Learning outcomes

Students should be able to:
- identify a research topic and formulate a research question that furthers the knowledge within a field relevant for public administration and 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
- present results of a scientific study to an audience outside of the specific area of expertise.

Contents

- Developing a research project (formulation of research topic and research questions)
- Research methods in theory and practice
- Developing the analytical framework
- Selection and review of literature
- Academic writing: How to write a master?s thesis
- Individual / group guidance through the research topic
- Presentations of own/pair?s/group?s research proposals and results
The students are encouraged to develop their thesis in collaboration with the partner network of the programme and related to the Openlab asignments. The thesis can be delivered in groups, pairs or as article based research as agreed with supervisors.

Teaching methods

Teaching method	Contact	Online
Personal instruction	20 h	0 h
Independent work	690 h	0 h
Seminar	40 h	0 h

Guided readings, lectures and workshops.

Evaluation and evaluation criteria

Numeric 1-5.
The master's thesis is evaluated based on the guidelines of School of Management http://www.uta.fi/jkk/opiskelu/kaytannot/tutkielmat/JKK_gradu%20YL_arviointiperusteet_EN.pdf

Belongs to following study modules