the student's needs. The adaptation of modes of assessment must remain within the framework of the intended learning outcomes in the course syllabus. Students who require an adapted examination - and have received a decision on the right to support from the coordinator at the Student Services Office for students with disabilities - must submit a request to the department holding the course no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on the adaptation of the examination, after which the student will be notified.

Academic integrity and cheating

As a student, you are expected to act with academic integrity. This means writing and presenting within the limits of the academic rules and expectations communicated in the university's regulations and what is otherwise specified by the responsible department. Disciplinary action may be taken against students who use unauthorized help aids or in some other way try to mislead on a test or on another type of task for examination. Rules and regulations concerning the production of academic texts and correct referencing will be applicable to written assignments. Submitted material may be subject to plagiarism control. In addition, Umeå University rules and regulations for education and research apply.

Transfer of credits:

Student who considers themselves to possess knowledge from previous relevant studies or professional or vocational experience that can be comparable to a course or part of a course, can apply for transfer of credits. Approved transfer of credits means that the student does not need to take the or those parts of the course that the decision covers. Information about transfer of credits can be found on Umeå University's web site.