MOØ300 Master's thesis

Contents and structure

During the final semester of the master`s programme in Innovation and Management, students are required to write a master's thesis. The thesis is to be written in groups of two students. It should represent an independent scientific work, showcasing the students' ability for critical thinking, familiarity with the context, knowledge of literature, research design, and analytical skills. These skills are expected to be applied within the subject areas of the program. Key theoretical areas in the master's thesis must be related to the central theoretical aspects of the study program. The thesis should consist of a theoretical section, a methodological exposition, a part for empirical analysis and findings, and a section discussing the findings in relation to previous research. The assignment can also be approached as a literature review.

Learning Outcome

The objective of the course is to enable students to carry out independent scientific work. The students shall acquire in-depth knowledge of the specific issue chosen for the master’s thesis and develop methodological skills that support the work.

After completing and passing the course, the student will have acquired knowledge, skills, and general competence as described below:

Knowledge:

• Advanced knowledge of relevant theories and methods related to innovation and management
• Particular insight into specific problems and theory areas chosen as topics for the thesis
• Thorough methodological knowledge relevant to conducting an independent research project
• Knowledge to critically assess various data sources, theories, and literature

Skills:

• Plan, conduct, and document a delimited research project under supervision and in collaboration with others
• Analyze and critically assess various data sources, theories, and literature independently
• Evaluate what is an appropriate research design, data collection method, and analytical approach to answer the chosen problem
• Apply relevant theoretical perspectives and research methods to analyze data to answer the chosen problem
• Organize, summarize, and structure various data sources, and critically analyze them using relevant theories and methods
• Write academically, including structuring and formulating professional arguments, and follow rules for referencing and using sources in accordance with established standards for research ethics

General competence:

• Analyze and understand scientific research reports and articles
• Communicate one's work using the language and terminology of the academic field
• Communicate research results to both specialists and the general population
• Analyze and understand the strengths and weaknesses of research work
• Qualify for admission to the PhD program in Responsible Innovation and Regional Development (RESINNREG).

Entry requirements

Students must be enrolled in the master program. To receive supervision and be allowed to submit the thesis, students must have completed 60 credits of the course component of the master program.

Teaching methods

The supervisor provides supervision to the student group in meetings. Each student group is entitled to a maximum of 10 hours of such meetings.

An supervision contract must be completed and signed by both the supervisor(s) and all members of the student group.

Compulsory learning activities

Four compulsory learning activities must be approved to be allowed to submit the master's thesis. Requirement 1 must be submitted in the semester before the teaching semester.

1. Complete a brief project description (based on template)
2. Submit signed supervision contract
3. Participate in and present at the mid-semester seminar
4. Create a poster according to template

Assessment

Written master's thesis and an adjusting oral examination.

Two students will write a joint master's thesis with equal contributions.

The grade for the written master's thesis is common for the student group and will be announced at least 24 hours before the adjusting oral examination begins. The grade after the adjusting oral examination is common for the student group and can be adjusted up or down by a maximum of one grade based on the adjusting oral examination.

The examining committee consists of two members, one of whom is external. The examining committee assigns a common grade.

The grading scale is A-F, where F is a fail.

Examination support material

Written Master's thesis: All (see Examination support material, Writing and referencing, and Cheating policy guidlines).

Oral exam: None

More about examination support material