Established by: Rector of Umeå School of Business and Economics, 2022-10-13
Contents
The objective of the Degree Project is to develop the student's ability to think critically and solve research problems. This objective is met by the student's identification and examination of a research problem within the field of economics. The course will develop the student's knowledge about, and experience of how to independently plan, conduct and present a scientific study. In addition, the course will develop the student's ability to critically examine and assess investigations as well as research papers.
Module 1. Work-in-progress seminars, 0 credits The module comprises a work-in-progress seminar focusing on the following areas:
Development of research questions and choice of theoretical framework and research method.
Presentation of the theoretical framework and research method and research plan. The seminar is based on the research proposal (Memo).
Presentation and discussion of potential ethical issues raised by the proposed research.
Active participation in the discussion of other Degree Projects (The student is expected to provide constructive feedback to other Degree Projects).
Module 2. Degree Project, 30 credits The Degree Project shall demonstrate the student's ability to independently examine problems of relevance to the field of Economics. Following scientific practice, the Degree Project shall focus on a topic of high relevance. The theoretical and methodology discussions must be in line with the problem area. The different parts of the thesis must be coherent and well-integrated. The Degree Project should contribute to the chosen research area and provide recommendations to practitioners.
Module 3. Main opposition and side-opposition, 0 credits Presentation of the research conducted and the results of the Degree Project in a seminar. Assessment of at least another Degree Project as main opponent and two other Degree Projects as side opponent.
Expected learning outcomes
After completing this course, the student should be able to:
independently select an appropriate topic and formulate theoretically and practically relevant research questions in the field of economics
develop a relevant theoretical frame of reference and describe how the thesis can be positioned in connection to the theoretical frame of reference and knowledge development
plan the research and complete it within the required time
convincingly argue for the chosen research method and analyse the material with appropriate analytical methods and discuss the results
draw conclusions with clarity and precision considering scientific implications and formulate practical recommendations to relevant stakeholders
discuss societal implications and ethical research aspects of relevance for the thesis
communicate the main arguments, contents and results of the study following academic procedures
defend the thesis at a seminar and critically examine other scientific studies
Required Knowledge
90 credits in economics, of which 15 credits on bachelor level and 15 credits on advanced level. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.
Form of instruction
The Degree Project work is to a large extent an independent work, which means that the supervision will allow for individual freedom, creativity, and personal responsibility. The dates for the supervision are planned together with the supervisor. Supervision is only guaranteed during the first semester a student is registered for the course.
Examination modes
Examination takes place during specific periods each semester.
Module 1. Work-in-progress seminars, 0 credits This part of the course includes the participation in a compulsory work-in-progress seminars. The work-in-progress seminars are graded as pass or fail.
Module 2. Degree Project, 30 credits The Degree Project is examined through authoring and defence of a thesis. The defence cannot take place until the student has passed the work-in-progress seminars (module 1). The following grading system is used: Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd, VG), Pass (Godkänd, G) and Fail (Underkänd, U). The Degree Project is assessed and graded by a grading committee, whereas the defence is graded by the seminar chair. In case the degree project is not accepted for grading directly after the seminar, it may be revised following the supervisor's (or later the grading committee's) instructions. In cases of revision, the new version should be completed and submitted to the grading committee within four weeks after the final seminar/or the date the request for revision was announced. Rules and regulations for the writing of academic texts and correct referencing are applicable to all written course assignments
Module 3. Presentation, main opposition and side opposition, 0 credits The research and result of the Degree Project are presented through a final seminar, the main opposition of at least one other Degree Project or Master thesis, and the side opposition of at least two other Degree Projects or Master theses. The student is required to actively take part in the seminar for this particular Degree Project. Presentation, main opposition and side oppositions are graded as pass or fail. For the course as a whole, the following grading system is used: Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd, VG), Pass (Godkänd, G) and Fail (Underkänd, U).
Other regulations
Academic credit transfers are according to the University credit transfer regulations.
Students at the International Business Program shall write their Degree Project (Swedish; Examensarbete) in English to meet the requirements for obtaining a degree in the program.
Similarly, when students at the International Business Program defend their Degree Project, the seminar will be held in English. In other instances where a Degree Project has been written in English, the seminar should, as a general rule, be held in English, unless all seminar participants (including side-opponents or seminar leader) are Swedish speaking.
The thesis course is a campus course, which implies in-person supervision, and participation in on-campus seminars.
The empirical material used in the thesis should upon request be made available to the supervisor, main opponents and the grader in its original form (raw-data).
When the grade has been set, archive copies of the completed thesis shall as soon as possible, and within 4 weeks, be submitted in digital form in the Diva system.
Exceptions from examination form as stated in the syllabus can be made for a student who has a decision on pedagogical support for disabilities. Individual adaptations of the examination form should be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form shall be adapted within the framework of the expected learning outcomes stated in the course syllabus. At the request of the student, the course responsible teacher, in consultation with the examiner, must promptly decide on the adapted examination form. The decision must then be notified to the student.
