Study Guide

Objective

The Master's thesis is a working life based development project and an important part of the Master’s degree. The Master’s thesis is a demanding development project or research work combining theory, praxis and creation of new knowledge. The thesis subject and aims are based on requirements and needs of working life. The thesis is an applied study research and it emphasizes development of the work, the organization or the working community. Conducting the Master’s thesis project requires independent and demanding expertise. The student gives proof of mastering the methods of retrieving information, research and development as well as the skills of adapting research information in an analytical and critical manner.

In the Master’s thesis the student is able to:
• combine theoretical framework and pragmatic work with the contextual needs in a development or research project
• network and communicate professionally with relevant organisations and communities
• evaluate critically sources and methods, select the suitable ones and use them systematically and ethically
• document, report and give a presentation of the project or research status and the final results

Content

The Master’s thesis process consists of three stages: first seminar, midseminar and final seminar.
At the first stage, the thesis objective is discussed with the supervisor, and the research project is identified and defined. The thesis project is presented at the starting seminar. After this first seminar the student up-dates the research plan and it will be evaluated as approved or failed. The aim of the first stage of the Master's thesis is to continue working on the draft presented earlier on the course research methodology.

At the second stage the process continues by gathering information and combining the theoretical framework and empirical work. A meaningful development project is based on the requirements of the working life commissions. The student is able to critically evaluate the sources and methods, select the applicable ones and to use them systematically. On the mid seminar the student presents the phase of the process. The pro-ject will be processed with the seminar participants and the supervisor. The student is able to self-evaluate the process of this stage. After the second seminar the student updates the thesis draft and it will be evaluated as approved or failed.

At the third stage the student masters the methods and practices used in the branch to be able to analyze and complete the thesis. The student is able to document the final results and report the project according to good ethical principles. At the final seminar the student is capable to give a presentation as well as to publish the thesis. The main responsibility for completing the thesis lies upon the student. After the final seminar the thesis is evaluated by the supervisors. The aim of the third stage of the thesis is to further develop students' competences and deepen their expertise to be able to finalize the thesis. The focus is in completing the re-search and development work, analyzing and presenting the results and the final concepts.

Location and time

Ongoing starting from September 2021
Timetable and deadlines of submissions can be found on the following link:
https://www.novia.fi/information-for-new-students/campus-vasa/digital-business-and-management/

Teaching methods

The Master’s thesis process consists of three stages:
First stage
At the first stage, the thesis objective is discussed with the Head of Degree program or the supervisor. The student delivers a thesis proposal or the research project, and the research project is identified and defined. When the thesis proposal is accepted, the supervisor will be chosen and the student can start the thesis process in the beginning of the second semester, or later according to one’s individual timetable. The thesis project is presented at a starting seminar and the plan is revised.
Second stage

At the second phase the work continues by deepening and widening the theoretical framework based on earlier research and other literature. The goal is to combine the theory with practice. This research phase is presented on the second seminar and discussed with the seminar participants and the supervisors. After the second seminar the student updates the thesis draft.

Third stage
The aim of the third phase of the thesis is to finalize the thesis. The focus is on completing the research and development work, analysing and presenting the results and the final concepts. The thesis is presented and discussed with the seminar participants and the supervisors.
Finally, the thesis is published and evaluated by the supervisors.

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Sufficient (1)
Satisfactory (2

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good (3)
Very good (4)

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent (5)

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Failed (0)

Qualifications

Research Methodology