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Master Thesis

Course developer

Course abstract

A master thesis is a research study, performed independently by a master student, which confirms that the master student has acquired theoretical knowledge and methodical and organisational skills in the branch or a sub-branch of science (economics and business, sub-branch of business management) to the extent prescribed by the master programme, as well as an ability to do theoretical and/or empirical scientific research with elements of novelty or practical use and to independently make findings and draw conclusions.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge
1. Students will be able to demonstrate the knowledge of and an ability to critically assess theoretical sources on business management and relevant to the topic of the master thesis - Master thesis, a review of the master thesis, the pre-defence and defence of the master thesis
2. Demonstrate an in-depth, structured and analytical knowledge of business management, organization and planning as well as prospective relevant research priorities - Master thesis, a review of the master thesis, the pre-defence and defence of the master thesis
Professional skills
1. Independently select and apply social research methods for a master thesis- Master thesis, a review of the master thesis, the pre-defence and defence of the master thesis
2. Integrate theoretical findings into the empirical part of the master thesis -Master thesis, a review of the master thesis
3. Interpret the research results in detail and generate new knowledge and/or solutions to problems in business management Master thesis, a review of the master thesis, the pre-defence and defence of the master thesis
4. Apply analysis and synthesis skills in assessing business management situations Master thesis, a review of the master thesis, the pre-defence and defence of the master thesis
Soft skills
1. Independently plan and organize work on and write the master thesis in cooperation with the supervisor- Master thesis
2. Reasonably and convincingly present the results of the master thesis, argue the personal opinion and discuss matters with specialists of the relevant field- defence of the master thesis
Competence
1. Integrate knowledge from various fields for the purpose of effective operation of an enterprise (organization) in line with the goals set, applying a creative and innovative approach and/or solving problems in business management- Master thesis, a review of the master thesis, the pre-defence and defence of the master thesis

2. Critically assess the potential implications of the research results for the entrepreneurial environment, an enterprise (organization) and the society, as well as suggest the possibilities and ways of reducing the negative effects -Master thesis, a review of the master thesis, the defence of the master thesis

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Selection of a topic for the master thesis in consultation with the supervisor and the approval of it.
2. Familiarization with the Guidelines for Writing and Defending a Master’s Thesis.
3. Development of a work plan for the master thesis.
4. Literature studies, an analysis of theoretical sources and earlier research studies.
5. Development of a research design.
6. Acquisition, processing and an analysis of empirical data.
7. Preparation of conclusions and proposals.
8. Approbation of the master's thesis and the submission of it for pre-defence.
9. Production of a research paper based on the research results of the master’s thesis.
10. Enhancement and presentation of the master’s thesis.
11. Submission of the master’s thesis to the institute for a review.

12. Defence of the master's thesis before the State Examination Commission (SEC).

Requirements for awarding credit points

The master's thesis has to be produced and successfully defended before the State Examination Commission (SEC). It must successfully pass the pre-defence at the responsible institute, which gives a recommendation for defence before the SEC.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

The master student completes his/her master's thesis independently in cooperation with the supervisor.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The master's thesis is evaluated by two independent reviewers, filling in a master thesis evaluation form, as well as by the members of the State Examination Commission (SEC). The master's thesis is assigned a mark on a 10-point scale, which represents a cumulative average mark.

Compulsory reading

1. Metodiskajie norādījumi maģistra darbu izstrādāšanai un aizstāvēšanai. Mācību palīglīdzeklis Ekonomikas un sabiedrības attīstības fakultātes profesionālās maģistra studiju programmas Uzņēmējdarbības vadība studentiem [tiešsaiste]. Pieejams: http://www.esaf.llu.lv/lv/studiju-un-reglamentejosie-dokumenti
2. Zinātniskā rakstīšana un pētījuma rezultātu izplatīšana. K.Mārtinsone, A.Pipere (red.). Rīga: RSU, 2018. 301 lpp.
3. Sekaran U. Research methods for business: a skill-building approach. Chichester: Wiley, 2010. 468 p.
4. Battista G., Cinici D.M. Research methods for strategic management: a research methods handbook. New York: Routledge, 2016. 377 p.
5. Gustavii B. How to Write and Illustrate a Scientific Paper? 2nd Edition. Cambridge: Cambridge university press,2008. 168 p.
6. Davis M. Scientific Papers and Presentations. San Diego: Academic Press, 2005. 356 p.

Further reading

1. Robson C., McCartan. Real World Research. 4th Edition. London: John Wiley&Sons Ltd, 2016. 533 p.
2. Creswell J. W. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage, 2009. 260 p.
3. Monippally M., Shankar P. Academic Writing: A Guide for Management Students and Researchers. Los Angeles: Sage Publications Pvt. Ltd., 2010. [eBook.] ISBN: 9788132104414. 9788132105473. 9789385985966.
4. Kasahara E. Practical Strategic management: how to Apply Strategic Thinking in Business. New Jersey: World Scientific Publishing, 2015. 139
p.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Journal of Business Research. [Journal: open access]. ISSN: 0148-2963. Pieejams: https://www.sciencedirect.com
2. European Research on Management and Business Economics. [Journal: open access]. ISSN: 2444-8834. Pieejams: https://www.sciencedirect.com
3. Journal of World Business. [Journal: open access]. ISSN: 1090-9516. Pieejams: https://www.sciencedirect.com
4. Business Horizons. [Journal: open access]. ISSN: 0007-6813. Pieejams: https://www.sciencedirect.com

5. Dienas Bizness: nedēļas laikraksts: Latvijas Biznesa avīze. Rīga: Diena: Dagens Industri, 1992. ISSN 1407-2041

Notes

Graduation thesis for the ESAF Professional Master's Degree Program Business Management