Master Thesis, MSc in Economics and Business Administration
Study Board of MSc in Economics and Business Administration and MSc in Business Economics and Auditing
Teaching language: Danish, English
EKA: B150072X12, B150072X02, B150072312, B150072412, B150072512, B150072112, B150072212, B150072302, B150072402, B150072502, B150072102, B150072202
Censorship: Second examiner: None, Second examiner: External
Grading: Approved/Not approved, 7-point grading scale
Offered in: Esbjerg, Soenderborg, Slagelse, Odense, Kolding
Offered in: Autumn, Spring
Level: Master
Course ID: B150072X01, B150072301, B150072401, B150072501, B150072101, B150072201
ECTS value: 30
Date of Approval: 24-01-2023
Duration: 1 semester
Course ID
Course Title
Teaching language
ECTS value
Responsible study board
Study Board of MSc in Economics and Business Administration and MSc in Business Economics and Auditing
Date of Approval
Course Responsible
| Name | Department | |
|---|---|---|
| Victor Martin-Sanchez | vms@sam.sdu.dk | International Business & Entrepreneurship (IBE) |
Offered in
Level
Offered in
Duration
Mandatory prerequisites
Before starting the thesis, the student must have passed at least 60 ECTS.
Compulsory courses and electives.
The Master's thesis must be placed at the last year of the study programme.
Recommended prerequisites
Students starting the Master’s thesis are expected to independently be able to:
Choose a problem that is related to development of theory or problem solving in a practical setting.
Account for the relevance of the problem and the theory and/or empirical evidence and methods that as a point of departure shall be used to provide a satisfactory investigation of the problem and proposition of a solution respectively development of the theory.
Structure and carry out tasks for solving/answering the problem. As a part of this
- Search for relevant literature and empirical evidence in the library’s databases
- Select, describe, and critically reflect on the literature retrieved
- Use methods and techniques that are in the learning goals within the compulsory courses of the profile and, as a part of this, perform critique of theory and empirical evidence employed as well as of results of performed analyses.
Communicate clearly and argue independently on an academic level.
Aim and purpose
The objective of the Master's thesis’ is that the student obtains an opportunity to demonstrate that he or she independently and professionally can define, delimit, analyse, assess and solve a problem within the profile's area in a way that is relevant to stakeholders. The thesis problem must be suitable for developing and demonstrating the ability to produce knowledge on a high level and thus allow the student to use scientific knowledge and methods as well as other qualifications acquired in the study programme.
Content
The key areas in the Master's thesis depend upon whether the problem is solved in cooperation with a company or the problem is theoretical with or without empirical analysis.
1) Solving a problem in cooperation with a company.
- Identify and delimit the problem.
- Identify and select relevant theory for problem solving.
- Apply theory and methods for structuring the chosen problem to guide collection of the empirical data, and as a basis for the selection of alternatives.
- Design and complete a study on a high scientific level.
- Analyse a problem, select and recommend alternative courses of action.
- Critical reflection on own analyses and recommendations, including considerations of theoretical and empirical limitations as well possible dilemmas related to ethical and/or sustainability issues.
- Write an abstract in English or another language by agreement with the supervisor.
2) Analysing a theoretical problem (e.g. incongruent theories, documented inconsistencies between theoretical predictions and empirical observations).
- Identify and delimit the problem and research questions.
- Identify and select relevant theories and methods for solving the problem.
- If relevant conduct empirical analyses of the theoretical problem
- In-depth analysis of the theoretical problem.
- Answer the theoretical question and point out theoretical and practical implications.
- Critical reflection on own analyses and recommendations, including reflection on theoretical and empirical limitations as well possible dilemmas related to ethical and/or sustainability issues.
- Write an abstract in English or another language by agreement with the supervisor.
Learning goals
It is the aim of the Master’s Thesis that the student in a written report adhering to academic standards and in an oral presentation and in a discussion of the contents of the report shows
- knowledge which within the subject area of the profile is based on the highest international research,
- skills to select from among the scientific theories and methodologies of the profile,
- skills to use methods relevant for the profile,
- skills to conduct an academic analysis of a problem as well as
- competence to independently take responsibility for own professional development,
- competence to manage the work during the Master’s Thesis process and work professionally.
Specifically, the student must be able to demonstrate:
Description of outcome - Knowledge
The student can:
- By application of theory and methods that are characteristic for the profile identify, formulate and delimit a problem that is relevant for the profile.
- Present the for the problem important elements of the selected theory in a way so that they contribute to understanding and solving of the problem and its elements.
- Reflect on the knowledge gained during the work on the Master’s Thesis in relation to the problem at hand and in general in relation to the theory of the subject area including new literature within the area.
Description of outcome - Skills
The student can:
- Formulate a well-structured, precise and unambiguous problem which is realistic in relation to the available resources for the project.
- Identify and select a relevant theoretical foundation for analysis of the problem. The theoretical foundation should build on or extend the knowledge which the student has attained in compulsory courses. The selected foundation should include the significant theories and sources within the thesis subject area.
- Design and conduct an analysis (research) of the research questions related to the problem. This is done by application of methods from the profile – theoretical or empirical – to ensure that the analysis and the solution/findings adhere to academic standards of the subject area.
- Present the results of the analysis and their documentation as well as reflect on their quality and potential for generalizations.
- Choose the relevant alternative/conclude on the research questions based on the results of the research performed under consideration of relevant ethical dilemmas and environmental and other relevant consequences.
- Communicate the results in a clear and well-structured form in a written report and an oral presentation with the University's lecturers as the target audience as well as to non-specialists by selecting and communicating the most significant components in a concise manner in an abstract.
Description of outcome - Competences
The student can:
- Independently manage the Master’s Thesis process and prepare the Master’s Thesis with support of the for the project agreed supervision.
- Independently build knowledge that either builds on or extends the knowledge which the student has attained in compulsory courses of the programme.
- Participate in an academic discussion of the individual parts of the thesis as well as of the thesis as a whole. This is done at the oral defense.
Literature
Literature reflecting what is known in the scientific field at the time the thesis is written, and which is adequate for the solving the problem.
Teaching Method
The student must list for the activity via the student self-service system.
Procedure for assignment of supervisor, joint information meetings and other activities in connection the Master’s thesis will be evident from the web page for Master’s thesis on the home page for the study programme on the campus in question. Notice that an information meeting about Master’s thesis is set up. Notice also that the student is expected to prepare for the Master’s thesis in such a way that he or she is ready to give in wishes for subject and supervisor at the deadline.
By working with the Master's thesis, the student shall gain experience in working independently with a complex problem. Therefore, the student's learning primarily takes place through independent work supported by a supervisor.
The student is responsible for the thesis and for structuring the work required to reach the specified learning goals. The supervisor’s task is to help the student resolving issues that may arise during the planning and completion of the thesis.
The student is responsible for the thesis and for structuring the work required to reach the specified learning goals. The supervisor’s task is to help the student resolving issues that may arise during the planning and completion of the thesis.
The amount of supervision corresponds to 8 and 14 hours for one and two students, respectively. Variation may occur after discussion and coordination of expectations between the supervisor and the student(s).
The supervision hours include the development of the problem formulation, project description, and the supervision plan, the supervision itself (incl. all communication), and the supervisor's preparation time. Information provided to multiple students will also be included in the supervision hours.
Regarding supervision for the 2nd and 3rd attempt, the student must contact the supervisor to discuss the contents of the new supervisor agreement. The extent of the supervision for these attempts is agreed upon considering the circumstances of the student(s) and the supervisor.
The student may not receive payment for the work in connection with their master’s thesis, as a) the activity is an ECTS-bearing activity, and b) the student may receive SU during the study. Reimbursement for some expenses or a monthly payment for confirmed expenses can however be granted during the study. If repayment/reimbursement is received, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure, whether it is taxable or not.
In connection with the approval of the supervisor agreement, the student has the right to a maximum of one hour of supervision for discussing the problem definition etc. The student has, in addition, possibility for supervision once the supervisor agreement is in place. The possibility for supervision is available for the first examination attempt only.
It is, however, a possibility to have supervision to a limited extent in connection with the reformulation of the supervisor agreement for a possible 2nd or 3rd examination attempt.
Workload
The workload of the Master's thesis per student is equivalent to half a year of study = 30 ECTS = 810 working hours.
Examination regulations
Exam condition - Supervisor agreement
Name
Exam condition - Supervisor agreement
Timing
The supervision agreement must be approved by the supervisor and the profile responsible according to the below stated regulations.
1st examination attempt:
It is a condition for submitting the thesis report for the 1st examination attempt, that the supervisor agreement is approved before submission of the thesis report. If the supervisor agreement is not approved, the thesis report cannot be submitted, and the student will be registered for one examination attempt. The 2nd examination attempt commences.
For approval, the supervisor agreement must contain a preliminary problem statement, which elaborates and explains the problem in such a way that it is possible to assess if it allows the student to demonstrate ability to produce knowledge at a high level within the focus area of the profile. In addition, the supervisor agreement must contain a feasible plan for supervision.
2nd examination attempt:
It is a condition for submitting the thesis report for the 2nd examination attempt that a new supervisor agreement is approved before submission. The new agreement must contain a revised problem formulation within the same topic. The revised problem formulation must correspond to an additional 3 months of work for instance by additional data collection or analytical/theoretical work. If the supervisor agreement for the 2nd attempt is not approved, the thesis report cannot be submitted, and the student will be registered for one examination attempt. The 3rd examination attempt commences.
3rd examination attempt:
It is a condition for submitting the thesis report for the 3rd examination attempt that a new supervisor agreement is approved before submission. The new agreement must contain a revised problem formulation within the same topic. The revised problem formulation must correspond to an additional 3 months of work for instance by additional data collection or analytical/theoretical work. If the supervisor agreement for the 3rd attempt is not approved, the thesis report cannot be submitted, and the student will be registered for one examination attempt. The student has no further attempts.
Tests
Exam condition - Supervisor agreement
Name
Exam condition - Supervisor agreement
Form of examination
Compulsory assignment
Censorship
Second examiner: None
Grading
Approved/Not approved
Identification
Student Identification Card - Date of birth
Language
Danish, English
Duration
-
ECTS value
0
Additional information
-
EKA
B150072X12
B150072312
B150072412
B150072512
B150072112
B150072212
B150072312
B150072412
B150072512
B150072112
B150072212
Exam - Master Thesis with oral defense
Name
Exam - Master Thesis with oral defense
Timing
1st examination attempt:
For students who register for Master’s thesis in the autumn semester, the thesis report must be handed in no later than 2 January. The oral defence will take place no later than 31 January.
For students who register for Master’s thesis in the spring semester, the thesis report must be handed in no later than 1 June. The oral defence will take place no later than 30 June.
The supervisor agreement must be approved before submission of the thesis report (see under "examination conditions").
If the thesis report is not handed in by the deadline, if the thesis report is rejected and not graded, or if the grade of the Master’s thesis after the oral defence results in a non-passed grade (-3 or 00), the student will be registered for one attempt, and a deadline for the 2nd examination attempt will become effective.
2nd examination attempt:
Three months are given to prepare the thesis report for the 2nd examination attempt. Before submission of the thesis report, a renewed supervisor agreement within the same topic must be approved (see under "examination conditions"). The deadline for handing in the report for the 2nd attempt is
1 September/1 April if the thesis has not been handed in by the deadline or if the thesis has been rejected without grading.
1 October/ 1 May if the oral defence has taken place.
If the thesis report is not handed in by the deadline, if the thesis report is rejected and not graded, or if the grade of the Master’s thesis after the oral defence results in a non-passed grade (-3 or 00), the student will be registered for one attempt, and a deadline for the 3rd examination attempt will become effective.
3rd examination attempt:
Three months are given to prepare the thesis report for the 3rd examination attempt. Before submission of the thesis report, a renewed supervisor agreement within the same topic must be approved (see under "examination conditions").
The deadline for submission of the thesis report is 3 months after the deadline for submitting 2nd attempt if the thesis report is not handed in by the new deadline or if the thesis is rejected without grading. If the thesis failed after the oral exam for the 2nd attempt, a deadline for submitting the thesis report for the 3rd attempt will be set 3 months after the date when the oral defence took place.
If the thesis report is not handed in by the deadline, if the thesis report is rejected and not graded, or if the grade of the Master’s thesis after the oral defence results in a non-passed grade (-3 or 00), the student will be registered for one attempt, and all examination attempts have been used.
Tests
Exam - Master Thesis with oral defense
Name
Exam - Master Thesis with oral defense
Form of examination
Master's thesis with oral defence
Censorship
Second examiner: External
Grading
7-point grading scale
Identification
Student Identification Card - Date of birth
Language
Danish, English
Duration
See information under Timing and Additional information.
Length
See information under Additional information.
Assignment handin
Digital submission via "Digital Exam".
ECTS value
30
Additional information
The report may be written in Danish or English in agreement with the supervisor and in accordance with the profile description.
The thesis may be prepared either in a group of two students or individually. Students writing the report in a group also carry out the oral defence as a group. The assessment of the performance at the exam must be done for each student individually. The examiner ensures that the oral defence is conducted in such a way that individual assessment of the performance of each student can take place. The Academic Study Board may grant permission to individual oral examination if a student applies for this and gives a reason for the application.
The thesis report including supplementary material shall be submitted through Digital Exam. The front page shows the title of the thesis in English and in Danish (if relevant). The thesis report is to include an abstract in English or another language agreed upon with the supervisor. The abstract may be no more than 3 pages in length. The front page must show the title of the thesis in English and in Danish (if relevant). For formalities, please refer to "Guidelines for formalities for written assignments” (find link on the exam page for the study programme.
The length of thesis report needs to be adequate for the content. The report is normally 60-80 standard pages (excluding table of contents, bibliography and appendices) in length for an individual student and 90 - 110 standard pages for two students. A standard page is 2400 keystrokes (incl. blanks) as counted by word or similar software. Figures and tables count as the number of key strokes they occupy, cf Formalities for written assignments.
There is no requirement to state who is responsible for the individual sections of the report.
There is no requirement to state who is responsible for the individual sections of the report.
Alternatively, the students can write their report in the paper-based format. In this case, the students write a scientific paper in accordance with the standards for submission to scientific journals, conference proceedings or edited book volumes. This paper represents the central part of the paper-based thesis report. In addition to the paper, the students should write an introduction and a reflection chapter, where they position the paper within the broader literature relevant to their study profile, and consider the implications that their paper carries for relevant stakeholders. Together the full report (the introduction, the paper and the reflection) should not exceed the page limitations set above. The paper-based format is meant for students who have throughout their study demonstrated strong research skills. It can only be pursued upon approval from the profile coordinator and the supervisor.
The thesis report may be rejected in case formal requirements to a large extent are not fulfilled. Examples could be lack of resume or bibliography. Another example is if the number of pages in the report to a large extent deviates from the required number of pages. The supervisor decides a possible rejection. In this case, the grade will be “rejected” and an attempt has been used.
The oral defence lasts a maximum of 1 hour for the one student and 1½ hours for two students, including grading. The oral defence shall commence with a brief (maximum 15 minutes for one student, 25 minutes for two students) presentation of the most significant conclusions reached in the thesis and the theoretical and empirical bases for them. After the presentation, the student(s) is/are examined with the report and the presentation as a point of departure. Questions regarding the oral defense must be directed to the counselor.
Grading is based on an overall assessment of the report and the performance at the oral defence. The grade is given on the basis of the extent to which the thesis report and the oral defence together fulfil the objectives that are described in the goals description in the above. The abstract is considered in the grading of the thesis. Grading will take place according to the Danish 7-step scale. An external examiner participates in the exam. Spelling and writing skills are considered in the grading of the thesis in accordance with the regulations contained in the curriculum.
The Academic Study Board can allow that 3 students prepare the Master’s thesis as a group. The Academic Study Board decides on the basis of a statement from a possible supervisor assigned by the person responsible for assigning supervisors. It must be evident from the statement that the project is sufficient to carry work for 3 students. For 3 students, the report can be maximum 140 pages (excluding table of contents, bibliography and appendices). 2 hours is set aside for the defence.
Prerequisites
| Type | Prerequisite name | Prerequisite course |
|---|---|---|
| Exam | B150072X12, Exam condition - Supervisor agreement | B150072X01, Master Thesis, MSc in Economics and Business Administration |
EKA
B150072X02
B150072302
B150072402
B150072502
B150072102
B150072202
B150072302
B150072402
B150072502
B150072102
B150072202
External comment
NOTE - This course is identical with the former course 93451x1 / Esbjerg: 9345111 Kolding: 9345121 Odense: 9345131 Slagelse: 9345141 Sønderborg: 9345151 Master Thesis - MSc in Economics and Business Administration.
Used examination attempts in the former identical course will be transferred.
Courses that are identical with former courses that are passed according to applied rules cannot be retaken.
Courses offered
| Offer period | Offer type | Profile | Education | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2024 | Mandatory | Accounting and Finance - Odense | MSc in Economics and Business Administration | Master of Science (Msc) in Economics and Business Administration | Esbjerg, Slagelse, Odense, Kolding | |
| Spring 2024 | Mandatory | Brand Management and Marketing Communication - Odense | MSc in Economics and Business Administration | Master of Science (Msc) in Economics and Business Administration | Esbjerg, Slagelse, Odense, Kolding | |
| Spring 2024 | Mandatory | Global Marketing and Consumer Culture - Odense | MSc in Economics and Business Administration | Master of Science (Msc) in Economics and Business Administration | Esbjerg, Slagelse, Odense, Kolding | |
| Spring 2024 | Mandatory | Human Resource Management - Odense | MSc in Economics and Business Administration | Master of Science (Msc) in Economics and Business Administration | Esbjerg, Slagelse, Odense, Kolding | |
| Spring 2024 | Mandatory | Innovation and Business Development - Odense | MSc in Economics and Business Administration | Master of Science (Msc) in Economics and Business Administration | Esbjerg, Slagelse, Odense, Kolding | |
| Spring 2024 | Mandatory | International Business and Management - Odense | MSc in Economics and Business Administration | Master of Science (Msc) in Economics and Business Administration | Esbjerg, Slagelse, Odense, Kolding | |
| Spring 2024 | Mandatory | International Business and Marketing - Odense | MSc in Economics and Business Administration | Master of Science (Msc) in Economics and Business Administration | Esbjerg, Slagelse, Odense, Kolding | |
| Spring 2024 | Mandatory | Management Accounting / Organization combination - Odense (Study start February 1st) | MSc in Economics and Business Administration | Master of Science (Msc) in Economics and Business Administration | Esbjerg, Slagelse, Odense, Kolding | |
| Spring 2024 | Mandatory | Management Accounting / Organization combination - Odense (Study start September 1st) | MSc in Economics and Business Administration | Master of Science (Msc) in Economics and Business Administration | Esbjerg, Slagelse, Odense, Kolding | |
| Spring 2024 | Mandatory | Management Accounting / Strategy-Management combination - Odense (Study start February 1st) | MSc in Economics and Business Administration | Master of Science (Msc) in Economics and Business Administration | Esbjerg, Slagelse, Odense, Kolding | |
| Spring 2024 | Mandatory | Management Accounting / Strategy-Management combination - Odense (Study start September 1st) | MSc in Economics and Business Administration | Master of Science (Msc) in Economics and Business Administration | Esbjerg, Slagelse, Odense, Kolding | |
| Spring 2024 | Mandatory | Market Anthropology - Odense | MSc in Economics and Business Administration | Master of Science (Msc) in Economics and Business Administration | Esbjerg, Slagelse, Odense, Kolding | |
| Spring 2024 | Mandatory | Strategy and Organization - Odense | MSc in Economics and Business Administration | Master of Science (Msc) in Economics and Business Administration | Esbjerg, Slagelse, Odense, Kolding | |
| Fall 2023 | Mandatory | Marketing, Social Media, and Digitalization - Esbjerg (for students enrolled before February 1st 2025) | MSc in Economics and Business Administration | Master of Science (Msc) in Economics and Business Administration | Esbjerg, Slagelse, Odense, Kolding | |
| Fall 2023 | Mandatory | Sports and Event Mangement - Esbjerg (for students enrolled before February 1st 2025) | MSc in Economics and Business Administration | Master of Science (Msc) in Economics and Business Administration | Esbjerg, Slagelse, Odense, Kolding | |
| Spring 2024 | Mandatory | Marketing, Social Media, and Digitalization - Esbjerg (for students enrolled before September 1st 2024) | MSc in Economics and Business Administration | Master of Science (Msc) in Economics and Business Administration | Esbjerg, Slagelse, Odense, Kolding | |
| Spring 2024 | Mandatory | Sports and Event Mangement - Esbjerg (for students enrolled before September 1st 2024) | MSc in Economics and Business Administration | Master of Science (Msc) in Economics and Business Administration | Esbjerg, Slagelse, Odense, Kolding | |
| Fall 2023 | Mandatory | Accounting and Finance - Odense | MSc in Economics and Business Administration | Master of Science (Msc) in Economics and Business Administration | Esbjerg, Slagelse, Odense, Kolding | |
| Fall 2023 | Mandatory | Brand Management and Marketing Communication - Odense | MSc in Economics and Business Administration | Master of Science (Msc) in Economics and Business Administration | Esbjerg, Slagelse, Odense, Kolding | |
| Fall 2023 | Mandatory | Global Marketing and Consumer Culture - Odense | MSc in Economics and Business Administration | Master of Science (Msc) in Economics and Business Administration | Esbjerg, Slagelse, Odense, Kolding | |
| Fall 2023 | Mandatory | Human Resource Management - Odense | MSc in Economics and Business Administration | Master of Science (Msc) in Economics and Business Administration | Esbjerg, Slagelse, Odense, Kolding | |
| Fall 2023 | Mandatory | Innovation and Business Development - Odense | MSc in Economics and Business Administration | Master of Science (Msc) in Economics and Business Administration | Esbjerg, Slagelse, Odense, Kolding | |
| Fall 2023 | Mandatory | International Business and Management - Odense | MSc in Economics and Business Administration | Master of Science (Msc) in Economics and Business Administration | Esbjerg, Slagelse, Odense, Kolding | |
| Fall 2023 | Mandatory | International Business and Marketing - Odense | MSc in Economics and Business Administration | Master of Science (Msc) in Economics and Business Administration | Esbjerg, Slagelse, Odense, Kolding | |
| Fall 2023 | Mandatory | Management Accounting / Organization combination - Odense (Study start February 1st) | MSc in Economics and Business Administration | Master of Science (Msc) in Economics and Business Administration | Esbjerg, Slagelse, Odense, Kolding | |
| Fall 2023 | Mandatory | Management Accounting / Organization combination - Odense (Study start September 1st) | MSc in Economics and Business Administration | Master of Science (Msc) in Economics and Business Administration | Esbjerg, Slagelse, Odense, Kolding | |
| Fall 2023 | Mandatory | Management Accounting / Strategy-Management combination - Odense (Study start February 1st) | MSc in Economics and Business Administration | Master of Science (Msc) in Economics and Business Administration | Esbjerg, Slagelse, Odense, Kolding | |
| Fall 2023 | Mandatory | Management Accounting / Strategy-Management combination - Odense (Study start September 1st) | MSc in Economics and Business Administration | Master of Science (Msc) in Economics and Business Administration | Esbjerg, Slagelse, Odense, Kolding | |
| Fall 2023 | Mandatory | Market Anthropology - Odense | MSc in Economics and Business Administration | Master of Science (Msc) in Economics and Business Administration | Esbjerg, Slagelse, Odense, Kolding | |
| Fall 2023 | Mandatory | Strategy and Organization - Odense | MSc in Economics and Business Administration | Master of Science (Msc) in Economics and Business Administration | Esbjerg, Slagelse, Odense, Kolding |
Teachers
| Name | Department | City | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arne Feddersen | af@sam.sdu.dk | Institut for Sociologi, Miljø- og Erhvervsøkonomi (00) | Esbjerg |
| Oliver Schnittka | oliver@sam.sdu.dk | Institut for Sociologi, Miljø- og Erhvervsøkonomi (00) | Esbjerg |
URL for Skemaplan
Esbjerg
Show full time table (start E23)Show full time table (start F24)
Sønderborg
Show full time table (start E23)Show full time table (start F24)
Slagelse
Show full time table (start E23)Show full time table (start F24)
Odense
Show full time table (start E23)Show full time table (start F24)
Kolding
Show full time table (start E23)Show full time table (start F24)