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Bachelor Thesis

Course developer

Course abstract

A bachelor's thesis is the final thesis of a bachelor's study programme to obtain a bachelor's degree in sociology. It is an empirical study conducted independently by the student confirming the acquisition of theoretical knowledge and methodological skills in the sociology of organization and public administration to the extent specified in the study programme. The process of elaboration of a bachelor's thesis confirms the student's ability to integrate the knowledge, skills and competencies acquired during the theoretical study courses into empirical research on current issues and issues in society or organization. When developing a bachelor's thesis, the student demonstrates the ability to think logically, critically and creatively, conceptually use their theoretical knowledge in sociology and practical research skills, selecting, systematizing, analyzing and interpreting data using appropriate sociological research methods, draw conclusions and formulate proposals based on the empirical research using the knowledge gained during the studies.
The aim of the study course is to carry out independent empirical research by practically applying fundamental and theoretical knowledge in the sociology of organizations and public administration, thus demonstrating knowledge, skills and competence to independently solve current problems in society or organizations.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge: Knowledge of the conceptualization of various concepts of sociology, as well as is familiar with the classical and modern theories of sociology of organization and public administration. Knowledge and understanding of the organization of sociological research in the study of current processes in society and organizations. Knowledge of the nature of empirical research, sociological research data processing and analysis methods (Bachelor's thesis, bachelor's thesis review, bachelor's thesis defence).
Skills: Ability to think logically, critically and creatively, conceptually use his / her theoretical knowledge in sociology. Ability to independently choose and bring up the problems of social research, as well as to develop a corresponding design of sociological research and implement it. Ability to obtain, summarize, process, analyze and interpret the data obtained in the research, observing the principles of professional ethics. Ability to draw reasonable, logical conclusions from empirical research and formulate real proposals to solve the identified problems. Ability to present the results of the research, argue about the results of the research. Ability to plan time responsibly to meet the deadlines set for work. Ability to independently obtain, process and analyze information on a particular topic. Ability to present and explain the results of his / her work to others with arguments (Bachelor's thesis, bachelor's thesis review, bachelor's thesis defence).
Competence: Ability to creatively and independently develop the theoretical and methodological framework of sociological research, conduct empirical research and critically analyze and synthesize theoretical findings and research results. Ability to integrate the acquired theoretical knowledge and conduct empirical research in accordance with the principles of sociological research methods and professional ethics. Ability to assess the potential impact of research results on the research organization (or society as a whole) (Bachelor's thesis, bachelor's thesis review, bachelor's thesis defence).

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Selection and approval of the bachelor's thesis topic. Getting acquainted with methodological instructions for the development and defence of a bachelor's thesis.
2. Development of a bachelor's thesis research design.
3. Development of the theoretical part of the bachelor's thesis.
4. Development of bachelor's thesis methodology.
5. Acquisition of empirical data.
6. Development of the empirical part.
7. Development of bachelor's thesis conclusions and proposals.
8. Pre-defence of the bachelor's thesis.
9. Improvement of the bachelor's thesis and submission of the bachelor's thesis to the institute for review.
10. Defence of bachelor's thesis.

Requirements for awarding credit points

State Examination Commission

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

All study courses of the study program must be successfully completed.
Bachelor thesis, a review of the bachelor thesis, defence of the bachelor thesis

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

On a 10-point marking scale
The student has successfully defended the bachelor thesis if the State Examination Commission has awarded a mark of at least 4 (almost satisfactory)

Compulsory reading

1. Metodiskie norādījumi bakalaura darbu izstrādāšanai un aizstāvēšanai. Mācību palīglīdzeklis Ekonomikas un sabiedrības attīstības fakultātes akadēmiskā bakalaura studiju programmas „Organizāciju un sabiedrības pārvaldes socioloģija” studentiem [tiešsaiste]. Pieejams: http://www.esaf.llu.lv/lv/studiju-un-reglamentejosie-dokumenti
2. Ballantine J.H., Roberts K.A. Our Social World: Introduction to Sociology. 2nd ed. Thousand Oaks California: Pine Forge Press, 2009. 582 p.
3. Dillon M. Introduction to Sociological Theory: Theorists, Concepts, and their Applicability to the Twenty-first Century. 2nd ed. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley Blackwell, 2014. 565 p.
4. Robson C., McCartan. Real World Research. 4th ed. London: John Wiley&Sons, 2016, p. 533.
5. Wolf C., Joye D., Smith T.W., Fu Yang-Chih. The Sage Handbook of Survey Methodology. Croydon: Sage Publications, 2016. 716 p.
6. Zinātniskās darbības metodoloģija: starpdisciplināra perspektīva. Mārtinsone K., Pipere A. (red.). Rīga: RSU, 2021. 607. lpp.
7. Bell J., Waters S. Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-Time Researchers: eBook. London: Open University Press, 2018. 344 p. Retrieved from EBSCO eBook Academic Collection via LLU Fundamental library network and university network. https://web-a-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/ZTAwMHh3d19fOTM3OTQ2X19BTg2?sid=9ee78256-b8da-48a1-a009-39ee8a75c712@sessionmgr4008&vid=3&format=EB&rid=1
8. Seville E. Resilient Organizations: How to Survive, Thrive and Create Opportunities through Crisis and Change. Kogan Page, 2016. 185 p. Pieejams elektroniski LLU EBSCOhost datubāzē: https://web-p-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/bmxlYmtfXzE0MDYwNjlfX0FO0?sid=625eac34-a90d-45ec-b1ce-bed3d808be01@redis&vid=8&format=EB&rid=11
9. Mārtinsone K., Pipere A. (red.) Zinātniskā rakstīšana un pētījuma rezultātu izplatīšana. Rīga: RSU, 2018. 301 lpp.
10. Adams J., Raeside, R. Khan, H. T. A. Research Methods for Business and Social Science Students. Second edition. eBook. New Delhi: Sage Publications Pvt. Ltd., 2014. 304 p. Pieejams elektroniski LLU EBSCOhost datubāzē: http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.llu.lv/login.aspx?direct=true&db=
e000xww&AN=784882&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Further reading

1. The Sage Handbook of Social Research Methods. Ed. by Alasuutari P., Bickman L., Brannen J. SAGE Publications, 2008, p. 631.
2. Creswell, J. W. Research Design: Qualitative and Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches, 4th ed. London, Thousand Oaks, New Delhi, Singapore: SAGE Publications, 2014. 342 p. Pieejams: elektroniski http://fe.unj.ac.id/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Research-Design_Qualitative-Quantitative-and-Mixed-Methods-Approaches.pdf
3. Payne G., Payne J. Key Concepts in Social Research. Sage Publications, 2004. 242 p.
4. Flick U. An Introduction to Qualitative Research. Six edition. London... (etc.): Sage Publications, 2018. 696 p.
5. King B., Felin T., Whetten D.A. Studying Differences between Organizations: Comparative Approaches to Organizational Research. Emerald Group Publishing Limited. 2009. 270 p. Pieejams elektroniski LLU EBSCOhost datubāzē: https://web-p-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/bmxlYmtfXzI4NzcwN19fQU41?sid=625eac34-a90d-45ec-b1ce-bed3d808be01@redis&vid=11&format=EB&rid=1
6. Adler P.S. (ed.) The Oxford Handbook of Sociology and Organization Studies. Classical Foundations. Oxford : Oxford University Press, 2009. 660p.
7. Neuman, W.L. Social Research Methods. Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 2011. 631 p.
8. Kroplijs A., Raščevska M. Kvalitatīvās pētniecības metodes sociālajās zinātnēs. 2. papild. izd. Rīga: RaKa. 2010. 190 lpp.
9. Lebrun J.L. Scientific Writing: A Reader and Writer’s Guide. World Scientific, 2007. 210 p. Pieejams:http://sina.sharif.edu/~hatef/files/Scientific%20Writing-%20A%20Reader%20and%20Writer%E2%80%99s%20Guide%20-%209812701443.pdf

Periodicals and other sources

1. Educational portal "Research Methodology" [tiešsaiste]. Pieejams: http://research-methodology.net/
2. Humanities and Social Sciences. Latvia [tiešsaiste]. Pieejams: https://www.apgads.lu.lv/izdevumi/brivpieejas-izdevumi/zurnali-un-periodiskie-izdevumi/humanities-and-social-sciences-latvia/
3. The British Journal of Sociology. London: Wiley-Blackwell. ISSN 1468-4446
4. International Journal of Social Research Methodology [tiešsaiste]. Pieejams: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/tsrm20
5. Latvijas sociologu ētikas kodekss [tiešsaiste]. Pieejams: http://sociologija.lv/etika-2/
6. Code of Ethics (International Sociological Association) [tiešsaiste]. Pieejams: http://www.isa-sociology.org/en/about-isa/code-of-ethics/

Notes

Compulsory course for academic bachelor’s study programme „Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration”