Master's thesis in service leadership in international business (MSERMAS)
The master's thesis is a carefully crafted research project which defines and explores a research question based on original ideas and scientific arguments. The thesis should have a substantial research component and must be written under the guidance of an advisor. The thesis provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate expertise and represents a test of research independence and self-reliance within service leadership and international business.
Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.
Course code
MSERMAS
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
30
Semester tution start
Autumn
Number of semesters
2
Exam semester
Spring
Language of instruction
English
Content
The Master's thesis is an independent, individual, and tutored scientific work. The chosen topic must be relevant to important management and scientific areas within the master's program.
The workload is equivalent to one semester of full-time work, or 30 ECTS, which amounts to a student workload of approximately 750-800 hours. A finished dissertation is usually a monograph of 60 to 80 pages. Two students may cooperate on a thesis, in which case the work should be more comprehensive.
It is also possible to write a thesis in an article format. The article should be publishable in a peer-reviewed scientific journal of good quality.
Learning outcome
A candidate who has completed the course should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge skills and general competence:
Knowledge
After completing the master's thesis, students have:
- advanced knowledge on how to define, present and pursue a topical research question within service leadership and international business
- a thorough understanding of how to develop and conduct a scholarly based work of research
- the ability to identify research questions suitable for a master's thesis
- a thorough understanding of theories and methods that can be used to address the chosen research question at this level of scientific complexity
Skills
After completing the master thesis, students can
- search relevant sources for theories and data that can address a specific research question
- review existing theories and empirical evidence
- organize, summarize and analyze data, present and discuss results
General competence
After completing the master's thesis, students can
- plan and complete an investigation of a practical business phenomenon in accordance with existing norms for research ethics
- demonstrate high-level abilities for critical thinking and reflection
Required prerequisite knowledge
MHR101 Research Methods, MHR102 Strategic Leadership, MHR103 International Marketing, MHR104 International HR Perspectives, MHR106 Service Innovations and International Entrepreneurship, MHR107 Services Marketing
MHR101 Research Methods, MHR102 Strategic Leadership, MHR104 International HR Perspectives, MHR107 Services Marketing, MHR108 Cost and Revenue Management, MHR202 Customer Service Management
Exam
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master's thesis with oral presentation | 1/1 | Letter grades | All |
Master's thesis with oral defense/presentation, is weighted 1/1, where the oral exam is used to adjust grade 1 value up or down.
Coursework requirements
Deliver a written Master's thesis project plan. The plan is subject to oral presentation by the student.
The project plan must be approved in order to proceed working on,- and submit the master thesis.
Course teacher(s)
Tutor:
Truls Eric Johan EngströmCourse coordinator:
Terje Ingebrigt VålandTutor:
Kai Victor Myrnes-HansenTutor:
Tone Therese LingeTutor:
Dag OsmundsenMethod of work
End of November students must submit a paper describing the plan for the thesis. The paper will be evaluated and must be approved before students are allowed to proceed with the dissertation work.
In the spring semester students mainly work together with their advisor.