ME-523 Master's thesis in innovative governance and public management

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Nordic Master Programme in Innovative Governance and Public Management

Teaching language

English

Course contents

- Developing a research project (formulation of research topic and research questions)
- Research methods
- Developing the analytical framework
- Selection and review of relevant academic literature
- Individual guidance through the research topic

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of their master theses, the student should be able to:

• identify a research topic and formulate a research question that furthers the knowledge within a field relevant to higher education management

• conduct a thorough literature review and present the results of the review in an evaluative manner

• conduct a comprehensive study in accordance with the scientific practices pertaining to the methods chosen, including collecting, analysing and presenting the results in accordance with the ontological and epistemological foundations of the theoretical perspectives employed

• make a well-argued empirical, theoretical, and/or methodological contribution to the chosen research field from a scientific study

• be able to provide implications for practice as well as for future research

• defend the research conducted, and evaluate and discuss other`s research in a constructive and critical manner 

Examination requirements

An individual assignment describing the subject, problem statement, theoretical perspectives and methodological design for the master's thesis must be submitted and approved. The assignment should be prepared with the support of assigned supervisors as well as NORDIG thesis seminars.

Teaching methods

There is no ordinary teaching. Administrative arrangements/guidelines have been worked out for various details concerning the duration, scope, working methods, selected syllabus, master thesis guidance and deadlines of the master thesis.

Students will get master thesis guidance as per agreement with supervisor, participate in seminars and give oral presentations.

Evaluation

The study programme manager, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.

Assessment methods and criteria

The master thesis constitutes 100% of the final grade. A-F grades with E as the lowest passing grade.