ØAADM3100 Strategic Analysis Course description

All compulsory courses included in the master's degree and all three elective courses - total 90 ECTS - must be passed before the student may submit the master's thesis for assessment.

After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student has

• advanced knowledge of a specialised field in the area of entrepreneurship
• in-depth knowledge of theories relevant to the topic of the master's thesis
• in-depth insight into a topic or phenomenon seen from different perspectives
• in-depth knowledge, and application of academic requirements for analysis and written production

Skills

The student is capable of

• delimiting a larger topic or phenomenon and making it the subject of research
• selecting and using one or more methods to explore the problem of the master's thesis
• developing a design for an empirical study
• analysing a data material using theoretical perspectives and concepts
• carrying out a systematic and critical analysis, applying key research principles and providing a clear academic presentation of the results
• assessing research ethics issues related to their own project

General competence

The student can

• read research literature critically and reflectively
• assess issues related to research ethics
• disseminate knowledge and their own research results
• apply research-based knowledge and skills in the work on the master's thesis

After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student has

• knowledge of theory about the business environment
• knowledge of the notion of strategic capability and purpose
• advanced knowledge of corporate, international and business-level strategy
• knowledge of innovation, entrepreneurship and strategic change
• knowledge of organizing, capabilities and resources
• knowledge of methods of strategy development and evaluation

Skills

The student can

• understand and analyze strategic competitive positions in relation to content and context as well as strategy processes
• engage professionally in strategy development, implementation and evaluation

General competence

The student

• has insight into relevant subjects and professional ethical issues
• can plan and execute varied work tasks and projects in accordance with ethical requirements and guidelines
• can communicate key subject matter such as theories and problems and solutions both in writing and orally
• can exchange views and experiences with others with background in the subject area and through this contribute to the development of good practice
• be familiar with innovative thinking and innovation processes

The following coursework requirements must have been approved in order for the student to take the exam:

• Coursework 1: A project plan of 10 pages (+/- 10 per cent) must be approved before work on the master’s thesis begins in the fourth semester. The project plan must describe the literature, the research question and the plan for the thesis. It also forms the basis for the assignment of an academic supervisor.
• Coursework 2: Attending a first mandatory seminar in the beginning of the fourth semester.
• Coursework 3: Attending a second mandatory seminar later in fourth semester.

All required coursework must be completed and approved by the given deadline in order for the student to take the exam. If the project plan is not approved, the student will be given one opportunity to submit an improved version by the given deadline.

The exam in the course is a master's thesis.

The master's thesis is an independent project carried out in groups of two to three students. Students with compelling reasons, for example illness or the need to work individually on one's own business idea, may apply to write individually. Work alongside studies or place of residence is not considered a valid reason for completing the master's thesis individually. Students receive individual and/or group-based supervision for approximately ten hours. This supervision helps ensure that students acquire the necessary knowledge, provides essential quality assurance in the collection and processing of data, and ensures that these activities are conducted in accordance with research ethics guidelines.

The scope of a master's thesis is expected to be between 80-100 pages. For students who have been granted permission to write an individual thesis, the expected thesis is between 60-80 pages. The thesis must be written in Arial or Calibri, 12 points. Line spacing: 1.5. All references must follow APA guidelines. The scope is discussed and agreed in more detail with the supervisor. For theses with a large quantitative analysis component, the number of pages may be less important.

Students are allowed to submit a new or revised master’s thesis once if they are awarded a fail grade. Students who fail the ordinary exam may be given one hour of academic supervision subject to agreement with the supervisor.

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.

Grade scale A - F

All thesis are assessed by one internal and one external examiner.

The exam papers are assessed by one internal and one external examiner.

At least 25% of the exam papers will be assessed by two examiners. The grades awarded for the papers assessed by two examiners form the basis for determining the level for all the exam papers.