LV EN RU DE FR

Course code Ekon6042

Credit points 30

Master Thesis

Total Hours in Course810

Independent study hours810

Date of course confirmation11.10.2011

Responsible UnitInstitute of Economics and Finance

Course developer

prof.

Modrīte Pelše

Dr. oec.

Prior knowledge

Ekon5082, Financial Accounting I

Ekon5089, Macroeconomics Analysis

Ekon5090, Microeconomics Analysis

Ekon5092, Regional Economy and Policy

Ekon5135, Environmental Economics

Ekon5137, Marketing Research and Market Forecasting

Ekon5139, Economic Resources

Ekon5140, Statistical and Econometrical Methods

Ekon5144, Enterpreneurship Financing

Ekon5146, Research Design and Methods

Ekon6040, Risk Management Process

VadZ5045, Planning and Controlling

VadZ5046, Business Management

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 economic science or a branch of it to the extent prescribed by the curriculum of the programme. The master thesis indicates the master student’s ability to do research with elements of novelty or practical use and to independently make findings and draw conclusions.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Students will be able to demonstrate:
Knowledge
An in-depth knowledge of the topic of the master thesis and prospective research priorities. Master thesis, a review of the master thesis, the presentation and defence of the master thesis.
An extended knowledge and understanding of the kinds and basic stages of research. Master thesis, a review of the master thesis, the presentation and defence of the master thesis.
An understanding of the key principles of and literature sources for creating a theoretical framework for a research study. Master thesis, a review of the master thesis, the presentation and defence of the master thesis.
Knowledge of the kinds of research methods and an understanding of selection criteria for research methods to achieve the aim of the master thesis. Master thesis, a review of the master thesis, the presentation and defence of the master thesis.
Professional skills to
Independently build up their own competences in the field of specialisation chosen and within the research done as well as convincingly associate the structure of the research with data analysis methods. Master thesis, a review of the master thesis, the presentation and defence of the master thesis.
Independently apply relevant theoretical findings to reveal more the content of the research. Master thesis, a review of the master thesis, the presentation and defence of the master thesis.
Analytically and critically review high-quality theoretical literature, legal documents and other sources (incl. those in foreign languages) to achieve the aim of the master thesis. Master thesis, a review of the master thesis, the presentation and defence of the master thesis.
Reasonably discuss complicated or systemic economic problems with industry specialists and lay persons. Pre-defence of the master thesis; the presentation and defence of the master thesis.
Soft skills to
Present the research results in public. Pre-defence of the master thesis; the presentation and defence of the master thesis.
Optimally plan the time limit to complete the master thesis before the deadline. Pre-defence of the master thesis; the presentation and defence of the master thesis.
Select and apply the most proper technologies for data collection and processing. Master thesis, a review of the master thesis, the presentation and defence of the master thesis.
Communicate with the supervisor on the problematic aspects of the research meaningfully and in a timely manner. Pre-defence of the master thesis; the presentation and defence of the master thesis.
Competence to
Independently identify and critically analyse complicated economic problems and come up with reasoned conclusions and proposals on the topic. Pre-defence of the master thesis; the presentation and defence of the master thesis.
Integrate knowledge of various fields and contribute to creating a new knowledge and enhancing research methods. Pre-defence of the master thesis; the presentation and defence of the master thesis.
Critically assess the environmental and social impacts of the problem researched and identify ways and opportunities for reducing the negative impacts. Master thesis, a review of the master thesis, the presentation and defence of the master thesis.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Selection of a topic for the master’s 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’s 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. Pre-defence 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 Master Examination Committee (MEC).

Requirements for awarding credit points

The master's thesis has to be produced and successfully defended before the Master Examination Committee. It must successfully pass the pre-defence at the responsible institute, which gives a recommendation for defence before the MEC.

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 Master Examination Committee. The master's thesis is assigned a mark on a 10-point scale, which represents a cumulative average mark.

Compulsory reading

1. Akadēmiskā godīguma vispārējās vadlīnijas. Erasmus+ projekts “Eiropas līmeņa tīkls akadēmiskā godīguma veicināšanai”, 2019. 98 lpp.
2. Bhattacherjee Anol. Social Science Research: Principles, Methods, and Practices, 2012, 159 p.
3. Bell E., et al. Business Research Methods. 5th Revised edition.New York, Oxford, United Kingdom, NY: Oxford University Press, 2019. 642 p.
4. Creswell John W. Research Design: Qualitative and Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches, 2013, 342 p.
5. Mārtinsone K., Pipere A. (red.) Zinātniskā rakstīšana un pētījuma rezultātu izplatīšana. – Rīga: RSU, 2018, 301 lpp.
6. Zinātniskās darbības metodoloģija: starpdisciplināra perspektīva. K.Mārtinsones un A.Piperes zinātniskā redakcija, 2021., 608.lpp.

7. Metodiskie norādījumi maģistra darbu izstrādāšanai un aizstāvēšanai. Mācību palīglīdzeklis LLU ESAF akadēmiskās maģistra studiju programmas Ekonomika studentiem, 2021. 29.lpp.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Centrālā statistikas pārvalde. Statistika https://www.csb.gov.lv/lv/statistika
2. Eurostat. Your key to European statistic http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat
3. Latvijas Investīciju un attīstības aģentūra http://www.liaa.gov.lv/lv
4. Latvijas Zinātņu akadēmija http://www.lza.lv/

5. Reģionālās attīstības indikatoru modulis http://raim.gov.lv/lv/riki

Notes

Graduation thesis in the ESAF academic master programme Economics

Atsauksmes