Course content

The topic and research question for the master's thesis must be relevant to the field of organization and management. The master's thesis, together with the specialization, constitutes the program's in-depth study. Therefore, the topic of the thesis and the theory applied must be related to the field of the chosen specialization. It is considered advantageous for students to work on real issues related to their own workplace. The topic/research question is chosen by the student in consultation with the supervisor. The master's thesis is estimated to require approximately 800 working hours. The thesis should normally be between 20,000 and 40,000 words. In MORG, up to 3 students can write a thesis together. In such cases, the thesis should be somewhat more extensive (but normally not exceed 100 pages) and must be agreed upon with the supervisor.

Through the work on the thesis in the specialization "Sustainability, Transition, and Inclusion," students should demonstrate the ability to address a specific topic in an academically sound, thoughtful, and precise manner within a given, limited timeframe. It is better for students to write thoroughly, thoughtfully, and concisely about a limited topic than superficially, unrefined, and diffusely about a large and vague topic. However, it must be taken into account whether the students have chosen an academically difficult or easy task for their master's work.

The purpose of the master's thesis and the associated mandatory master's seminar is to train students in conducting independent research work. Through mandatory supervision, students should gain insight into the various stages of the research process: constructive and critical evaluation of others' research, research planning and collaboration, data collection, analysis, and dissemination. The goal of the master's thesis is to carry out independent work in a scientific manner. Scientific originality is not expected in the sense that new findings must be made (although most candidates use their own empirical data) or new theory developed, but in terms of the working method, students should follow scientific standards. Originality, however, should be rewarded.

That the master's thesis should constitute independent work of a research nature means that it should focus on a specific, clear, fruitful, and researchable question and that it can be based on one or more of the following forms of processing of empirical material:

• Collection, comparison, and analysis of existing texts
• Collection and analysis of own observational, interview, or survey data
• Analysis of existing interview or survey material, content analysis, document studies, public statistics, etc.
• Reanalysis of existing material from other social science studies
• Description or analysis of one or more theoretical traditions/directions or methodological questions

Detailed grade descriptions and assessment criteria are available when you register as a student and upon request to the department.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

• The student has in-depth, research-based knowledge in the field of organization and management with a specialization in sustainability, transformation, and inclusion.

Skills:

• The student can carry out an independent research or development project using relevant theories and methods, and in accordance with ethical standards for research.

General Competence:

• The student connects research-based knowledge to their own organizational experience in a way that demonstrates the ability for independent analytical reflection.

Learning methods and activities

A mandatory startup seminar for all MORG students who are beginning their master's thesis work is held at the beginning of each semester. Following the seminar, within the applicable deadlines, the project plan must be approved by the supervisor. The master's thesis can be written individually or in a group of up to three members.

The student is assigned a supervisor responsible for the specialization the student has chosen. In cases where multiple departments are involved in the specialization, the topic of the thesis, as described in the application, will determine which department is responsible for supervising the student. It may also be considered to assign a supervisor from another department and/or an external co-supervisor if the topic of the thesis warrants it. In cases where an external co-supervisor is appointed, the department at NTNU still holds the overall academic responsibility.

The master's thesis must be submitted within one calendar year after the start (September 1st for the fall semester start and February 1st for the spring semester start). The agreement with NTNU can be extended once, by one semester, without justification or documentation.

Mandatory Activities

1. Startup Seminar. The startup seminar lasts for three days in connection with the start of the master's thesis work. The seminar aims to familiarize students with genre requirements, scientific working methods, research design, and research methodology.
2. Approved Project Plan. The project plan must include the research question, central themes of the thesis, choice of methods, and a progress plan. It should be 5-10 pages long and approved by the supervisor by October 15th for the fall semester start and March 15th for the spring semester start.
3. Supervision. Students are entitled to up to 30 hours of supervision limited to two semesters. The hours include both direct conferences/supervision with the student and preparatory and follow-up work for the supervisor. A separate agreement must be signed by the student, supervisor, and department.

Compulsory assignments

• Startup seminar
• Project plan approved
• Supervising

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

SOS6516 Forskningsdesign og forskningsmetode

Required previous knowledge

Completed Basic and Specialization Module