Project-oriented Study in an organization

To give students the opportunity to apply the empirical and theoretical knowledge they have acquired from the previous study on a specific problem in a company/organizational-setting. Furthermore, the project-oriented study should allow students the opportunity to get insight into organizational issues, processes, and working methods as well as the market conditions of their host company/organization. In sum, the project-oriented study in an organization gives students the opportunity to gain insight into some of the many challenges faced by an organization.

Since this course builds on the knowledge acquired from the courses in the four preceding quarters the goal is to demonstrate the awareness of and competence in using the tools developed in these courses. The student is encouraged whenever possible to link the work with the chosen problems  in the organization/company with the practical application of these tools to gain experience and confidence in using the analytical tools in a solid and responsible way. 

The student can:

• Identify and select a relevant theoretical basis for analyzing the problem.
• Wherever relevant apply tools developed in the prevoous courses of the study for the analysis.
  
• Reflect on the knowledge gained in the work with the project in relation to the problem posed.

The student can:

• Formulate a problem so that it is well-structured, precise and unambiguous, and realistic in relation to the resources allocated to the project.
• Consider ways in which tools developed in previous 4 quarters of the study can be used in solving the problem and select the relevant tools for the problem posed.
  
• Identify own need for extension of knowledge and attain it through literature
• Set up and conduct a clear and accurate analysis of the problem using the selected theories and methods that answers the organizations problem meeting ethical and professional standards.
• Present the findings of the study, document these and reflect on their quality and generalizability.

The student can:

• In collaboration with an organization and using relevant theory and method, identify, formulate and delimit a problem relevant to the organization and the study.
• Independently conduct the project.
• Communicate the results in a clear and structured form in a form adapted to the needs of the organization
• Communicate the results in written report to the supervisor and demonstrates that she/he has participated actively and analytically in solving problems related to environmental planning and resource management.

Students must be able to seek and find relevant literature including literature used in the previous couses in the study, wherever relevant.

The project-oriented study within an organization consist of finding and solving a problem relevant to the organization and the environmental and resource management study. It is expected that the student have a practical relation with the organization (projectoriented study).
15 ECTS is equivalent to approximate a student workload of 405 hours. Thus, the practices in the company is expected to comprise at least 2 months of study relevant full time work in addition to preparing a report.
The student is responsible for contacting the organization in which the project-oriented study takes place. An agreement between the student and the organization/company on the scheduled working days/hours. The project can take place in a public as well as a private company /organization. Project-oriented study in own business is also possibly after approval of course responsible 

The content of the project must be related to the area of environmental and resource management in a broad sense but within the MSc program profile. Thus, the bulk of the work performed during the internship should have a specific academic content related with the project and not only include general office work or similar functions unrelated to the aim of the project-oriented study.

The learning purpose of the topic of the project and the organization of work must be laid down in a written agreement between the student and the host organization. Before the study period begins, the student should contact the Coordinator for project-oriented study, who assigns a teacher from the study to help prepare the project-oriented study agreement.

Within the host organization an employee must be appointed as a liaison between the university and the student. This person will also assist in resolving practical issues related to implementation of the project.

As a minimum the project-oriented study agreement must contain the following information:

• Name of organization/company at which the project-oriented study takes place
• Name and title of contact person at the study site
• Description of work content of the project-oriented study
• Goal for the project
• Period for project-oriented study
• Schedule for working hours per week

The signed project-oriented study agreement has to meet the conditions for approval and sent by e-mail to Student Services. The projectoriented study agreement is not approved until you have received an e-mail confirmation from Student Services.

The student may not receive payment for the project-oriented study, 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.

Companies and organizations can give students in unprofitable project-oriented courses and on unpaid study stays a gratuity of up to DKK 3,000 a month.

Students who participate in project-oriented courses abroad may receive a salary if there is a legal requirement for minimum wages in the country in question.