Examination arrangement

Course content

The purpose of the course is to combine the knowledge and skills the students have acquired through their studies with actual work experience. Students are given the opportunity to use theories and models they have learned to solve specific tasks in a company, and thus experience relevance of their academic knowledge. By doing this, one becomes an active creator of knowledge. In parallel with their stay in the company, the students will also write a thesis on a topic related to the company. The project assignment will help to systematically reflect on the interaction between theory and practice. Through critical reflection and problem solving, one should be enabled to apply general methods in specific contexts. This also begins to show that the technical core of economics is not neutral in a social construct that an organization is. Through their participation, the students will thus play an important role in the transfer of knowledge between working life and academia. They will also be better prepared for what follows after the study period, and the employer will have access to labor with new, research-based knowledge as an extra useful experience. The students themselves are responsible for obtaining an employer. This can be in both the private and public sectors, as well as the voluntary sector, but certain requirements are imposed. These are set out under the Special Conditions section.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

• Students have insight into the academic contexts related to a problem or topic that has been obtained in consultation with the employer
• The student will have knowledge of the connection between different subjects in the study programme and how they are applied in business.
• The student should understand working life's expectations, needs and requirements for employees.
• The student should understand how both formal and informal rules and processes shape everyday work

Skills:

• Students can develop a problem in consultation with the contracting company and supervisor
• Students can submit a completed written work that sheds light on the problem along perspectives that are academically relevant within a limited part of the economic / administrative domain
• Be able to obtain, use and communicate relevant information, theory and models both in writing and orally.
• Demonstrate the ability to solve problems in a work situation.

Competence:

• The students know the value of structured argumentation and disposition of subject matter and expertise.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to be independent and responsible.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to reflect on their own development as an employee.

Learning methods and activities

Internship in a business, supervision of a mentor in the business and work with, and supervision of project assignment. A learning contract must be made and agreed upon by NTNU Business School, the student and the company where expectations and obligations between the parties are stated. There will be three compulsory seminars: One start-up seminar, one seminar during the semester and a final seminar where the project assignment will be presented. The seminars will mainly be about writing assignments. In addition to this, up to two hours of supervision is given for each project assignment from the supervisor at NTNU Business School. The expected scope of work at the client will be 14 weeks of two working days per week.

Compulsory assignments

• Mandatory seminars

Further on evaluation

Submission of the thesis: Must be given at the start of the semester, but will be at the end of April. In principle, the tasks will be individual, but after special consideration, groups of up to three people may be permitted. Group assignments may occur where several have the same client or work with very related issues. The project assignment will form the basis for a self-chosen syllabus. Students who do not submit within the deadline must submit for the submission in the following academic year; there is no postponed exam in the course. If special reasons arise (e.g. illness), students can apply for a deferral until 31 August. The contracting authority must sign confirmation of completed learning objectives.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Det anbefales å ha fullført de to første studieårene av studieprogrammet 5-årig master i økonomi og administrasjon

Required previous knowledge

An overall assessment will be made regarding admission to the course based on grades related to the area in which one will work, study progression and motivation letter with academic justification for the choice of client and the relevant work tasks. The client must specify work tasks, usefulness for the business and learning goals for the student.

Course materials

Self-chosen syllabus of about 200 pages. Other syllabuses will be announced at the start of the semester.