Master’s Thesis as a Development AssignmentLaajuus (5 cr)

Objectives

The goal of the course is to provide students with good skills to carry out a thesis in connection with a development assignment.

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to
• define their thesis within the scope of a development task
• utilize information sources and methods of information retrieval and evaluates the results of information retrieval
• select an appropriate research strategy/approach and methods for the situation
• choose a report structure suitable for the usage situation.

Content

• research strategies/approaches in the context of thesis work
• information sources and methods of information retrieval
• structural options for the thesis

Prerequisites

No prior knowledge requirements

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

The student recognizes information sources and methods of information retrieval.
The student recognizes the most common research strategies/approaches (case and action research, constructive research, innovation research, etc.).
The student understands methods for both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis.
The student recognizes structural options for research reports/theses.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

The student utilizes information sources and methods of information retrieval and evaluates the results of information retrieval.
The student understands the prerequisites and limitations of data collection and analysis methods.
The student selects an appropriate research strategy/approach and methods for the situation.
The student chooses a report structure suitable for the usage situation.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student critically evaluates the sources used and selects those appropriate for the usage situation.
The student justifies their methodological choices.
The student can creatively utilize data collection and analysis methods.
The student interprets and reports research results comprehensively.