MSB210 Master Thesis

Contents and structure

During the final semester of the Master of Science in Business programme, the student concentrates on writing their master`s thesis. The thesis is an independent piece of scientific research demonstrating the student`s critical thinking, contextual awareness, knowledge of relevant literatures, research design and analytical skills. These skills must be applied to the appropriate disciplines in accordance with the aims of the programme. The conceptual basis for the thesis must link clearly to the core elements of the study programme. The master thesis may also be based on a literature review. 

The aim of the course is to enable the student to undertake independent scientific research work. The student acquires in-depth knowledge of the specific problem chosen for the thesis and learns to use the required knowledge, methods and conceptual apparatus for analysis. 

Learning Outcome

Knowledge 

Upon completion of the course, the student: 

• has advanced knowledge to a new area within marketing and innovation or regional economics and innovation. 
• has specialized insight of the specific problem context chosen for the thesis. 
• has thorough method knowledge about how to review examine various sources of literature, data and information related to marketing and innovation or regional economics and innovation. 
• can apply knowledge about research design, theoretical and methodological approaches and tools, gap analysis, formulation of research approaches or development of hypotheses, analysis and consideration of data. 
• can analyse academic problems related to the field of marketing and innovation or regional economics and innovation on the basis of history, tradition, distinctive characters and the place in society. 

Skills 

Upon completion of the course, the student can: 

• analyze and deal critically with various sources of information in order to make independent judgements when using relevant data, theories and literature. 
• use relevant methods for research and scholarly development to work independently on practical and theoretical problems related to marketing and innovation or regional economics and innovation. 
• carry out an independent, limited research or development project under supervision and in accordance with applicable norms for research ethics. 
• analyze existing methods and interpretations in the field of marketing and innovation or regional economics or innovation. 
• analyze theories, methods and interpretations in the field of marketing and innovation or regional economics and innovation, and work independently on relevant practical and/or theoretical problems. 

  

General Competence 

Upon completion of the course, the student can: 

• analyze and understand scientific project reports and articles. 
• apply his/her knowledge and skills within the area of marketing and innovation or regional economics and innovation in order to carry out projects. 
• communicate his/her extensive and independent work with the language and terminology of marketing and innovation or regional economics and innovation. 
• communicate research findings to both specialists and to a broader public. 
• assume responsibility for own academic development and specialization and qualify for the PhD-program in responsible innovation and regional development. 

 

 

Entry requirements

Students must have admission to the MSc in Business. Students must have completed 50 ECT of the courses in the program in order to receive supervision and to submit their thesis. 

The main rule is that students should write their theses in groups of two. However, some exceptions might be done. Then students can write Master thesis individually, if application is accepted.

Teaching methods

The supervisor(s) will guide the students in their work on the thesis in individual tutorials. Each student has the right to a maximum of 30 hours of supervision. This includes the supervisors time for preparation and 10 hours of personal supervision. The amount of time for supervision remains the same in case of co-supervision by more than one supervisor. A supervision contract must be completed and signed by both the supervisor and the student(s).

Compulsory learning activities

None

Assessment

Master thesis and viva voce oral examination. 

The oral examination will be used to adjust the grade from the thesis. The grade may be adjusted up or down by maximum one grade.

 

The thesis committee is composed of two members, one of which is external. The two members of the thesis committee will agree on the grade. In the case of dissent, a new commission will be appointed and a new examination date will be set. 

Grading scale is A-F where F is fail.