From Idea to Bachelor thesis Five lessons

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From Idea to Bachelor thesisFive lessons

• Bjarne Rerup Schlichter, PhD
• Aarhus University

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(No Transcript)
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Plan for the five lessons
Lesson Who? Content
1 Week 12 Full group Welcome, Introduction, plan for the sessions What is a Bachelor Thesis? Structure Elements of thesis Theory, Method and Data Exercise (Elements) homework
2 Week 12 Full group Formal requirements and unfolded structure From ideas to stated problem The pentagon model Exercise (Problem formulation)
3 Week 13 Half group Work with template of thesis Exercise (Student presentations)
4 Week 14 Full group Resources, Tools and Pitfalls References Exercise (References and net)
5 Week 48 Full group Follow up, discussion of students concrete actions
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Week 12 Monday Tuesday Wednedsday Thursday Friday
0800-0920            
0935-1055         Munid-32 34 Lesson 2 /10  
1110-1230       Mun 34 Lesson 1 Mun 33 Lesson 2  
1250-1410       Munid -31 31 Lesson 1   Munid -31 15 Lesson 2
1425-1545            
1600-1720     Munid -32 26 Lesson 1 /10      
Week 13 Monday Tuesday Wednedsday Thursday Friday
0800-0920           Research Seminar
0935-1055         Munid-32-B A-group other activity  
1110-1230       Mun-A B-group other activity Mun-B A-group other activity  
1250-1410       Munid -31-A B-group other activity   Munid -31-B A-group other activity
1425-1545            
1600-1720     Munid -32-A B-group other activity      
Week 14 Monday Tuesday Wednedsday Thursday Friday
0800-0920 ltgirls heregt          
0935-1055         Munid-32  
1110-1230       Mun Lesson 4 Mun  
1250-1410       Munid -31 Lesson 4   Munid -31
1425-1545            
1600-1720     Munid -32 Lesson 4      
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Week 12 Monday Tuesday Wednedsday Thursday Friday
0800-0920            
0935-1055         Munid-32 34 Lesson 2 /10  
1110-1230       Mun 34 Lesson 1 Mun 33 Lesson 2  
1250-1410       Munid -31 31 Lesson 1   Munid -31 15 Lesson 2
1425-1545            
1600-1720     Munid -32 26 Lesson 1 /10      
Week 13 Monday Tuesday Wednedsday Thursday Friday
0800-0920           Research Seminar
0935-1055         Munid-32-B A-group other activity  
1110-1230       Mun-A B-group other activity Mun-B A-group other activity  
1250-1410       Munid -31-A B-group other activity   Munid -31-B A-group other activity
1425-1545            
1600-1720     Munid -32-A B-group other activity      
Week 14 Monday Tuesday Wednedsday Thursday Friday
0800-0920 ltgirls heregt          
0935-1055         Munid-32  
1110-1230       Mun Lesson 4 Mun  
1250-1410       Munid -31 Lesson 4   Munid -31
1425-1545            
1600-1720     Munid -32 Lesson 4      
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From Idea to Bachelor thesis

• Lesson One
• Elements of Thesis

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What is a bachelor thesis ?

• Longer type of written work(25pages)
• Scientific in nature
• Gives a contribution (What is this ?)
• Establishes an argument based on connective
  writing
• Follows a structure defined by the community (Why
  ?)
• It is your master piece of work !
• Practical implications to be a business
  economist

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The purpose of a bachelor project

• The purpose of the bachelor project is to
  document your abilities to identify, formulate
  and clarify a specific problem within business
  administration.
• It involves a working form where, by preparing a
  specific subject field, you work more profoundly
  with a relevant practical problem, than it has
  been possible for you to do during your bachelor
  studies.
• Thus, the study form is primarily to serve the
  following purposes
• To further develop the ability to give an
  independent, systematic and clear treatment of a
  certain topic.
• To train the ability to independently identify
  and analyze relevant problems, including making
  theoretic and empiric analyses.
• To solve a practical problem by a systematic use
  of an appropriate choice of theory and
  methodologies.
• To train the ability to independently acquire and
  handle academic knowledge through independent
  studies of relevant literature, and to cultivate
  the ability to evaluate and briefly account for
  the central elements in a large literature base.

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Elements of a thesis

• Problem (how to identify next lesson)
• Theory
• Method
• Empiricism
• Conclusion

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Problem

• A problem is some thing missing an answer or
  solution in a given context
• What, How, Why, Who
• Do you investigate a problem or just a subject?
• Let us hear some examples of problems
• Can the problem be investigated?
• Is it well-defined and delimited?
• Is it relevant?
• You have to be able to defend your choice of
  problem(including pros- and cons)

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Theory

• A theory is a system of rules (or assumptions) in
  the context of a scientific field
• It can describe, explain or predict the fields
  phenomena and constructs a framework(s) for the
  field
• REMEMBER Is it relevant? Alternatives?
  Limitations? Connections?
• Let us hear some examples of theories
• You have to be able to defend your choice of
  theories (including pros- and cons)

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Method

• A method is a description of the tool, you are
  using to answer your research question.
• REMEMBER A method is not same as a table of
  content
• Let us hear some examples of methods/tools.
• You have to be able to defend your choice of
  method (including pros- and cons)

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Empiricism

• Material on which an investigation is done
• Can be referred to
• Observations. Data. Statements. From the field
• What can empiricism tell you? Are you critical?
  Limitations? Alternatives?

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Conclusion

• Presentation of findings

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Structure (in princip)

• Introduction. RQ and method
• Theory (Concepts and models)
• Method (Collection of data and use of sources)
• Presentation of case (Fact about empiricism)
• Analysis (theory and results, interpretations and
  solving of problems)
• Discussion
• Conclusion
• Possibly Perspectives

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Choice of topic

• You choose the topic yourself for your bachelor
  project however, it has to be within the
  academic frames of the chosen department.
• When determining the topic, it might be a help
• To let yourself be inspired by something you find
  interesting
• To look for potential challenges and conflicts
• To look at changes (before/now)
• Or perhaps to make comparisons
• It might be a help to discuss ideas for topic(s)
  with a possible supervisor for your project.
  Before the deadline for the project announcement,
  you are to formulate a title, which is typically
  only a draft of the problem and does not have to
  be the final problem statement. Your supervisor
  is responsible for approval of your problem
  statement later in the process.

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Homework

• Write down at least 2 suggestions for a topic
  that could be the base of bachelor thesis. Use
  5-10 lines for each.
• Be prepared to present and defend you choice at
  class.

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From Idea to Bachelor thesis

• Lesson two
• From Ideas to stated problem

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From lecture 1

• Components of a thesis
• Problems/Topics for a thesis

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Structure (in princip)

• Introduction. RQ and method
• Theory (Concepts and models)
• Method (Collection of data and use of sources)
• Presentation of case (Fact about empiricism)
• Analysis (theory and results, interpretations and
  solving of problems)
• Discussion
• Conclusion
• Possibly Perspectives

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Structure of the UDF-thesis

• 25 pages (Excluding refs, annexes and statements)
• Structure
• Title page
• Table of content
• Introduction
• Parts (Methodology, theory, arguments, analysis)
• Conclusions
• References
• Annexes
• Statement of plagiarism

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The good thesis.

• We place great emphasis on the assignment work
  being based on a well-defined and well-structured
  problem statement. Also, it is important that
  relevant theories, methodologies, concepts and
  data form the basis of both the phase of problem
  statement and problem treatment, and that a
  reason is given for choice of model and
  methodologies compared to the specific problem.
• The purpose of the bachelor project is to give
  students an opportunity by working in-depth
  with a limited subject area to independently
  demonstrate their ability to formulate a business
  administration issue, select relevant literature,
  process data, conduct analyses, apply
  methodologies, make critical assessments, and
  present solution proposals.
• The bachelor project is assessed by the an
  external examiner based on the report.
• In the evaluation of the extent to which the
  student meets the objectives of the bachelor
  project, emphasis is placed on the students
  ability to
• Identify and describe the issue of the project
• Select theories, methodologies and source
  material that are appropriate for treating the
  issue
• Argue in favour of and account for the solution
  proposals of the project
• Write a well-structured project in clear and
  correct language

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Excellent or just passed?

• Excellent is given for an outstanding performance
  which demonstrates the complete fulfillment of
  the objectives of the bachelor project with no or
  only a few unimportant deficiencies. The
  performance demonstrates the ability to
  confidently select and apply theories,
  methodologies and sources appropriate to the
  issue described, and to analyze, argue and
  conclude on a well-substantiated basis. The
  project report is of high quality in terms of
  both linguistic communication and structure.
• Satisfactory is given for a satisfactory
  performance that demonstrates the minimum
  acceptable degree of fulfilment of the objectives
  of the bachelor project.
• The performance demonstrates the ability to treat
  a problem by using relevant theories and source
  material and some degree of systematic approach.
  However, there are a number of methodological
  weaknesses, and the student does not take a
  sufficiently critical or in-depth approach to the
  source material, and as a consequence the problem
  appears inadequately substantiated. The project
  report meets the basic requirements for academic
  reports but is not tightly structured, and the
  writing skills lack confidence.

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The Pentagon Model
1.What do you ask about? The research question
2.Why do you ask? The professional
purpose Motivation
3.What do you investigate? Data, phenomenon,
empiricism
5.How do you ask? The method of investigation
4. What do you ask with? The tools of the
investigation Theory, concepts, models
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The first part of a report.

• 2) Why do you ask ?
• (Motivation)
• 3) To what do you ask?
• (Empirical base, data)
• 3) Set of problems
• 1) What do you ask about ?
• 4) What are used when asking ? (Theory, models)
• 5) How do you ask ?

• Subject
• Problem
• Problem context
• Problem formulation
• Method

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Subject

• A limited area of concern
• Sets the scene of the investigation

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Subject (Example)

• The company has long time had problems to manage
  a growing a mount of information. For this
  reason the management would like to procure and
  implement an integrated information system to
  assist solving the problem.
• But to harvest the benefits the new system must
  be fully implemented as soon as possible.

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Problem

• A problem is something missing an answer or a
  solution in a given area of concern

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Problem (Example)

• Some of the middle managers of the company are
  concerned on how to fully implement the new
  system technically as well as in the
  organization.

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Problem context

• A problem context is a description of the context
  in which the problem is a part.
• There can be many problems in a give problem
  context.

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Problem context (Example)

• It seems that the technical implementation is
  quite simple, but many employees feels
  un-comfortable to change their way of work. It
  is of especially concern that different
  departments having the same task performing these
  in different ways to day, Also it has been
  observed that the these working procedures are
  not documented and includes a lot of overhead.

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Problem formulation (Research Question)

• A problem formulation is a formulation of one or
  more concrete questions belonging to a problem
  context, that you would like to be answered.
• The problem formulation is an investigation about
  a professional problem
• Investigate, means to analyze, interpret,
  discus, evaluate, argue for or against
• A, means that more problems only can be treated
  in the same report if they can be placed under
  the same hat.
• Professional means that the problem formulation
  must be in the curriculum of the subject
• Problem, means that some thing still is
  un-solved, not solved enough or solved wrongly.
• It is important with only ONE theme and ONE
  problem.

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Problem formulation

• Your problem formulation must be able to be
  formulated short and precise
• Some good reflective questions
• What problem must be solved ?
• What do you wonder about?
• Why is that a problem ?
• Why do you wonder?
• A problem formulation is precise and limited
• Remember that you only have limited resources
  (time, pages, data, funding)
• How can the research question be solved? Do you
  need to have sub-questions?

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Problem formulation

• Who are the stakeholders (why do we need to know
  that ?)
• The author of the report
• The client (a company, the University)
• The unit beeing investigated (the organisation)

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Problem formulation (Example)

• When taking into consideration the issues
  mentioned above the purpose of this
  report/assignment is to investigate how the
  company should plan the implementation of the new
  information system.
• This purpose materializes into four
  sub-questions
• How is the company organized to day ?
• What is the purpose of the implementation?
• How should the implementation be planned?
• What activities should be included and when?

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Some good advise

• The process of problem formulation is not a
  linear process, but rather iterative
• We are often to ambitious - we would like to
  cover every thing
• It is an eternal challenge to limit the problem
  formulation in a way it can fit into the
  resources and boarders we have
• It is an indispensable tool for managing our work

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Homework

• Work with your group of 2-4 student to
  re-formulate your problem formulations.
• Populate the full Pentagon model, including
  methods
• Prepare a 5 min presentation to the lecture next
  week

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From Idea to Bachelor thesis

• Lesson three
• Thesis template

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Agenda

• From last lecture
• The pentagon model
• The template
• Standard phrases
• Prepare YOUR OWN template
• The best way to begin is ---- just to begin, and
  then narrowing down. Just begin to write

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From Idea to Bachelor thesis

• Lesson four
• Resources, Tools and Pitfalls

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The final test

• YES !
• FUN !
• 20 minutes for the test

• Remember
• No talking
• No phones
• No pcs
• No copying of the classmates answers (also They
  could be wrong! )

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Formal requirementsStructure and format

• Size of the paper
• Maximum 25 pages (excluding references, annexes
  and plagiarism statement)
•  
• Structure of the paper
• Title page
• Table of Contents
• Introduction
• Parts (presenting methodology, theory, arguments,
  analysis)
• Conclusions
• References
• Annexes (if applicable)
• Statement on Plagiarism

• Page Format
• Standard A4
• Margins left 3, right - 1,5 cm, top/bottom -
  2cm
• Format 1.5 spacing
• Font 12 pt Times New Roman
• Text alignment justify
• Paragraphs no blank lines between paragraphs
• Footnotes 10 pt Times New Roman
• Graphics included in the body of the paper
• Page Numbers at bottom right.

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Format (Sample) and content

• TABLE OF CONTENTS 
• Introduction .....................................
  ........................2
•  1. PART 1. TITLE.................................
  ....................3
• 1.1. Subtitle.....................................
  ..........................3
• 1.1.1. Subtitle...................................
  ...................................5
• 1.1.2. Subtitle...................................
  .........................6
• etc.
•  2. PART 2. TITLE ................................
  ...................12
• 2.1. subtitle.....................................
  .........................12
• 2.1.1. Subtitle...................................
  ........................14
• 2.1.2. Subtitle...................................
  .......................16
• etc.
•  Next parts (Optional)
• Conclusions ......................................
  ......................20
•  
• References........................................
  ......................21

• Introduction
• The length of Introduction is 1-2 pages. It
  should comprise the following points
• a brief explanation of the problem
• research question including sub-questions
• objective of the paper
• Part 1 should include
• Literature review
• Data and methodology describing the data and
  their sources as well as the methodology used in
  the paper. 
• The next parts should include
• Problem analysis
• Data analysis
• Findings including a comparison with other
  authors findings
• What does the paper add to existing knowledge?
• Does the research lead to recommendations or
  predictions? 
• Conclusion
• The length of last chapter with Conclusions is
  1-2 pages.

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Writing Style
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References

• Why?
• Style Please refer to the Bachelor Thesis
  Guidelines.
•  
• The List of References should include a list of
  works cited in the text, arranged alphabetically
  by author's last names. The title of the book or
  journal should be italicized. Journal articles
  and book chapters should be put in quotation
  marks. Non-academic references should be avoided
  unless they are absolutely necessary.

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Plagiarism

• What is it?
• Why is it a problem?
• How to avoid?

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From Idea to Bachelor thesis

• Lesson Five
• Follow Up