Course syllabus - Master's Thesis in Business Administration

Objectives

The objective of the master's thesis is to develop the ability to conduct an academic study of relevance to research in the area of Business Administration with a specialization in Global Strategy and Management. Through the thesis work, students are empowered by training their ability to plan, conduct, and present a thorough scientific compilation thesis. During the thesis-writing process, students are provided with the opportunity to develop an in-depth understanding of the academic research process including the use of theory, methodologies, empirical data, and analysis. Based on independent problematization, the contribution of the thesis should rest upon clearly motivated standpoints. Students are required to demonstrate good knowledge of their chosen research area and be able to position the study based on extant research in the field.

Learning outcomes

The master's thesis should revolve around a theme that is explored by investigating aspects related to business administration with a focus on global strategy and/or management. Upon successful completion of the course, the students will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding
1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of theoretical foundations and existing research related to the thesis topic to identify one or more knowledge gaps in the field.
2. Develop a deep understanding of more than one methodological approach to investigate the thesis topic.

Skills and abilities
3. Develop advanced skills in formulating one or more research questions that can contribute to the existing body of knowledge in the field.
4. Develop proficiency in designing and implementing a rigorous research plan, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
5. Develop proficiency in data collection and data analysis by using academic analytic techniques.

Evaluation ability and approach:
6. Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate previous research and research findings, methodologies, and interpretations within the broader context of the field. This includes a problematization of the social and ethical aspects of the research.
7. Demonstrate the ability to apply appropriate statistical and/or qualitative analysis techniques to draw valid conclusions and make evidence-based recommendations.
8. Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate research findings through clear, concise, and well-structured academic writing and oral presentations.
9. Demonstrate the ability to critically review, value, and constructively comment on other groups' thesis projects in writing and orally.

Course content

The course consists of seminars and supervision aimed at developing research-oriented skills in thesis writing. The seminars, totaling at least four, cover the following activities:

1) reviewing and discussing research content and previous master's theses in the field,
2) exploring research question development and selection of theoretical foundations,
3) delving into theoretical frameworks, research methodology, data collection, and analysis structure.

To prepare for each seminar, students will:

1) read the required literature,
2) submit their thesis drafts for discussion, and
3) provide constructive feedback on their peers' thesis drafts. These seminars serve as opposition sessions.

The thesis writing process is at the core of the course. Theses are written in teams of two people.  During this process, students are expected to:

1) Identify, justify, and formulate a thesis topic,
2) Conduct a literature review to position the thesis within a relevant theoretical context, demonstrating a deep understanding of the subject area,
3) Independently evaluate and critique existing literature, showcasing critical analysis skills,
4) Establish a well-grounded selection of research methods, considering previous approaches used in similar recent studies,
5) Systematically process and analyze both theoretical and empirical materials to derive meaningful insights,
6) Ensure logical consistency in arguments and coherence between different sections of the thesis,
7) Produce a thesis (appropriate length is around 70 to 100 pages, depending on the research area and methods).

The course concludes with a final seminar where students present and defend their thesis and conduct an oral and a written final opposition of another master's thesis. Students are expected to actively participate in the defense seminar. The final opposition assignment demonstrates the students' abilities to identify strengths and weaknesses in a thesis and propose measures to address any identified shortcomings. The written opposition paper is an individual assignment, while the oral opposition is conducted jointly with the co-author of the thesis

Specific requirements

A completed Bachelor's degree from an institution of higher education of three years or more, equivalent to at least 180 credits and with a major in the field of Business Administration. A TOEFL test result, with a minimum score 575 with a TWE score of at least 4.5 (PBT) or 90 with a TWE score of at least 20 (iBT), or an IELTS test result with an overall band score of at least 6.5 and no band score below 5.5, or equivalent is required. In addition, at least 45 ECTS credits from completed courses in business administration at advanced level. Among completed courses, at least 15 credits at advanced level must be from studies in scientific methods in business administration.

Examination

Essay (UPS1), 30 credits, grades Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E), Insufficient, complementary work possible (Fx), Insufficient (F). Learning outcome 1-9.

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Excellent, Very good, Good, Satisfactory, Sufficient, Insufficient, complementary work possible, Insufficient