Master Module

22M1100

Master

German, English

30.0

winter- and summerterm

1 semester

The Master Module consists of two parts: the thesis (= "Master Thesis") and the colloquium.
It concludes with an examination.

The Master Module is the final stage of the student's studies. It integrates the subject and interdisciplinary learning outcomes of the modules in context of the study program. Through the content-related subject area and the stringent processing of the research questions, the students can demonstrate their scientific and practical competencies in an exemplary manner. In scope and implementation, this module differs from all others of its course of study.

In the course of the Master Module, students work independently on a topic of practical relevance on the basis of relevant theoretical knowledge and, depending on the topic, their own empirical research with the help of adequate methods and techniques of scientific work.

The Master Module includes the identification and agreement of the topic, the development of the design in consultation with the responsible supervisor, the independent writing of the final thesis (= "Master Thesis) and the colloquium. The Master Thesis has to be submitted according to the special part of the examination regulations for the respective course of study, the thesis has a duration of four months and coordination of the topic as well as the preparation for the colloquium each comprise one additional month.

Some Master Theses are written in cooperation with a company / an organisation. The topic coordination research design (provision of data, coordination of internal processes for data protection, etc.) therefore requires an extensive understanding of the specifics of the practice partner. For this purpose, an internship often precedes the research. At the same time the supervising professor and the company have to communicate about the issue of the Master Thesis. If the Master Thesis is not written in direct cooperation, similar intensive preparations have to be made concerning the research design and the chosen sample.

With the Master Thesis, the student demonstrates in accordance with the General Part of the Examination Regulations, that he or she is able to work independently on a relevant problem from the field of the respective subject of the respective course of study independently on a scientific basis.

After submitting the Master Thesis, students prepare for their colloquium. According to the general part of the examination regulations within six weeks after submission of the thesis take place. In the course of the colloquium, the student shall, in accordance with the General Part of the Examination Regulations, demonstrate the ability to interdisciplinary and problem-related issues from the field of the subject on a scientific basis. In the colloquium the graduates demonstrate that they have made well-founded priorities in the thesis, have an understanding of the scientific methods and results, and that they are able to place their own conclusions in complex contexts. Depending on the thematic and in consultation with the first examiner, a short presentation of the results may also be required before the procedure and results of the Master Thesis are presented, also with reference to related topics as well as complex cause-effect relationships are discussed.

The total workload for the module is 900 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

• Final Degree Thesis and Final Oral Examination

Master Thesis: approx. 60-80 pages

Colloquium: in accordance with the general part of the examination regulations

The specific framework conditions and requirements are coordinated between first/second examiners and students.

Adequate specialized knowledge to the object of the study. The knowledge to prepare a scientific work at Master’s level (interdisciplinary knowledge and skills).

Students who have successfully studied this module,

• are able to define the practically relevant operational and management topic and put it in a context.
• are able to identify and develop adequate sources and they can balance critically its solidity.

Students who have successfully studied this module,

• are able to evaluate critically the present knowledge from research and teaching.
• are able to identify ethical implications.
• are able to create a scientific research approach to work on this topic
• are able to defend this approach.

Students who have successfully studied this module,

• are able to prepare a study proposal.
• are able to plan and complete the Master Thesis independently.
• are able to prove their originality and creativity in the application of knowledge.

Students who have successfully studied this module,

• are able to carry out a pilot study on a quantitative and or qualitative basis to support the research approach.
• are able to develop conceptual proposals for action for relevant problems in practice on the basis of scientific findings.
• are able to collect primary data for the Master Thesis and the colloquium using quantitative and/or qualitative data methods, analyze them and use them to solve application-related problems.
   

Students who have successfully studied this module will

• draft research questions, which they pursue within the framework of the final thesis and additionally in the
  colloquium.
• propose concrete ways of operationalizing their research results and justify their choice.
• select adequate research methods with regard to their object of research and are able to justify their selection.
• explain their research results and also include critical aspects.

Students who have successfully studied this module will

• can analyze the data obtained and present them using appropriate techniques in writing in the
  Master Thesis and orally in the colloquium.
• can argue coherently and convincingly, citing relevant, up-to-date, high quality
  cite relevant sources.
• can competently and convincingly exchange ideas in the research field of their thesis.
• can also critically reflect on controversial views and limitations of their Master Thesis.

Students who have successfully studied this module will

• assess their own abilities, make autonomous use of their liberties in terms of  creativity and decision-making possibilities
  and enlarge them under guidance.
• recognize situationally appropriate and cross-situational framework conditions and reflect on decisions responsibly and ethically.
• develop a professional self-image, which is based on goals and standards of professional action
  both in science and in professional life outside science.

The master thesis deals with an individually chosen topic from the course of study.

• Management in Nonprofit-Organisations M.A. (01.09.2024)

• International Business and Management, M.A. (01.09.2024)

• Birnkraut, Gesa

• Birnkraut, Gesa