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 specialisation in Global Strategy and Management. Throughout the thesis process, students are empowered by training their ability to plan, conduct, and present a thorough scientific master’s 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 problematisation, the contribution of the thesis should rest upon clearly motivated standpoints. Students are required to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and a solid understanding 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. Students are expected to actively participate in the seminars.

To prepare for each seminar, students shall:

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. Thesis are written in teams of two students. During the thesis writing 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 academic literature, showcasing critical analytical skills,
4. Establish a well-justified selection of research methods, aligned with previous research approaches used in comparable contemporary studies,
5. Systematically collect, process and analyse both theoretical and empirical materials to derive meaningful insights,
6. Ensure logical consistency across arguments and coherence between different sections of the thesis,
7. Produce a thesis.

At the final seminar, students will present and defend their completed thesis. Students are expected to actively participate in the defense seminar. Each student pair will conduct an oral defense of their work and also perform both an oral and a written opposition of another master’s 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. and 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. In addition Swedish course 3 or Swedish level 3 and English course 6 or English level 2 are required. For courses given entirely in English exemption is made from the requirement in Swedish course 3 or Swedish level 3.

Examination

UPS1, Essay, 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.

The examination of the thesis consists of an assessment of the work completed during the course. The final seminar version of the thesis is of most importance. An assessment is also made of how well the students have performed during the course seminars in terms of acting as opponents and actively contributing to the discussions. The thesis is defended at the final seminar. The finished version of the essay must be submitted before the deadline according to instructions.

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding disability study support, can request adaptions for the examination. It is the examiner who takes decisions on any adaptions, based on the certificate and other conditions.

Grade

AF-skala

Interim Regulations and Other Regulations

Overlap with course FOA405, 30 ECTS credits