The main part of the course is to carry out a scientifically based investigation resulting in a written report, the master thesis. To secure relevant, interesting and valid results, the work must utilize established knowledge as well as generate new knowledge with the help of established theories and methods. The master thesis demands an interaction between theory, methods and empirical facts; thus the student has to be familiar with the academic world as well as with the world of the principal.
As a support the department offers tutoring and a series of seminars during the work. The continuous discussion of the master thesis work with supervisors and in seminars is an important part of the course.
After completing the thesis, the student should be able to:
- Through her/his work identify needs of and acquire deeper knowledge within some areas of Industrial Management
- Through her/his work demonstrate a deeper understanding of current research and development processes
- Independently, critically and creatively plan, formulate, analyze and generate solutions to complex problems within the area of Industrial Management within a specified time frame
- On an advanced level discuss, explain and apply current research, scientific theories and methods that are relevant to the thesis
- Both orally and in writing present the results of the thesis, and provide relevant feedback on other students’ work through opposition
- Describe, analyze and propose changes to work, processes and structures within an organization with regard to work environment and possibly to other social aspects. This also applies when students are involved in a research project or work with a more individually selected problem
- Evaluate her/his work and discuss its conclusions and the possibilities and limitations of engineering compared to economically, socially and environmentally sustainable aspects
- Show the ability to make judgments with regard to scientific method and ethical aspects in relation to her/his own study by discussion theory and results.