Objectives and competences
While preparing the master's thesis proposal, the student independently conducts a research on a selected economic or business problem, defining the research question or hypotheses, theoretical foundations, and methodological approach to be applied in the master thesis. Through this process, the student develops the ability to critically analyze scholarly literature, design a research plan, and justify the selected methodological approaches for addressing the identified problem.
Content (Syllabus outline)
- individual/group guiding by the thesis supervisor
- selection of appropriate thesis topics
- posing research questions to define the research problem
- defining aims, hypothesis and limitations of master thesis
- strategy for searching for information sources and reviewing relevant literature
- analysis of existing research on the topic of master's thesis
- defining metodological approach
- defining the preliminary content structure of the master thesis
- preparation of the master's thesis proposal
- participation in a master's thesis seminar within the study field
Learning and teaching methods
- adviser guidance
- independent research
- seminar
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
When preparing the master’s thesis proposal, the student:
1) Analyzes relevant theoretical and methodological knowledge and applies it when selecting the research topic and planning the master’s thesis proposal. (PILO 1a)
2) Evaluates and adapts subject-specific and methodological approaches to address specific professional problems within their area of specialization. (PILO 2a)
3) Independently designs, researches, and critically evaluates a selected economic or business context with an emphasis on innovative research approaches. (PILO 2c)
4) Selects, applies, and critically assesses modern digital and AI-supported methods, tools, and technologies in researching and solving the master’s thesis problem. (PILO 3a)
5) Analyzes and integrates an international dimension into the design of the research problem and methodological approach in the master’s thesis proposal. (PILO 2b)
6) Assumes responsibility for contributing to professional knowledge and practice by developing a research-based master’s thesis. (PILO 3a, PILO 4a)
7) Analyzes, synthesizes, and evaluates ethical, sustainable, and socially responsible aspects within the formulated research problem and proposed solutions. (PILO 4b, PILO 4c)
8) Designs a structured master’s thesis proposal that demonstrates the development of professional competencies, the ability for independent research, and preparation for the thesis writing process. (PILO 2b, PILO 4c)
Intended learning outcomes - transferable/key skills and other attributes
When preparing the master’s thesis proposal, the student:
1) Analyzes relevant theoretical and methodological knowledge and applies it when selecting the research topic and planning the master’s thesis proposal. (PILO 1a)
2) Evaluates and adapts subject-specific and methodological approaches to address specific professional problems within their area of specialization. (PILO 2a)
3) Independently designs, researches, and critically evaluates a selected economic or business context with an emphasis on innovative research approaches. (PILO 2c)
4) Selects, applies, and critically assesses modern digital and AI-supported methods, tools, and technologies in researching and solving the master’s thesis problem. (PILO 3a)
5) Analyzes and integrates an international dimension into the design of the research problem and methodological approach in the master’s thesis proposal. (PILO 2b)
6) Assumes responsibility for contributing to professional knowledge and practice by developing a research-based master’s thesis. (PILO 3a, PILO 4a)
7) Analyzes, synthesizes, and evaluates ethical, sustainable, and socially responsible aspects within the formulated research problem and proposed solutions. (PILO 4b, PILO 4c)
8) Designs a structured master’s thesis proposal that demonstrates the development of professional competencies, the ability for independent research, and preparation for the thesis writing process. (PILO 2b, 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.
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Additional information on implementation and assessment Master’s thesis proposal
