Course content

The master’s thesis serves as the students' final project, demonstrating their competence. The thesis is expected to address a specific challenge within a defined subject area relevant to the Master in management of innovation and digital security. Students are encouraged to collaborate with a company or an organization to enhance the practical relevance of the project.

Thesis topics are suggested by faculty members affiliated with the program and are rooted in ongoing research projects, collaborations or activities. This ensures that the topics are well thought-out and aligned with the supervisors' areas of expertise. It is possible to design an independent thesis topic, but this requires an application and approval according to specified criteria.

Master’s theses can take an empirical or theoretical form, depending on the nature of the research question and the objectives of the program. Most master’s theses will be of an empirical nature.

An empirical thesis usually involves the student collecting and processing their own data or using available data sources to investigate a new research question. This requires independent gathering, structuring, and analysis of data.

A theoretical thesis focuses on providing an overview of relevant scholarly contributions to a central research question. This may include summarizing different theoretical perspectives and research findings, synthesizing the current state of research, and identifying questions for further study.

Regardless of the form of the thesis, it is expected that the student independently adapts and applies established theories and models to address the research question. Purely descriptive work will not be accepted; the thesis must include theoretical reflections and independent analyses that go beyond mere description. Students are expected to demonstrate independence in their work.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The candidate

• can apply advanced knowledge to select and justify appropriate research methods to address relevant issues, as well as conduct a research project.
• can analyze and discuss research results, reflect on their practical and theoretical significance, and draw conclusions that may form a basis for further investigation.
• can understand and evaluate theoretical and methodological approaches, as well as identify relevant research questions.

Skills

The candidate

• can critically analyze and evaluate various information sources to structure and formulate academic arguments and issues, and, where relevant, ethically and responsibly use generative AI tools in the work on the thesis, including critically assessing the outputs generated by AI models.
• can conduct a research project that is relevant for both knowledge development and practical application, independently and in collaboration with others.
• can document and present the research process, as well as communicate results and ideas clearly and understandably to various target groups.
• can analyze and critically evaluate relevant professional, occupational, and research ethical issues throughout the research process, in line with applicable ethical standards.

General Competence

The candidate

• can understand how a scientific approach contributes to knowledge development and practical solutions, and reflect on the relationship between problem statement, analysis, and conclusion.
• can analyze and critically assess discipline related, professional and research ethical issues that impact the research work and field.
• can communicate independent work with reflective capability and convey academic and interdisciplinary issues to both specialists and the general public.

Learning methods and activities

Project work, independent study, supervision and gatherings/seminars constitute the central learning activities for the master’s thesis.

Project work and independent study are essential parts of the thesis, and students are expected to work independently to deepen their understanding of relevant theory, methodology, and project planning.

Supervision is a mandatory and important component, ensuring that students receive necessary support throughout the process and quality assurance in data collection and processing.

Themes for seminars/gatherings will be posted in the course’s Blackboard room.

The master’s thesis is generally carried out in pairs, but individual work may be permitted upon special request to the course coordinator at the beginning of the semester.

The master’s thesis is equivalent to a full semester’s workload and is conducted in accordance with MIIDS’ Thesis Guidelines, available on Blackboard.

Obligatory activities

Obligatory activities include a midway evaluation, submissions in Blackboard related to the thesis submission, and an oral presentation with mandatory attendance.

Details as described in the specific study year's Guidelines for the project description and Master’s thesis in the Master in management of innovation and digital security.

Compulsory assignments

• Mid term Evaluation
• 3-4 submissions
• Oral Presentation and attendance Master Thesis

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

The student must have 82,5 study points completed in the study program, including the course IDS4005 Research project planning.

Course materials

TBL