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Master Thesis

Course developer

Course abstract

Master thesis is a study conducted independently by the student, which shows the acquisition of theoretical knowledge, methodological and organisational skills in project management within the limits specified by the study programme, the ability to carry out a study of elements of innovative and/or practical use and science-based conclusions and proposals.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

The student knows and is able to critically evaluate theoretical sources in project management related to the topic of Master's thesis;
In-depth knowledge of the current level of research on the topic of the Master's thesis and its future directions – Master thesis, review of master thesis, preliminary defence of master thesis, defence.

The student is able to independently select and apply project management and social research methods to develop his / her Master's thesis; is able to integrate theoretical findings in the research part of the master's thesis; is able to interpret research results in depth and offer new knowledge in project management; is able to carry out analytically critical and content-quality studies of theoretical literature, normative acts and other sources of information (including - in a foreign language), ensuring achievement of the research goal; is able to independently plan and execute the development of the master's thesis, cooperate with the master thesis supervisor – Master thesis, review of master thesis, preliminary defence of master thesis, defence. The student is able to present the results of the Master's thesis in public, substantiate his / her personal opinion, discuss with the specialists of the field – Master`s thesis defence.

Able to integrate knowledge from different fields and solve problematic situations in project management; is able to critically evaluate the possible environmental and social impact of the research results and justify the possibilities and directions of reducing the negative impact - Master thesis, review of master

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Selection of Master Thesis topic, coordination with supervisor and approval.
2. Introduction to methodological guidelines for elaboration and defence of Master's thesis.
3. Elaboration of Master's work program.
4. Study of literature, analysis of theoretical sources and previous research.
5. Development of research methodology.
6. Acquisition, processing, analysis of empirical data.
7. Preparation of conclusions and proposals.
8. Approbation of Master's thesis and submission for preliminary defence.
9. Improvement and presentation of Master's thesis.
10. Submission of Master's thesis to the Institute and peer review.
11. Master's thesis defense at the State Examination Commission.

Requirements for awarding credit points

The student submits and defends his or her master's thesis on the date specified by the State Examination Commission.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

- independent literature studies;
- conducting original research, data collection and analysis.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Master thesis is developed in accordance with LUA Study Regulations (2015), LUA Regulations on Final Examination (2014), Methodological Guidelines for Elaboration and Defence of Master Thesis (2018).
The Master's thesis is evaluated by the State Examination Commission on a 10-point scale.

Compulsory reading

1. Zinātniskā rakstīšana un pētījuma rezultātu izplatīšana. K. Mārtinsone, A. Pipere (red.). Rīga: RSU, 2018. 301 lpp.
2. Larson E.W., Clifford F.G. Project Management: the Managerial Process. 7th edition. NY: McGrow-Hill Education, 2017. 659 p.
3. Gustavii B. How to Write and Illustrate a Scientific Paper? 2nd Edition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2008. 168 p.
4. A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®Guide)., Project Management Institute. 5th Edition. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute, 2013. 589 p. ISBN 9781935589679.
5. Davis M. Scientific Papers and Presentations. San Diego: Academic Press, 2005. 356 p. E-grāmata pieejama LLU tīklā datubāze EBSCO e-book academic collection http://web.a.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail/detail?vid=3&sid=29d41130-b071-45e6-93b9-8d0bb5faf622%40sessionmgr4007&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#AN=465006&db=nlebk
6. Zinātniskās darbības likums: LR likums [tiešsaiste]. Pieņemts 14.04.2005. Stājas spēkā 19.05.2005. [Skatīts 26.11.2019.]. Pieejams: http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=107337

Further reading

1. Creswell J. W. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage, 2009. 260 p.
2. Robson C., McCartan. Real World Research. 4th Edition. London: John Wiley&Sons Ltd, 2016. 533 p.
3. Kerzner H. R. Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. 11th edition. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2013. 1296 p. ISBN 978-1118022276
4. Hopkin P. Fundamentals of Risk Management: Understanding, Evaluating and Implementing Effective Risk Management. 5th edition. London: Kogan Page, 2018. 453 p. E-grāmata pieejama LLU tīklā datubāze EBSCO eBook Academic Collection
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=e000xww&AN=1446715&site=ehost-live

Periodicals and other sources

Project Management Journal, [Tiešsaiste] https://journals-sagepub-com.db.rsu.lv/doi/abs/10.1002/pmj.20053
1. Latvijas Nacionālā projektu vadīšanas asociācija (LNPVA), [Tiešsaiste], http://lnpva.lv/
2. Project Management Institute (PMI), [Tiešsaiste], https://www.pmi.org/
3. International Project Management Association (IPMA). [Tiešsaiste], https://www.ipma.world/

Notes

ESAF professional master programme „Project Management”