Master's Thesis in Business Administration (second year), 15 credits
The course is discontinued from 2024-02-29
Contents
The Masters thesis is designed to develop the students ability to provide a contribution to business research such as filling an empirical, theoretical, and/or methodological gap. The student should demonstrate, through his/her thesis and orally, an ability to plan, conduct, and present an investigation of relevance to the subject of Business Administration. 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 Seminars develop the students ability to examine investigations and reports from a critical and scientific point of perspective. This part of the thesis work requires the student to submit written critical analyses, 4 to 5 pages in length, of two other Masters theses. This is an individual assignment. The written critical analyses, in which the students critical abilities must be clearly documented, should be numbered consecutively (Number1 - Number2). Section 2. Master's thesis in Business Administration Thesis work should prove the students independent abilities 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 Masters theses typically range from 40 to 60 pages. Section 3. Main opposition The performance a major critical analysis of another Masters thesis, is critical to a successful completion of this section. It includes conducting an oral examination of the thesis examined.
Expected learning outcomes
Upon completing the course, students should be able to: Identify a research topic and formulate a research question that furthers knowledge within a field relevant to the students masters program Conduct a thorough literature review and present the results of the review in an evaluative manner Conduct a study in accordance with appropriate scientific practices, including collecting, analyzing and presenting the results in accordance with the ontological and epistemological foundations employed Make a well-argued empirical, theoretical, and/or methodological contribution to the chosen research field Be able to provide implications for practice as well as for future research from this study Defend the research conducted, and evaluate and discuss anothers research in a constructive and critical manner .
Required Knowledge
University: Master thesis in Business Administration (one years) 15 credit points
Form of instruction
The authors independence and responsibility is emphasised in this thesis work. Thus the supervisors 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 in-progress seminars during the thesis period. It is understood that the ongoing Masters thesis work is presented to the supervisor on at least three occasions during the thesis process. Additionally, the student is required to be an assigned discussant of other students thesis work.
Examination modes
The writing and defending of an independent work is the primary requirement, for a master thesis. Students will also be evaluated on their ability to perform a major critical analysis of another Masters thesis and the quality of their written critical analyses of two other Masters 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, or on the main opposition an opportunity to repeat the task will be given. In case of the written report is not accepted as is, it may be revised with instructions given, or subject of a new effort. In cases of revision the new version 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 two-year Masters Programs at Umeå School of Business
Literature
The literature list is not available through the web. Please contact the faculty.