Admission requirements
Obtained at least 60 ects of the MSc. ICT in Business
Approval of the Programme Coordinator
Description
The M.Sc. Thesis Research Project concludes the ICT in Business programme. Its primary aim is to allow students to acquire and demonstrate skills and knowledge to independently define, plan and execute a research project. The project is guided by two supervisors, involved in the ICT in Business programme.
The M.Sc. Thesis Research Project can be based on an in-company project, although this is not required. It should build on knowledge and skills acquired throughout the ICT in Business programme and should have a clear focus on creating new knowledge or extending existing knowledge through application in a new domain. For in-company projects it is important that the thesis looks at the in-company project as an example or case-study of a phenomenon that also has relevance outside the specific company. This means that for all thesis projects both academic as well as practical relevance are crucial. The thesis research is a confrontation between scientific theory and a practical problem. The student needs to write a scientific report (thesis) and give an oral presentation explaining the results of the research project.
The research process and reporting should follow strict academic principles, including methodology, adequate use of academic literature, proper referencing, etc. The thesis will have to be presented and defended in a public defense for an examination committee, including the first and second supervisor. The final presentation will take up 30-40 minutes, followed by 30-40 minutes of questioning and discussion.
Course objectives
By the end of the course, the student should be able to show that he/she can:
Execute a scientific research project: make an independent analysis of scientific problems, analysis of relevant specialist literature, formulate verifiable hypotheses, and set up and carry out research and critical reflection on one’s own research and that of others;
Contribute to an unsolved problem;
Present clearly, verbally as well as in writing, one’s own research results;
Communicate with colleagues;
Write a scientific thesis.
Optional: presenting his/her research results as a contribution to a congress or as (part of) a scientific publication.
Process
- Visit the Q&A session
- Find a topic/idea
- Apply at Programme Coördinator by sending your idea in a few lines
- Find a first supervisor and an internship
- Make a proper project proposal
- Start executing the project/writing thesis
- Find second reader
- When green light from supervisor: defence and graduation. Read and follow the rules on “graduation”:http://liacs.leidenuniv.nl/education/iib/applying-for-a-master-diploma/
Mode of instruction
The 1st supervisor supervises the student on an individual basis. The second supervisor will be involved in the process at least two times. In case of an internship: the internship supervisor is responsible for the day to day supervision. There is no masterclass.
Assessment method
Individually written thesis report (no fixed length, rough indication: 60-80 pages)
Oral presentation and defence
The criteria for grading:
the master’s thesis
the oral presentation and defense
Other contributions, such as scientific publications, poster presentations, and conference presentations can also be taken into account. In the final grade, most weight is given to the thesis.
See also Assessment form
Contact information
Programme Co-ordinator ms. Judith Havelaar LL.M