Course syllabus - Bachelor Thesis in Business Administration

Objectives

The purpose of the course is for the students to independently with limited supervision and within a given time frame solve one specific problem within the discipline of business administration. The course centers on group work, and to develop the students´ capacity to plan, implement and present a qualified investigation on a scientific base.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course the student shall be able to:

1. Identify, motivate and formulate a relevant research problem in the field of business administration;
2. Search, evaluate and critically interpret different types of information and data sources relevant to the chosen research problem.
3. Explain, describe and relate to previous research in an identified scientific research field.
4. Explain and demonstrate an understanding of theoretical and methodological concepts and perspectives related to the chosen research strategy and design.
5. Select, motivate and use relevant, and ethically defensible, scientific methods for selecting, collecting and processing data.
6. Analyze empirical material based on and with the support of selected concepts, theories and methods.
7. Employ academic writing formalities and a correct and well-balanced academic use of language.
8. Plan, organize and, in collaboration with others, conduct independent work as well as critically review and constructively discuss the work of others.

Course content

The course consists of a number of activities, which aim to develop the student's ability to systematically investigate, both cognitively and skills wise. The thesis should have a clear problematization, which with support from scientific literature, derives the research question(s) that the thesis should conclude. All theses have a conceptual framework as a guide for the empirical investigation. The analysis should be based on proven concepts leading up to the conclusion about the phenomenon studied.

Tuition

Teaching methods consist of lectures, independent studies, seminars, and supervision. The course is mainly structured around five mandatory seminars where the students review and oppose each other's work, with the supervisor present. The course ends with a final seminar. The Bachelor Thesis is a group work. 

Specific requirements

Business administration 60 credits with progression. Of these 30 credits must be on level G1N and 22,5 credits must be on level G1F. Thesis and methods (or equivalent) of 7,5 credits.
 

Examination

Writing of thesis (UPS1), 15 Credits, grades Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E), Insufficient, complementary work possible (Fx), Insufficient (F) (refers to all learning objectives).

The thesis is examined by assessment of the work, i.e. how the student has fulfilled the course's learning outcomes. The final version of the thesis is of most importance, however, a full assessment is also made considering the opposition seminars and active participation in discussions. The thesis is defended in an official seminar. Students will perform a main opposition and side opposition. The final seminar takes place within the examination period of the course, as indicated in the schedule for each semester.

The completed version of the thesis should be handed in before the deadline according to instructions. When the final version has been handed in, an assessment is made, and a grade will be reported. If no final version is handed in, the grade F (Insufficient) will be reported. The final version of the thesis shall also be uploaded to DiVA.

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

Interim Regulations and Other Regulations

A recommendation is that this course is not started earlier than in the third year of studies. When the course starts it is suggested that the student is registered for 15 credits in Business Administration at the level G2F.

Although the course is scheduled for the second half of the semester, i.e. the last 10 weeks, the introduction is early in the semester. This procedure aims to facilitate the assignment of supervisors and enable students to begin drafting their theses. Additionally, it enhances the likelihood of students completing their theses on time without compromising quality. It is mandatory for students to participate in the course introduction as well as all seminars related to the thesis writing process.
 
The allotted time for supervising is limited. In case of a non-approved thesis (grade F - Insufficient) within the supervising time frame, the group is not entitled to receive any additional supervision time or a new supervisor. However, they may continue on their own and return for reassessment. In total, the group is allowed to have the thesis assessed up to five times.  
 
The thesis is written in groups of 2-3 students  
 
This course overlaps with FÖA300, FOA300, EFO703, FOA214, FOA230, FOA243.