Degree Project, 30 Credits

Contents

The objective of the Degree Project is to develop the student’s critical ability and ability to solve problems. This objective is fulfilled by the student’s identification and treatment of a research problem within the chosen area of study. The course should develop the student’s knowledge about, and an understanding of, how to independently plan, conduct and present a scientific report. In addition, the course should develop the student’s ability to critically scrutinize and assess investigations as well as research papers. The Degree Project work must have an empirical basis.

Module 1. Work-in-progress seminars, 0 credits
The module comprises three in-progress seminars. The seminars focus on the following areas:

• Oral and written critical examination of a prior Degree Project. The written examination should follow the directives for side-oppositions.
• Development of research questions and choice of theoretical points of departure
• Theory and method. (The seminar is based on a draft of introductory chapter, theory chapter and methodology chapter, as well as the tool for data collection and a plan for the continued work). The seminar should be conducted before data collection commences.

At the two last mentioned seminars, the student is expected to present drafts on different parts of his/her Degree Projects and to conduct a review and analysis of study comrade’s work. Seminars 2 and 3 thus imply oppositions of the participants’ work.

Module 2. Side-oppositions, 0 credits
The module comprises two written side-oppositions on other Degree Projects, and active participation on the seminars connected to these side-oppositions.

Module 3. Degree Project, 30 credits
The Degree Project work should prove the student’s ability to apply a scientific approach in independent treatment of problems relevant to business administration. In addition to a scientific approach, the Degree Project should be characterized by relevance and topicality. The theoretical and methodology discussions must be very clearly connected to the problem area. The different parts of the theses must result in a coherent and well integrated work. The Degree Project should aim to provide a contribution to the chosen area of research in addition to giving practical implications.

Module 4. Main opposition, 0 credits
In this module, the aim is to practically examine the student’s critical abilities through an individual written as well as an oral performance of major critical analysis of another Degree Project.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing this course, the student should be able to:

• demonstrate a thorough understanding of the practical issue at hand, the area of research, and related methodical issues
• select a for business administration appropriate topic and formulate theoretically and practically relevant research questions
• apply a scientific perspective to theory and formulate a relevant theoretical frame of reference
• assimilate and evaluate scientific publications
• follow the knowledge development in the chosen area and discuss how an investigation contributes or relates to scientific knowledge in the chosen area
• collect, analyse and discuss a thorough data material in an independent and scientific manner using relevant methods for analysis
• evaluate different research methods and data collection methods in relation to a specific research question and convincingly argue for the choice of research method
• draw conclusions and formulate practical recommendations to relevant stakeholders
• discuss societal and/or ethical issues of relevance for the thesis
• communicate the main arguments, contents and results of the study in a scholarly manner
• defend an investigation at a scientific seminar
• critically examine other reports both orally and in writing.

Required Knowledge

Courses in Business Administration (97.5 credits) of which courses at Basic level (A-level) and Intermediate level (B-level) should be a minimum of 60 credits, 15 credits, at the Bachelor level (C-level) in Business Administration and courses, 22.5 credits, on advanced level (D-level) in Business Administration. Previously completed courses must include studies of scientific methodology within business/social sciences corresponding to at least 7.5 credits, including both qualitative and quantitative methodology.

Admitted to a four-year undergraduate program in Business Administration (Swedish ’Civilekonomprogram’) at Umeå School of Business.

Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B or the equivalent.

Form of instruction

In the Degree Project work, much emphasis is placed on the student’s independence; meaning that the supervisor’s steering is toned down to allow for individual freedom, creativity and personal responsibility. However, during the course of work, the developing Degree Project must be presented to the supervisor on at least three occasions. The meeting dates are set together with the supervisor. Supervision is only guaranteed for the semester under which the student firstly is registered for the course.

Examination modes

Module 1. Work-in-progress seminars, 0 credits
This part of the course is examined through participation in three compulsory in-progress seminars. In-progress seminars are graded as pass or fail.

Module 2. Side-oppositions, 0 credits
This module consists of written side-oppositions on two other project degree works (i.e. not Bachelor or Magister theses).

Written side-oppositions are always individual assignments. Instructions are given in the thesis manual. In addition, the student is required to take part in the seminar for this particular Degree Project. Side-oppositions are graded as pass or fail.

Module 3. Degree Project, 30 credits
The Degree Project is examined through authoring and defending an independent work. The defence cannot take place until the work-in-progress seminars (module 1) have been approved 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 individual effort in the defence is graded at the seminar.

In case the degree project is not accepted as is, it may be revised with instructions given by the supervisor (or the grader), or subject of a new effort. In cases of revision, the new version should be completed and delivered to the grading teacher within four weeks after the final seminar/or the date the revision was presented.

Module 4. Main opposition, 0 credits
A major critical analysis of another Degree Project is required. This is carried out through an individual written as well as an oral examination of another’s research in a constructive and critical manner at a public seminar. Generally, the oral critical analysis is conducted together with one’s Degree Project co-author. The main opposition is graded as pass or fail.

In case of failure on seminars or on the main opposition an opportunity to repeat the task will be given.

Rules and regulations concerning the production of academic texts and correct referencing will be applicable to all written assignments.

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 will 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.

Supervision is only guaranteed for the semester under which the student firstly is registered for the course, regardless of how much supervision that has been utilized.

The Degree Project should normally be conducted in groups of two students.

It is not possible for two students who jointly write a Degree Project or thesis, to be registered for different types of theses (e.g. one student writing a Degree Project and the other a Master’s thesis).

The thesis course is a campus course, which implies personal presence for supervision, participation in seminars, and collaboration with a thesis partner.

The length of Degree Projects typically ranges from 50 to 80 pages.

The empirical material that is utilized in the thesis should on request be available for supervisor, main opponents and the grader in its original form (raw-data).

It is recommended that students, if possible, complete the two compulsory side-examinations oppositions before defending their own Degree Project. The work-in-progress seminars must be completed before thesis defence.

The thesis seminar and the main opposition are normally carried out at the end of the course (usually the end of the semester). If it is possible to arrive at a match between students wishing to present their thesis and students wishing to do a main opposition, a thesis seminar may also be held during the normal course period.

When the grade has been set, archive copies of the completed thesis shall as soon as possible, and within 4 weeks, be submitted in both paper and digital form. For details, see http://www.usbe.umu.se/english/dept/fek/for-our-students/theses/printing-and-archiving/