Course content

The bachelor's thesis shall be based on a subject area from the study program and address a current issue that is answered through empirical data. Regional businesses may submit project proposals to the academic department, which will be presented to campus students. However, groups are also welcome to propose topics based on their own academic interests and, where relevant, in collaboration with specific case companies.

Learning outcome

The Bachelor's Dissertation completes the student's program of studies and integrates important components from the course portfolio.

At the end of the course period, the student has:

Knowledge :

• of theory beyond the program's curriculum within a self-selected area from the course portfolio
• of scientific and methodological work
• of recent research and/or development within the chosen field of study

Skills

• Ability to develop, define, and explore a specific research question, as well as select an appropriate methodological approach to collect relevant empirical data for addressing the task.
• Ability to identify and evaluate literature relevant to the research question.
• Ability to analyze and reflect on one’s own material and arrive at a concrete solution to the research question.
• Ability to carry out, document, and communicate the results of the project scientifically.

General competence:

• Have insight into ethical challenges that are relevant to the chosen problem
• Be aware of how the research question and the project work may impact the company and its surroundings from a sustainability perspective.
• Demonstrate strong collaborative skills in the execution and presentation of an academic project

Learning methods and activities

This course does not have ordinary lectures, but there will be seminars to support the students' project process. These seminars are mandatory for all campus and part-time students and may require students' presentations on ongoing projects.

Campus students will cooperate in groups of 3 participants. Part-time students are recommended to work in groups of 2 or 3 participants, but individual work can be accepted according to the student's application. Each group is offered up to 5 hours of tutoring during the project period, and additional feedback on one draft.

Compulsory works :

• Application for project idea, and group members
• Project description and project contract
• Log
• Individual reflection paper

All compulsory works have to be passed.

Additionally:

An oral presentation is a part of the assessment in the course. As compulsory work, campus students have to be present during all oral presentations for business administration and logistics management students. Part-time students may choose to present their thesis online or come to campus for their presentation

Compulsory assignments

• Oligatorisk arbeidskrav - se emnebeskrivelse

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

The students must have earned 105 ECTS before Sept.01. in the fall semester when the bachelor work starts. For campus students, these ECTS must be earned during semesters 1-4, and include passed exams in REA1153/F Mathematics for economists (7,5 ECTS), REA1154/F Statistics for economists (7,5 ECTS) and SMF2292/F Quantitative and Qualitative Methods (7,5 ECTS). For part-time students, the ECTS must be earned during semesters 1-6, and include the same passed courses as mentioned above.

Course materials

The literature will mainly depend on the chosen topic for the project.

In addition to the literature from the program courses in REA1154/F Statistics for Business and SMF2292/F Quantitative and Qualitative Methods, the following literature may give useful guidance:

• Dalland, O & Dalland, C.P. (2024) Metode for oppgaveskriving, utgave 8. Oslo: Gyldendal , ISBN 9788205604575
• Johnstad, Tom (2022) Innføring i akademisk skriving, ISBN: 9788215060446