Master's thesis in service leadership in international business (MSERMAS)

The master's thesis is a carefully crafted research project which defines and explores a research question based on original ideas and scientific arguments. The thesis should have a substantial research component and must be written under the guidance of an advisor. The thesis provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate expertise and represents a test of research independence and self-reliance within service leadership and international business.


Course description for study year 2024-2025

Facts

Course code

MSERMAS

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

30

Semester tution start

Autumn

Number of semesters

2

Exam semester

Spring

Language of instruction

English

Offered by
Time table

View course schedule

Content

The Master's thesis is an independent, individual, and tutored scientific work. The chosen topic must be relevant to important management and scientific areas within the master's program.

The workload is equivalent to one semester of full-time work, or 30 ECTS, which amounts to a student workload of approximately 750-800 hours. A finished dissertation is usually a monograph of 60 to 80 pages. Two students may cooperate on a thesis, in which case the work should be more comprehensive.

It is also possible to write a thesis in an article format. The article should be publishable in a peer-reviewed scientific journal of good quality.

Learning outcome

A candidate who has completed the course should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge skills and general competence:

Knowledge

After completing the master's thesis, students have:

  • advanced knowledge on how to define, present and pursue a topical research question within service leadership and international business
  • a thorough understanding of how to develop and conduct a scholarly based work of research
  • the ability to identify research questions suitable for a master's thesis
  • a thorough understanding of theories and methods that can be used to address the chosen research question at this level of scientific complexity

Skills

After completing the master thesis, students can

  • search relevant sources for theories and data that can address a specific research question
  • review existing theories and empirical evidence
  • organize, summarize and analyze data, present and discuss results

General competence

After completing the master's thesis, students can

  • plan and complete an investigation of a practical business phenomenon in accordance with existing norms for research ethics
  • demonstrate high-level abilities for critical thinking and reflection

Required prerequisite knowledge

One of the following alternatives:
MHR101 Research Methods, MHR102 Strategic Leadership, MHR103 International Marketing, MHR104 International HR Perspectives, MHR106 Service Innovations and International Entrepreneurship, MHR107 Services Marketing
MHR101 Research Methods, MHR102 Strategic Leadership, MHR104 International HR Perspectives, MHR107 Services Marketing, MHR108 Cost and Revenue Management, MHR202 Fundamentals of Service
All first year courses must be passed.

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Master's thesis with oral presentation 1/1 Letter grades All

Master's thesis with oral defense/presentation, is weighted 1/1, where the oral exam is used to adjust grade 1 value up or down.

Coursework requirements

Master thesis project plan
Deliver a written Master's thesis project plan. The plan is subject to oral presentation by the student.

Course teacher(s)

Tutor:

Truls Eric Johan Engström

Course coordinator:

Terje Ingebrigt Våland

Tutor:

Kai Victor Myrnes-Hansen

Tutor:

Tone Therese Linge

Tutor:

Øystein Jensen

Tutor:

Dag Osmundsen

Method of work

End of November students must submit a paper describing the plan for the thesis. The paper will be evaluated and must be approved before students are allowed to proceed with the dissertation work.

In the spring semester students mainly work together with their advisor.

Open for

Service Leadership in International Business - Master's Programme

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital subject evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

Search for literature in Leganto