Objectives and competences
The master's thesis is an independent research project through which the student conducts an in-depth exploration of a selected economic or business issue, applying theoretical knowledge, methodologically grounded approaches, and scholarly sources, while advancing competencies in critical analysis, problem-solving, and professional argumentation during the defense before master's thesis committee.
Content (Syllabus outline)
- individualguiding by the master's thesis supervisor;
- research implementation, analysis of gathered data and research synthesis;
- presentation and discussion of main research results in the context of existing studies
- techniques of professional research text writing and preparation, text preparation and editing;
- preparing presentation of the master's thesis
- defence preparation and
- master's thesis defence in front of master's thesis committee.
Learning and teaching methods
- superviser’s guidance
- independent research
- master's thesis preparation
- public presentation and defence of the master’s thesis
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
Student:
1) Analyzes and applies subject-specific and methodological knowledge to design and conduct applied research in the fields of economics or business (PILO 1a).
2) Critically integrates relevant theoretical and methodological knowledge to address specific problems within their area of specialization (PILO 2a).
3) Demonstrates original research design and critically evaluates complex and unpredictable situations that require innovative strategic approaches within their study context (PILO 2c).
4) Applies modern digital technologies and AI-supported methods, tools, and techniques to investigate and solve the research problem addressed in the master’s thesis (PILO 3a).
5) Analyzes and addresses the selected research problem within an international context by applying appropriate knowledge and approaches (PILO 2b).
6) Assumes responsibility for contributing to professional knowledge and practice through the master’s thesis (PILO 3a, PILO 4a).
7) Analyzes, synthesizes, and critically evaluates ethical, sustainable, and socially responsible solutions within the framework of their research (PILO 4b, PILO 4c).
8) Demonstrates professional competence in preparing a research-oriented master’s thesis within their field of specialization (PILO 2b, PILO 4c).
9) Develops and prepares a professionally appropriate and effective presentation of the master's thesis findings (PILO 2b, PILO 3c, PILO 4c).
10) Effectively presents and defends the master’s thesis before an academic and professional audience, using appropriate argumentation and research evidence (PILO 3b, PILO 4c).
Intended learning outcomes - transferable/key skills and other attributes
Student:
1) Analyzes and applies subject-specific and methodological knowledge to design and conduct applied research in the fields of economics or business (PILO 1a).
2) Critically integrates relevant theoretical and methodological knowledge to address specific problems within their area of specialization (PILO 2a).
3) Demonstrates original research design and critically evaluates complex and unpredictable situations that require innovative strategic approaches within their study context (PILO 2c).
4) Applies modern digital technologies and AI-supported methods, tools, and techniques to investigate and solve the research problem addressed in the master’s thesis (PILO 3a).
5) Analyzes and addresses the selected research problem within an international context by applying appropriate knowledge and approaches (PILO 2b).
6) Assumes responsibility for contributing to professional knowledge and practice through the master’s thesis (PILO 3a, PILO 4a).
7) Analyzes, synthesizes, and critically evaluates ethical, sustainable, and socially responsible solutions within the framework of their research (PILO 4b, PILO 4c).
8) Demonstrates professional competence in preparing a research-oriented master’s thesis within their field of specialization (PILO 2b, PILO 4c).
9) Develops and prepares a professionally appropriate and effective presentation of the master's thesis findings (PILO 2b, PILO 3c, PILO 4c).
10) Effectively presents and defends the master’s thesis before an academic and professional audience, using appropriate argumentation and research evidence (PILO 3b, PILO 4c).
Readings
- Sternad Zabukovšek, S., Boršič, D., Tominc, P., & Štrukelj, T. (2020). Navodila za izdelavo pisnih del na Ekonomsko-poslovni fakulteti Univerze v Mariboru. Univerzitetna založba Univerze v Mariboru. https://press.um.si/index.php/ump/catalog/book/497
- Rožman , M., & Tominc, P. (2024). Statistika z raziskovalnimi metodami. Univerzitetna založba Univerze v Mariboru. https://doi.org/10.18690/um.epf.7.2024
- Saunders, M. N. K., Lewis, P. in Thornhill, A. (2023). Research methods for business students (9. izd.). Harlow: Pearson Education.
Prerequisits
Enrollment in 2nd year of the programme and participation at the thesis seminar
Additional information on implementation and assessment - Master's thesis
-Master’s thesis presentation and defense
