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 aim of the course is to enable students to conduct independent scientific work. Students acquire in-depth knowledge of the specific problem chosen for the master's thesis and develop methodological skills that support their work.

Knowledge

The student:

• possesses advanced knowledge in developing and analyzing research questions related to innovation and management
• has particular insight into a specific problem/theory area chosen as the theme for the thesis
• has advanced methodological knowledge relevant for conducting an independent research project
• has advanced knowledge to critically assess various data sources, theories, and information

Skills

The student:

• can formulate and analyze academic issues, make choices about research topics, theoretical and methodological approaches and tools, as well as formulate and develop hypotheses and perform data analysis
• can analyze and critically assess various sources of information to make independent assessments and use relevant data sources, theories, and literature
• can analyze, plan, and conduct a delimited research project under guidance and in collaboration with others
• can use various references and sources in accordance with established standards for research ethics
• can organize, summarize, and analyze data sources and use necessary methodologies
• has advanced skills in independent and critical analysis and interpretation
• has advanced skills in writing academic texts, developing relevant and logical arguments
• can contribute to research in the field of innovation and management

General competence

The student:

• can analyze and understand scientific research reports and articles
• can apply their knowledge and skills to new areas
• can communicate their work using the language and terminology of the academic field
• can communicate research results to both specialists and the general population
• can analyze and understand the strengths and weaknesses of research work
• is responsible for their own academic development and specialization, qualifying 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 feedback to the student group in advisory meetings. Each student group is entitled to a maximum of 10 hours of advisory meetings.

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

Compulsory learning activities

Three 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 (own template)
2. Participate in and present at the mid-semester seminar
3. 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