• Code:

THE7LE025 (thesis in Organisational Communication)

THE7LE002 (thesis in Marketing)

THE7LE023 (thesis in Organisations, Leadership and HR)

• Extent: 15 ECTS (405 h)
• Timing: 5-7th semester
• Language: English
• Level: Thesis
• Type: Compulsory
• Curriculum: MUBBA10

Prerequisites

The student completes Introduction to Research (MET2LE030A), which is part one of Research Practices, in the 4th semester.  Thesis work is also supported by Research Methods and Academic Writing (MET2LE030B), which is part two of Research Practices studies, and completed in the 6th semester. The student is expected to complete these courses as scheduled, in the 4th and 6th semester.

Learning outcomes

The student gains practice in independent work and working with company staff and other partners in development projects. The student also gains practice in handling big projects and communicating his/her matter with clarity.

Upon successful completion of the thesis, the student

• is able to identify possible development targets in companies and other organisations.
• knows how to find information on a given topic, and categorise and analyse it.
• knows how to order and read research studies, and news relating to them.
• is able to meet set deadlines and negotiate changes if needed.
• has a command of project work.
• knows how to write a clear report on his or her results, adhering to document standards.

Course contents

• Choice of thesis topic and writing topic analysis in 5th semester
• Preparation of thesis plan during the first period of the 6th semester
• Thesis report and publication at the start of the 7th semester
• Participation in group counselling and presentations with the thesis supervisor as agreed, over the course of the 5th, 6th and 7th semester
• Maturity examination

Cooperation with the business community

The aim is that theses are commissioned by companies or other organisations. The student usually combines his/her work placement and thesis.

Teaching and learning methods

Students spend an average of 405 hours for thesis completion. Students reserve two days free of contact hours during the first period of the 6th and 7th semester for reading up on the literature, group meetings, consultation with the thesis supervisor and preparing the topic analysis.

Contact teachers

Organisations, Leadership and HR:
Taru-Lotta Gumse, Pasila/Olli Laintila, Pasila/Eija Kärnä, Pasila
Marketing:
Olli Laintila, Pasila/Mia-Maria Salmi, Pasila
Organisational Communication:
Heta-Liisa Malkavaara, Pasila
Abstract in English:
Karl Robbins
(other languages by separate agreement)

Learning materials

The student agrees on the thesis topic and methodology literature with his or her thesis supervisor.

METHODOLOGY LITERATURE:
Bell, J. Doing Your Research Project, a Guide for First-Time Researchers in Education and Social Science. 3rd edition. Open University Press, Berkshire and New York.
Gertnesner, H. 2001. Project Management. Assistance Approach to Planning, Scheduling and Controlling, John Wiley and Sons.
Proctor, T. Essentials of Marketing Research. Prentice-Hall.
Schurich J. 2001. Research Method in the Postmodern, Routledge Falmer, London.
Yin, R. Case Study Research: Design and Methods. Sage.
Aaltola, J. ja Valli, R. 2001. Ikkunoita tutkimusmetodeihin I - II. PS-kustannus. Jyväskylä.
Alasuutari, P. Laadullinen tutkimus. Vastapaino.
Alasuutari, P. Johdatus yhteiskuntatutkimukseen. Gaudeamus.
Anttila, P. 2005. Ilmaisu, teos, tekeminen ja tutkiva toiminta. Artefakta 16. Akatiimi oy. Hamina.
Eskola, J. & Suoranta, J. Johdatus laadulliseen tutkimukseen. Vastapaino.
Hakala, J. 2004. Opinnäyteopas ammattikorkeakouluille. Gaudeamus. Tammer-Paino Oy. Tampere.
Heikkilä, T. Tilastollinen tutkimus. Edita.
Hirsjärvi, S. Remes P., Sajavaara P. 1997 (or newer edition). Tutki ja kirjoita. Tammerpaino Oy. Tampere.
Hirsjärvi, S. & Hurme, H. Tutkimushaastattelu: teemahaastattelun teoria ja käytäntö. Yliopistopaino.
Holopainen, M. & Pulkkinen, P. Tilastotieteen perusteet. WSOY.
Toim. Kinnunen, M. & Löytty, O. 2002. Tieteellinen kirjoittaminen, Vastapaino. Tampere.
Koskinen, I., Alasuutari, P. & Peltonen, T. Laadulliset menetelmät kauppatieteissä. Vastapaino.
Lotti, L. Markkinointitutkimuksen käsikirja. Weiling + Göös.
Ruusuvuori, J. & Tiittula, L. (toim.) Haastattelu: tutkimus, tilanteet ja vuorovaikutus. Vastapaino.
Vilkka, H. ja Airaksinen, T. 2003. Toiminnallinen opinnäytetyö. Gummerus kirjapaino. Jyväskylä.

WRITING, GRAMMAR AND STYLE
Itkonen, T. Uusi kieliopas. Tammi.
Iisa, K., Oittinen, H. & Piehl, A. Kielenhuollon käsikirja. Yrityskirjat.
Leino, P. Taitavan kirjoittajan kielenhuolto. Opiskelijan opas. Yliopistopaino.
Research Institute for the Languages of Finland: www.kotus.fi

LIBRARIES AND SEARCH ENGINES
HAAGA-HELIA Library
Helsinki University Library: www.helsinki.fi/helka
Aalto University Library: http://lib.hse.fi
City of Helsinki libraries: www.helmet.fi
Library of Statistics: www.stat.fi/tup/tilastokirjasto

Assessment criteria

The thesis is graded on the scale 1-5. The thesis is assessed by the primary thesis supervisor and another examiner.

The assessment criteria are the following:

Research-oriented thesis

• Thesis topic and objectives: significance and current relevance, research questions, scope and objectives, relevance of topic to companies/organisations
• Thesis framework: sources, background research, concept definition, use of sources
• Research methods: choice of methods, collection and analysis of data
• Results: correspondence of objectives and results, reliability and validity of results, usability and/or novelty of results, analysis and conclusions
• Written expression: balance and consistency, coherence and readability, adherence to report guidelines.
• Thesis process management: planning, implementation, analysis

Product-oriented thesis

• Thesis topic and objectives: significance and current relevance, thesis assignment, scope and objectives, relevance of topic to companies/organisations
• Thesis framework: sources, background research, concept definition, use of sources
• Project planning and implementation
• The product: presentation and assessment of product, usability and/or novelty of results, analysis and conclusions
• Written expression: balance and consistency, coherence and readability, adherence to report guidelines.
• Thesis process management: planning, implementation, analysis

The maturity examination is assessed with regard to both content and language as pass/fail.