INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
MANUAL
Rotterdam June 2020
Version 1.0 d.d. 04-06-2020
1
Introduction
You are nearing the end of your studies at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, and now the
time has come for you to write your masterpiece. Maybe you have been looking forward to this
moment, thinking of it as a great opportunity to finally showcase your combined skills and talents.
Maybe you have been dreading this thesis, looming before you as an insurmountable challenge.
Either way, whether you are excited or frightened, you can rest assured that the knowledge and
skills you have acquired at your IB studies are more than sufficient to bring this task to a good end.
Next to that, you can still count on the expertise of your supervising lecturer to help you through
the research process.
Wherever you will end up in your future, we hope you will remember your thesis not as your last
assignment as a student, but as your first step as a professional.
You will have a standard thesis period of approximately 22 weeks from your start date. If you will
experience a delay, that might result in spanning the summer holiday. Be aware then that you have
no right to supervision during the, probably, final weeks of your thesis period.
During the thesis period, you will work on a research assignment for a company of your choice. You
will demonstrate that you have acquired the end level of the programme learning outcomes (PLOs)
and that you are ready to enter the professional field for which you have been prepared. During
the thesis semester, you should resolve a practice-based issue for an organisation that is relevant
to your professional field of International Business. Your role is that of an independent researcher
and advisor/consultant.
This document contains four parts, directly related to the four phases in the thesis process:
The thesis period can be broken down into the following phases, please consult page 5 for a flowchart of the four phases.
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Part A Thesis Application Phase (approximately two weeks)
The first phase is aimed at finding a suitable company and assignment. After you start in this
company your first task is to define the management issue and research objective. How are you
going to solve the management issue by setting up and implementing a research project? You
translate the need for research in the Thesis Application document (appendix 1). For your Thesis
Application document, you need to describe the organisation, the background of the management
issue and the problem itself. You end this document with your preliminary main research question.
If your Thesis Application document meets all requirements the thesis coordinator approves your
application, assigns a supervisor and you can continue with the second phase.
Part B Research Design Phase (approximately six weeks)
In this stage, you will familiarise yourself as broadly as possible with the organisation and the field in
which it operates. You will do exploratory research on the various aspects of your assignment, in line
with the requirements and wishes of the parties involved in the assignment. You will write the
Research Design document based on the above. Assessment of the Research Design document by
the Thesis Committee will result in a Go or No Go for the rest of the thesis assignment.
Your Research Design document helps you to start your research properly. However, it is not set in
stone. Along the way you will develop more insight that could be beneficial to your research and
thesis company. Also, unexpected occurrences may influence your research. This requires you to
reassess your research design and decide on a new course of action. Your supervising lecturer is
there as your sounding board to help you decide on the best course of action.
Part C Thesis Report Phase (approximately sixteen weeks)
This phase will comprise the execution of the research, the formulation of solutions and the
completion of your Thesis Report:
The research stage
In this stage, you will do research in accordance with your Research Design.
The solution stage
You will draw conclusions and proposals for improvement on the basis of the data obtained from
your research. You will weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the various solutions and arrive
at a motivated choice.
The completion stage
In the final version of your thesis your recommendations are prioritized in time and budgeted. Your
findings are suitable to implement at an operational level. You will hand in your Thesis Report, round
off your activities at the thesis company and transfer any matters ensuing from your research.
Part D Thesis Defence Phase
Finally, you will end the thesis period by defending your thesis orally. In this defence, you will further
explain the implication(s) and the implementation of the recommendation(s) you have written for
the company.
Good luck writing your thesis!!!
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The Thesis Process Flow-Chart
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Contents
Introduction...................................................................................................................................................... 2
The Thesis Process Flow-Chart ........................................................................................................................... 4
4
1. General information about the thesis assignment ......................................................................................... 7
Period and length of the thesis period ....................................................................................................................... 7
Goals of Graduation Research Project........................................................................................................................ 7
Programme Learning Outcomes (IB) .......................................................................................................................... 8
Acquiring an assignment ............................................................................................................................................ 8
Requirements Thesis Company .................................................................................................................................. 9
Requirements for the context of your thesis assignment .......................................................................................... 9
2. Organisation of the graduation period ........................................................................................................ 11
The Thesis Coordinator ............................................................................................................................................. 11
The Supervising Lecturer (Supervisor or Thesis Coach) ............................................................................................ 11
The Thesis Committee .............................................................................................................................................. 12
The Final Examiners .................................................................................................................................................. 12
The Client Company and the Company Supervisor .................................................................................................. 12
Handing in your thesis .............................................................................................................................................. 13
A. The Thesis Application Phase....................................................................................................................... 15
B. The Research Design Phase ......................................................................................................................... 19
1.
Description of the organization (indication 1 page) .......................................................................... 19
2.
Problem analysis and Management issue (indication 3 pages) ......................................................... 19
3.
Research objective + sub-objectives (indication 1 page) ................................................................... 20
4.
Main Research question and sub-questions (indication 1 page) ....................................................... 20
5.
Theoretical framework (indication 6 pages) ...................................................................................... 21
6.
Research methodology (indication 4 pages) ...................................................................................... 23
Planning & project risks (indication 1 page) ............................................................................................................. 24
Lay-out requirements ............................................................................................................................................... 25
C. The Thesis Report Phase .............................................................................................................................. 27
1.
Executive Summary (indication of 2 pages) ....................................................................................... 28
2.
Description of the organization (indication 1 page) .......................................................................... 28
3.
Problem analysis and Management issue (indication 3 pages) ......................................................... 28
4.
Research objective + sub-objectives (indication 1 page) ................................................................... 28
5.
Main Research question and sub-questions (indication 1 page) ....................................................... 29
6.
Theoretical Framework (indication of 8 pages) ................................................................................. 29
7.
Research Methodology (indication of 6 pages) ................................................................................. 29
8.
Results, Analysis and Conclusions (indication of 10 pages) ............................................................... 32
9.
Conclusions (indication of 2 pages).................................................................................................... 34
10.
Recommendations (indication of 3 pages) ........................................................................................ 34
11.
Implementation plan (indication 4 pages) ......................................................................................... 34
Lay-out requirements ............................................................................................................................................... 35
D. The Thesis Defence Phase ........................................................................................................................... 37
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Appendix 1. The Thesis Application document ................................................................................................. 38
Appendix 2. The standard thesis contract ........................................................................................................ 40
Appendix 3. Contract conditions ...................................................................................................................... 41
Appendix 4. Assessment Criteria Research Design Document ........................................................................... 43
Appendix 5 Rubric Thesis Report IB ................................................................................................................. 45
Appendix 6 Rubric Thesis Defence IB ............................................................................................................... 49
Appendix 7. Evaluation by the thesis company /company supervisor ............................................................... 51
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1. General information about the thesis assignment
Entrance requirements for the thesis period
Before you start your thesis assignment, you will be expected to meet a number of requirements
that the study programme has stipulated. In other words, for IBM, IBL and IBS:
• You will have obtained at least 110 ECs credits in year 2+3. You are able to prove this by
making an Osiris print out (upload this to Intouch).
• You have obtained all ECs of the year 1 and 2 modules/courses.
• You will have successfully completed the internship.
• You will not have any delay for projects or subjects for which an attendance requirement
applies during the thesis period (such as a minor).
• Your defence can only be planned after you have obtained all other credits in the main
phase except for the thesis.
For IBA/TMA:
• You obtained at least 120 credits in academic years 2, 3 and 4
• You have obtained your 1st year certificate.
• You have completed and passed all Year 2 modules
• You have completed and passed the Year 3 export project
• You have completed and passed the Year 3 placement abroad, including submission of all
associated reports
• You can only do the thesis defence after obtaining all other (154) ECs
All questions regarding thesis can be sent to ibthesis@hr.nl. Deadlines to hand in your application form
this year are 25-09-2020 and 15-02-2021
Period and length of the thesis period
During the thesis period, you spend 22 weeks working on a business problem. The first four weeks,
all students will have a research refresher course. It will not be necessary for you to be present at
the company full time. However, you will be expected to be present at the company on a regular
basis (3 days minimum) to attend substantive consultations and to do research for the thesis
assignment, all of this in consultation with the company.
Situations should be avoided in which you participate in the company just as employees would
do, taking away time from the thesis assignment. You are first and foremost a researcher, not a
regular employee!
There are no school holidays during the thesis period. Agreements on holidays should be made
with your company supervisor. If you experience a delay that will extend your graduation period
over the summer holiday, please bear in mind, you have no right to supervision during the
summer holiday and you should not forget to re-enrol for the next academic year.
Goals of Graduation Research Project
Doing research for a company and writing a thesis is an important element of the IB programme. It
is the way in which you demonstrate your ability to present your ideas in a coherent and wellorganised manner through clear analysis and concise discussion, demonstrating your
understanding of theory and its application in practice.
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During your graduation semester you will work on the following:
•
•
•
To deal with a management problem which needs to be solved by doing independent research.
To clearly and logically describe your approach, analysis, findings, and the recommendations
that follow from your research.
To function as an International Business professional that has graduated from a university of
applied sciences.
A thesis must meet the assessment criteria set by the IB programme. See the rubric in Appendix 5
for the assessment criteria of the Thesis Report and appendix 6 for the assessment criteria of the
Thesis Defence.
Programme Learning Outcomes (IB)
In your thesis five Problem Learning Outcomes of different themes are to be achieved:
Way of thinking (WT)
WT1 Critical Thinking
Use the process of thoughtful evaluation to deliberately formulate a reasonable conclusion.
WT2 Innovation & Creativity
Create innovative ideas in a changing business environment systematically.
Ways of Working (WoW)
WW7 Management of information as a digital citizen
Produce management information from various data sources in an international business
environment.
Living in the World (LW)
LW8 Personal &Professional development
Express reflections on one’s personal development with the aim of personal growth.
Tools for Working & Management (TWM)
TWM 24 Business Research
Analyze a complex business problem in an international business setting with use of an adequate
research design, resulting in an evidence based feasible solution.
Acquiring an assignment
A thesis should at all times be written for an existing organisation. The International Business
related management issue at hand should have an international component. This means that the
company or the assignment needs to have an international element in it. You are responsible for
procuring your own assignment. Companies can be approached by writing an application letter, or
assignments may be found online. Also, you can check the openings available on InTouch directly.
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Requirements Thesis Company
The following general criteria apply when you apply for a thesis assignment with a thesis company:
•
•
•
The organisation will supply products and/or services within the International Business
professional profile for which you are being trained.
The organisation should offer you the possibility to work on tasks and problems that are
representative of the profession for which you are being trained.
You should be given qualified supervision. In other words, your company supervisor must
operate at the level required of graduates from a university of applied sciences in the
professional field for which you are being trained.
•
You are not permitted to work in a company at which a close family member has an influential
position.
•
The organisation must employ a minimum of 8 FTE (in total, not just the branch you will work
for).
•
During the thesis period, time should be created for supervision and reflection by the company
on a weekly basis.
You should be given sufficient opportunity to take part in formal and informal consultation. For
example, through discussions with colleagues, clients, and your manager, and by attending team
meetings.
•
Requirements for the context of your thesis assignment
The following general criteria apply to the context of your thesis assignment:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The thesis assignment should contain an international element. For TMA/IBA the context must
be Asian.
The focus of the thesis assignment should be on a complex and relevant International Business
issue in an organization that meets the requirements mentioned on page 8.
You should be able to identify new developments and assess the impact to the internal and
external environment of the company regarding your thesis assignment.
To answer your research question, you should be able to execute an (international market)
analysis as a basis for your results and recommendations.
You should be able to prioritize your recommendations and formulate an advice on investment
of money, time and energy.
You should be able to present your conclusion and recommendations with conviction to
management and other target groups in order to receive support for execution.
You should be able to manage and regulate your own development with respect to learning,
working in a result-oriented way, taking initiatives and operating flexibly and independently.
Requirements for Rotterdam Incubator Academy
•
•
•
•
•
A running business with a business bank account and cash flow.
An enrolment in the Chamber of Commerce and a legal status
The company must operate internationally, or have plans to do so.
Potential to scale up the business
Wiling to write a thesis within/for your own business
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•
•
•
•
•
An external coach with a BA/MA degree that has a successful business and functions as the
company coach during the thesis.
The external coach must be able to communicate in English fluently.
A finalized minor or study abroad program without study delay.
Participation in the coaching program of the incubator academy and its networking activities.
Willing to sign a learning contract to formalize the commitment of the university and the student
to safeguard the PLOs of IB.
Students that opt for this route must contact Mr. L. Vermeulen (Veljt@hr.nl) and Mr. F. Berkhout
(BerkF@hr.nl) for further information and a selection presentation/interview.
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2.
Organisation of the graduation period
During the thesis period, the following persons will play an important role in terms of ensuring that
the period progresses smoothly: the thesis coordinator, the supervising lecturer, the thesis
committee, the final examiners, the lecturer(s), the company supervisor, and, of course, the student
him/herself. The duties that these people have will be described in this section.
This section will also look at insurance, confidentiality required for theses and rules on leave and
illness during the thesis period.
The Thesis Coordinator
A thesis coordinator has been appointed for the IB study programme. The thesis coordinator has
the following roles and tasks:
• provide information about the thesis period;
• give permission for admission to the thesis period (Osiris check);
• responsible for the assessment and approval of the thesis application and the thesis
assignment;
• allocate the supervising lecturer;
• allocate the first and second examiner/assessor of the thesis;
• resolve any problems that might arise in collaboration with the supervising lecturer.
The Supervising Lecturer (Supervisor or Thesis Coach)
After approval of the thesis application document, the thesis coordinator will assign a supervising
lecturer to each thesis student. You will have contact with him/her about the progress you are
making in the thesis period preferably once every two weeks. The student is responsible for ensuring
that he/she makes appointments for the contact moments with the supervising lecturer. The
supervising lecturer has the following roles and tasks during the thesis period. He/she will:
• be the first contact person for the student where content-related matters are
concerned during the thesis period;
• contacts the company and the company supervisor;
• have a (two-weekly) supervision meeting with the student and comment on
interim products;
• monitor the level of the thesis;
• have a performance meeting with the company supervisor at the request of the company;
• ensure that effective coordination exists between the school and the thesis company;
• is the first contact to help resolve problems that arise;
• check the thesis for plagiarism;
• assess the oral final defence together with the first examiner of the thesis;
• enter the final result in Osiris and upload all necessary forms in InTouch.
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The Thesis Committee
When your thesis supervisor is of the opinion that your Research Design Document is ready for
implementation he/she will submit it to the thesis committee. The thesis committee makes a
motivated Go or No Go decision and communicates this to the supervisor. In case of a No Go
decision the thesis committee also communicates the necessary improvement points to the
supervisor. There is no direct contact between the student and the thesis committee.
The Final Examiners
Two final (external) examiners will be involved in the assessment of the final version of the thesis.
The final thesis assessors are always two other persons than the thesis supervisor. They will be
appointed by the thesis coordinator after the thesis had been handed in by your thesis supervisor.
The assessors are International Business Lecturers who have not supervised the student. One of the
assessors can be an external assessor. The assessors will send their comments to the Thesis Coordinator
within ten working days or two weeks. The first examiner will also assess the oral defence together
with the supervisor.
The Client Company and the Company Supervisor
The client company will allocate you a company supervisor. You will have contact with him/her at
least once per week on the progress you are making during the thesis period. You will be responsible
for ensuring that you make agreements with the company supervisor about the above.
The company supervisor has the following roles and tasks in the thesis period:
• making sure that you are introduced to the organization;
• helping you to learn in the field;
• setting out agreements in a thesis contract;
• functioning as a contact person for the supervising lecturer and for you within the company;
• organizing a weekly supervision meeting and commenting on interim products;
• attending your interim presentation at the company.
To be able to supervise you properly as a student while you are working on the assignment and to
be able to give you an idea of where you might find yourself working in the future, it is important
for the company supervisor to function at the level required of a graduate from a university of
applied sciences at the very least.
The company supervisor will complete and sign the Company Evaluation form (see appendix 7). You
must add the completed, signed form as an appendix to your thesis.
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Insurance
As a student, you will be expected to have your own liability insurance. You will only be able to
submit a claim under the third-party liability insurance (Wettelijke Aansprakelijkheidsverzekering)
taken out by Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences in situations in which your own insurance
does not apply, taking into consideration an excess.
Supplementary insurance is recommended in exceptional cases. If you are going to write your thesis
in the United States, for instance, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences has limited
supplementary accident insurance.
Confidentiality and secrecy
Your thesis will be treated as confidential material. If the company needs an official confidentiality
agreement, the thesis coordinator can provide you with one.
Leave and illness during the thesis period
If you are ill, you must report this to the thesis company or to the company supervisor before the
start of the working day in question. You will also be expected to notify the supervising lecturer of
your illness. In the event of protracted illness, it may be necessary to extend the thesis period. You
must apply for this extension with the thesis coordinator. Always contact the student counselor as
well.
Handing in the Research Design
Your thesis supervisor will send your Research Design for a formative approval (go/no-go) to the
Thesis committee when your thesis supervisor thinks that your Research Design meets the
requirements for a ‘go’. A research design that is ready for approval can be sent by your thesis
supervisor to the thesis committee.
Handing in your thesis
You hand in your thesis:
• your supervisor sends the thesis to the thesis coordinator to: IBthesis@hr.nl
• After both assessors agree on the grade of the thesis, the oral defence will be planned. You
will receive and invite for the defence.
• You will be sent the feedback/grade justification for the preparation of the defence at least
2 days before the defence.
• After a successful defence, when all the grades have been entered in Osiris, you must apply
for your diploma. You can do so in Osiris. More information can be found on HINT.
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Part
A
Thesis Application Phase
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A. The Thesis Application Phase
The first step after your start in the company is to define the management issue and research
objective; what international business problem or management issue needs to be solved and
researched, and to what end? You translate the need for research into the Thesis Application
document (appendix 1). For your Thesis Application document, you need to describe the
organisation, the background of the problem and the problem itself. You end this document with
your preliminary main research question. If your Thesis Application document meets all
requirements the thesis coordinator approves your application, assigns a supervisor and you can
continue with the second phase.
The Thesis Application Document/Form (see appendix 1)
The Thesis Application Document has to be handed in to the thesis coordinator and should contain
the following parts:
Details prospective graduate
Here you fill out the form with your name, student number, telephone number, and desired thesis
period. You may also indicate if you have any preference for a specific supervising lecturer.
Although we try to accommodate you in this respect, we also look at the supervisors’ specializations
and availability, and you cannot claim any rights to your indicated preference.
Company details
Here you provide the contact details of the client company and the company supervisor.
Description of the organisation (max. 1 page)
You need to provide sufficient and relevant details on the organisation (size in terms of staff, sales,
markets, industries, etc.). Make clear in which department you are acting as a researcher, if the
scope of the problem involves the whole organisation or just one department.
Problem analysis and definition (describe in 3 paragraphs/elements)
The problem definition consists of three logically aligned elements: the problem description also
referred to as the management issue, the research objectives and sub-objectives, and the
preliminary main research question:
1. Management issue
Describe the management issue in a natural fashion departing from the perspective of management
(what is the problem, why is it a problem, who has the problem, when did the problem start, where
is the problem located, what caused the problem). You obtain this information from your
preliminary research including interviews with key informants in the organisation and desk
research. The information for the management issue is derived from interviews with relevant
stakeholders of the organisation, and desk research. Differentiate between facts and assumptions.
If you make assumptions, make this clear in your text.
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2. Research objective + sub-objectives
The research objective is phrased using research related verbs such as: examine, identify, analyse,
compare, benchmark, test etc. Also, the sub-objectives should not overlap with one another. They
are also related to the research question and sub-questions.
The following sentence is advised to be used in order to define the research objective:
“This research will be conducted in order to (examine/ analyse/ compare etc.) XXXXXX with the goal
to (formulate an advice/recommendation/find a solution/give an answer/create a product design)
concerning XXXXX.“
3. Preliminary main research question
The preliminary research question should be stated in clear terms. Also, the nature of the question
should be clear, create focus (e.g. descriptive, defining, explanatory, predictive, comparative,
evaluative, prescriptive, trend analysis). Note, this concerns only the first version of your research
question. Your submitted preliminary research question will be mainly assessed by the thesis
coordinator to ascertain whether the company, the management issue, the research objective and
the preliminary research question are logically aligned, and whether they match with the Problem
Learning Outcomes. In the Research Design document, the preliminary research question is further
elaborated.
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Thesis Application Phase (Phase 1) in diagram form
Students will look for a thesis assignment themselves
Companies with >8 FTEs. Presence at the company in consultation with the company.
Requirements for the thesis period
You have attained a minimum of 110 ECs in the main phase.
- You have obtained all ECs of Year 1 and 2.
-You will have rounded off and successfully completed either the internship.
For TMA/IBA see p7.
Formulation of the draft thesis assignment (Appendix 1) in consultation with the company supervisor and,
if needed, with the Thesis Coordinator IB, who will also ultimately approve the assignment.
Hand in the signed Thesis Application document (Appendix 1) to the thesis coordinator
of IB,
accompanied by the contract prepared by the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
(Appendix 2)
- The company will be permitted to provide a supplement to this contract if desired.
- upload all documents to intouch
The thesis coordinator will check both documents and, if approved, will communicate
the name of the supervising lecturer to the student.
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Part
B
Research Design Phase
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B. The Research Design Phase
During the application phase of your thesis you defined the research question by translating the
need for research into the Thesis Application document (appendix 1). In your Thesis Application
document, you briefly described the organisation, the background of the problem and the problem
itself. You ended this document with your preliminary research goal and preliminary main research
question.
After approval of your Thesis Application document, you will continue the construction of your
Research Design (phase 2). You will recalibrate your research goal and main research question. In
the following part we will explain what elements need to be covered in your Research Design
document. You can find the assessment criteria in appendix 4 of this manual.
Your Thesis Research Design needs to follow the outline presented on the next pages.
The design consists of five distinct elements:
1.
Description of the organisation
2.
Problem analysis and Management issue
3.
Main research objective and sub-objectives
4.
Main Research questions and sub-questions
5.
Theoretical framework
6.
Research methodology
7.
Planning and project risks
Be aware that you already formulated a few parts during phase 1 (getting started). Please follow
the recommended structure.
1. Description of the organization (indication 1 page)
You need to provide sufficient relevant details on the organisation (size in terms of staff, sales;
markets, industries, etc.). make clear in which department you are working, describe the
organisations’ product or service, does the scope of the problem involve the whole organisation or
just one department? Choose which information is relevant for the body of the text, and what can
be included in the Appendix of your document. Do not forget to refer to this appendix. State facts
about the organisation and make sure that you refer to the sources.
Evaluation criteria:
It is clear in which organisation and department you are acting as a researcher.
2. Problem analysis and Management issue (indication 3 pages)
Problem analysis (indication 2 pages)
You make an in-depth analysis of the management problem with possible causes, effects, solutions,
examples from other companies / industries, internal and external stakeholders, etc. You do
preliminary research in which you provide evidence (data, facts) based on internal interviews and
desk research. At the end, you define a more specific management issue he or she will focus on in
the research.
To help you to formulate the management issue the following questions serve as help: what is the
problem, why is it a problem, who has the problem, when did the problem start, where the problem
is located, what caused the problem. Differentiate between facts and assumptions. If you make
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assumptions, make this clear in your text.
Management issue (indication 1 page / one decent paragraph)
Describe the management issue you will focus on, departing from the perspective of management.
In your analysis of the management issue you focus on the most relevant aspects in the problem
description, notably:
•
The most relevant trends and developments in the external and internal environment.
•
Possible causes and effects of the problem as well as solutions to the management
issue.
•
The parties in the company that have an interest in the result and in which way (actor
analysis). Please note, only include an actor analysis if it is of added value. You as a
student and the school are not part of the actor analysis.
3. Research objective + sub-objectives (indication 1 page)
The research objective is phrased using research related verbs such as examine, identify, analyse,
compare, benchmark, test etc. Also here the sub-objectives should not overlap with one another.
They are also aligned with the research question and sub-questions.
The following sentence can be used to formulate the research objective:
This research will be conducted in order to (examine/ analyse/ compare etc.) XXXXXX with the goal
to (formulate an advice/recommendation/ find a solution/ give an answer/ create a product design)
concerning XXXXX.
4. Main Research question and sub-questions (indication 1 page)
The research question should be stated in clear terms. Also the nature of the question should be
clear, make the focus sharp, for example descriptive, defining, explanatory, predictive,
comparative, evaluative, prescriptive, trend analysis. The sub-questions should not overlap and are
derived from the main research question. The answering of all sub-questions should logically lead
to an answer of the main research question. Make sure that obvious questions that could have been
answered in your preliminary research phase are excluded. Your first sub-question refers always to
your theoretical framework. You may use the following phrasing to formulate your first subquestion: What can we learn from the academic literature regarding xxxxx?
xxxxx refers to the key conceptual elements of your main research question that will build your
theoretical framework.
Evaluation criteria:
a)
You distinguished between an external background and an internal background
of the management issue (if applicable).
b)
You described the problem in depth: history, internal and external stakeholders,
possible causes, effects and solutions.
c)
You indicate which parties have an interest in the outcome of your research.
d)
The objectives are appropriate for the problem.
e)
The main research question has been derived from the problem description.
f)
The sub-questions are aligned with the theoretical framework.
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5. Theoretical framework (indication 6 pages)
The theoretical framework is an answer to your first sub-question: “What can we learn from the
academic literature regarding xxxxx?”
In this section you describe theoretical approaches, concepts and models that provide the
foundation for your research. You describe what is written in the academic literature concerning
your research topics in relation to your problem statement and research questions.
Your theoretical framework is written in a critical and analytical way. This means that you carefully
distinguish between different theories, models and definitions. You elaborate why these theories,
models and definitions are useful for your research. Your comparative analysis of different
theoretical approaches to your problem field, alludes to commonalities and differences between
the approaches, the evaluation of which motivates your own choice of theoretical approach. You
indicate what theories, models and definitions are leading in your thesis and you motivate your
choice. Please avoid summing up definitions.
You can find suitable sources by searching in academic databases such as ABI/Inform, JSTOR and
EBSCO. You can access these sources via the website of the RBS library
(http://hint.hro.nl/nl/HR/english/services/libraries/). Sources like Wikipedia, the CIA Factbook etc.
are useful to get your search started but should not be referenced to.
It is mandatory to create a conceptual framework which indicates the variables that are used to
examine the research question(s). A conceptual model is not a graph that displays the phases of the
research (the inclusion of which may be useful), but a model that shows the factors,
criteria, indicators, variables you will operationalize in the chapter on research methods. You can
also decide to include at this stage only the concepts you derive from the theoretical framework,
which you are going to operationalize into variables in the methodology, which in turn are
operationalized in the survey or interview. Creating a conceptual model helps the reader to
understand what you set out to do.
Evaluation criteria:
a)
The chosen theoretical frameworks are relevant for the research
b)
You have consulted several international academic sources
c)
You formulated the outcomes of the literature study in a critical and analytical way
d)
You summarised the outcomes of the literature study in relation to your research
questions at the end of this chapter
21
To increase clarity, and structure your observations with regard to your investigation of theoretical
approaches you provide a literature review table at the end of the chapter (example below):
Table 1: Example Literature Review table
Year:
2014
2015
Researcher(s):
Dilip Roy
Alisson R. Johnson,
Matthew Thomson
and Jennifer Jeffrey
2014
Dale Miller
2005
Peter M.Kort,
Jonathan P. Caulkins,
Richard F. Hartl and
Gustav Feichtinger
2014
Jumiati Sasmita
Name study
Dimensions
Identification and
measurement of brand
identity and image gap: a
quantitative approach
1. Brand physique
2. Brand personality
3. Brand culture
4. Self-image
5. Reflection
6. Brand-consumer
relationships
What does brand authenticity
mean? Causes and
consequences of consumer
scrutiny toward a brand
narrative
Brand-building and the
elements of success:
discoveries using historical
analyses
Brand image and brand
dilution in the fashion
industry.
Young consumer’s insights on
brand equity
Critical Reflection
and Conclusion
1. Likely nature of authentic
objects
2. Heritage
3. Tradition
1. Entrepreneurial
2. Professional
1. Brand image
2. Brand dilution
3. Brand integrity
1. Brand association
2. Brand loyalty
3. Brand awareness
4. Brand image
22
6. Research methodology (indication 4 pages)
It is important that you describe your research activities systematically. It also needs to be crystal
clear what you will propose to do and how your methods are linked to your problem definition and
your theoretical framework. You need to demarcate the meaning of the research related concepts
you use in the context of your thesis. 1 You find these and many other sources in the databases of
the library of the HR.
Data collection
You have to make clear what activities you will undertake in order to collect data and why. If
obtained from secondary sources, then explain from what type of sources and explain why you think
these sources are the most valid and reliable sources for your research. Please note that your
literature review for the theoretical framework is not part of your data collection – data collection
refers to the collection of empirical data.
If you collect primary data, indicate from whom you will collect your data. Describe your sample
plan in detail. What sampling frame applies? How many respondents do you require? What kind of
sampling method do you propose and motivate why? How will you recruit your sample? What kind
of difficulties do you foresee? How will you try to mitigate these?
Data collection methods
If you propose to interview individuals, you need to describe your interview method and properly
derive topics and questions from your problem definition and theoretical frameworks
(operationalization).
If you propose to observe, then clearly describe your observation method, what kinds of behaviour
will you be observing, how, when, in what setting? Also, here you link the method to your problem
definition and theoretical frameworks.
If you propose to survey individuals, then describe if you will use an existing questionnaire and
modify it or if you will design one specifically for the organization. If so, describe the
operationalization of your variables into survey items. If you do desk research, indicate clearly the
sources you plan to use, as well as the key words and search strings you used.
Data analysis
You need to explain what you will do with the data. Describe the process that you will use. Make
sure that you explain what steps you will take to enhance the quality of your data set.
For qualitative data analysis, explain if you want to make comparisons (prepare a table with
respondents and topics and compare responses) or uncover hidden patterns (for example coding
specific parts of the data, cross cutting through the data set and developing a conceptual
framework)?
For quantitative data analysis explain what kind of analysis you will run and why? At minimum you
need to include some descriptive analysis such as the mean, standard deviation / variance, median,
modus, and a frequency table. In addition, you may want to run some inferential statistics (e.g.
correlations, cross tabs, regression analysis). In any case, make sure to create and include some
telling graphs.
E.g. you can use your textbook of Burns and Bush, Marketing Research (2014), Verhoeven (2015), or Saunders,
Thornhill and Lewis (2019) .
1
23
To conclude, it is mandatory to discuss all the points in the table below per field research sample.
You do not need to write a corresponding text - it suffices to use the table below.
Do not forget to explain how you will ensure that your research is credible; explain the main
reliability and validity issues that you might encounter in realistic terms and what you will do to
mitigate negative impacts.
Sample selection field research
Data collection instrument
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Data analysis
•
•
Population definition
Sampling criteria
Sampling method
Sample size
Recruitment method
what instrument
(survey/interview)
operationalization
Validity: operationalization
of the variables from the
conceptual framework
Reliability: phrasing of
questions
Quantitative/qualitative?
Data analysis method (in
steps)
Evaluation criteria research methods:
a)
The research method chosen is appropriate for the problem definition and the
research questions.
b)
The data collection methods have been described and have a logical connection
with the problem definition and sub-questions.
c)
Transparent and systematic description of the methods for data collection and
data analysis.
d)
You describe how the results obtained from the research will be analysed.
e)
You show that feasibility, validity and reliability are safeguarded.
It should be crystal clear what you will be doing to collect your data and why!
Planning & project risks (indication 1 page)
It is essential to make a planning at the beginning of your project. You need to provide a planning
in the Research Design. In the final thesis attach the planning from the Research Design to the
appendix. Your planning schedule provides an insight into what you will do, when and with whom,
where appropriate. It contains all of the actions necessary to implement the research that you have
described. The planning should be realistic and shows that the thesis deadline is feasible.
Also identify possible risks, which may impede a successful implementation of your research.
Propose contingencies for dealing with these.
Evaluation criteria:
a)
The planning contains all relevant research activities.
b)
The planning is feasible.
c)
You described a realistic risk assessment and contingencies for managing these risks.
24
Reporting
Your thesis Research Design is in line with the guidelines on reporting. Needless to say is that you
use APA referencing, your grammar and spelling is flawless, and that the lay-out is appropriate.
Evaluation criteria:
a)
The writing style is coherent.
b)
The grammar and spelling is correct.
c)
APA referencing and source knowledge is properly used.
Appendices
Materials mentioned in the body of your Research Design document.
Finally
When you have finalised your research design and your supervising lecturer thinks it is sufficient,
your supervising lecturer hands it in to the thesis committee for a go/no go assessment.
This is a formative assessment and has no formal consequence for the final grade.
Lay-out requirements
Make sure that your research design follows the stipulated lay-out requirements outlined below:
Cover page
Needs to state the following:
• Title
• Student name, student number
• Name of supervisor and company supervisor (remember to include title!)
• Date of submission
Table of Contents
General:
• Chapters and sub-chapters are numbered (the reference list is not to be numbered)
• All graphs, tables, figures and photos are numbered, fit within the margins and are
captioned.
• Font: Calibri 11 points, margins 2.5 cm on all sides (this should apply to figures and
tables).
• Distance between lines 1.15
• References formatted following APA 7th edition (applies to both in-text and references)
• Allow for only 1 space between paragraphs (this means incorrect “half paragraphs”,
where only a line break is present, needs to be avoided)
Language
Spelling and grammar must be flawless. The text should be easy-to-read and written in a businessprofessional or academic style.
25
Part
C
Thesis Report Phase
26
C. The Thesis Report Phase
This phase lasts approximately sixteen weeks. The elements below are in line with the research
design that you made at the start. The research design is a vital part of your thesis. You start writing
your thesis from day one yet you need to review and re-evaluate the first chapters of your thesis
(i.e. your research design) once you implemented the research: adjustments may be necessary.
Good luck writing your Thesis Report! Please consult page 4 for a flow-chart of the thesis procedure.
The Thesis Report
This stage entails executing the data gathering and analysis that provides the basis for the final
conclusions, and enables you to make recommendations.
The starting point for the final thesis is the Research Design document, in which you have stated your
approach to data collection and data analysis. Assessment of the final thesis report will account for 80%
of the total thesis grade (the other 20% is for the Thesis Defence).
Whereas the idea is that you implement your research as outlined in the Research Design, it is likely
that you develop more insight along the way, that may impact on the way you wish to conduct your
project. You might also need to reassess your approach because of unexpected developments. Your
supervising lecturer is there as your sounding board to help you decide on the best course of action.
Your supervising lecturer is there as your sounding board to help you decide on the best course of
action.
You conclude your thesis project with the implementation of the research as outlined in the first
chapters of your thesis. At the end of this phase, you will be able to answer the sub-questions and
the main question of your thesis.
The following will explain what elements need to be covered in the final thesis report. Find the
assessment criteria in the Thesis Report Rubric (Appendix 5 of this manual).
The thesis report must follow the outline presented on the next pages and consist of seven distinct
elements:
1.
Executive Summary
2.
Description of the organisation
3.
Problem analysis and management issue
4.
Research Objective
5.
Research Question
6.
Theoretical Framework
7.
Research Methodology
8.
Research results
9.
Conclusions
10.
Recommendations
11.
Implementation plan
Be aware that you have already written chapters 2-7 during the Research Design phase. Please
follow the recommended structure.
27
1. Executive Summary (indication of 2 pages)
The executive summary is of great significance to the thesis report. The management summary
should introduce and discuss the company, the research issue, the research objective and research
question, the answer to the research question and the most significant research results and
conclusions. The focus should be on conclusions and recommendations. After reading this
summary, the reader should have a clear picture of the entire report/thesis.
2. Description of the organization (indication 1 page)
You need to provide sufficient relevant details on the organisation (size in terms of staff, sales;
markets, industries, etc.). Make clear in which department you are acting as a researcher, does the
scope of the problem involve the whole organisation or just one department? Choose which
information is relevant for the body of the text, and what can be included in the Appendix of your
document. Do not forget to refer to this appendix. State facts about the organisation and make
sure that you refer to the sources.
3. Problem analysis and Management issue (indication 3 pages)
Problem analysis (indication 2 pages)
You make an in-depth analysis of the management problem with possible causes, effects, solutions,
examples from other companies / industries, internal and external stakeholders, etc. You do
preliminary research in which you provide evidence (data, facts) based on internal interviews and
desk research. At the end, you defines a more specific management issue he or she will focus on in
the research.
To help you to formulate the management issue the following questions serve as help: what is the
problem, why is it a problem, who has the problem, when did the problem start, where the problem
is located, what caused the problem. Differentiate between facts and assumptions. If you make
assumptions, make this clear in your text.
Management issue (indication 1 page / one decent paragraph)
Describe the management issue you will focus on, departing from the perspective of management.
In your analysis of the management issue you focus on the most relevant aspects in the problem
description, notably:
•
•
The most relevant trends and developments in the external and internal environment.
Possible causes and effects of the problem as well as solutions to the management issue.
•
The parties in the company that have an interest in the result and in which way (actor
analysis). Please note, only include an actor analysis if it is of added value. You as a
student and the school are not part of the actor analysis.
4. Research objective + sub-objectives (indication 1 page)
The research objective is phrased using research related verbs such as examine, identify, analyse,
compare, benchmark, test etc. Also here the sub-objectives should not overlap with one another.
They are also aligned with the research question and sub-questions.
The following sentence can be used to formulate the research objective:
This research will be conducted in order to (examine/ analyse/ compare etc.) XXXXXX with the goal
to (formulate an advice/recommendation/ find a solution/ give an answer/ create a product design)
concerning XXXXX.
28
5. Main Research question and sub-questions (indication 1 page)
The research question should be stated in clear terms. Also the nature of the question should be
clear, make the focus sharp, for example descriptive, defining, explanatory, predictive,
comparative, evaluative, prescriptive, trend analysis. The sub-questions should not overlap and are
derived from the main research question. The answering of all sub-questions should logically lead
to an answer of the main research question. Make sure that obvious questions that could have been
answered in your preliminary research phase are excluded. Your first sub-question refers always to
your theoretical framework. You may use the following phrasing to formulate your first subquestion: What can we learn from the academic literature regarding xxxxx?
xxxxx refers to the key conceptual elements of your main research question that will build your
theoretical framework.
6. Theoretical Framework (indication of 8 pages)
The theoretical framework is an answer to your first sub-question: “What can we learn from the
academic literature regarding xxxxx?” In this section you describe the main theories, models and
definitions that form the foundation of your research. Describe what is written in the literature
concerning your research topics in relation to your problem statement and research questions.
The theoretical framework will be written in a critical and analytical way. This means that it carefully
distinguishes between different theories, models and definitions. Elaborate on why these theories,
models and definitions are useful for your research. Please avoid summing up definitions.
At the end of the chapter, provide a brief overview of the main findings in the chapter and a
transition to the next chapter.
This chapter has the following purposes: to identify variables and relations you want to or need to
include in your empirical research. Against this backdrop (of the outlined aim of the theoretical
framework), please beware of choosing models and/or theoretical approaches that are too generic
and do not help you to determine and demarcate the variables you need to examine (such as PESTLE
or the Five Forces of Porter). Please reflect on the changes to the theoretical framework that might
have occurred in the course of the research.
Find suitable sources by searching in academic databases such as ABI/Inform, JSTOR, EBSCO,
Euromonitor, and Marketline. Access these sources via the RBS library website
(http://hint.hro.nl/nl/HR/english/services/libraries/). Sources like Wikipedia, the CIA Factbook etc.
are useful to get your search started but should not be referenced.
It is mandatory to create a conceptual framework which indicates the variables that are used to
examine the research question(s). A conceptual model is not a graph that displays the phases of the
research (the inclusion of which may be useful), but a model that shows the factors, criteria,
indicators, variables you will operationalize in the chapter on research methods. You can also
decide to include at this stage only the concepts you derive from the theoretical framework, which
you are going to operationalize into variables in the methodology, which in turn are operationalized
in the survey or interview. Creating a conceptual model helps the reader to understand what you
set out to do.
7. Research Methodology (indication of 6 pages)
It is important that you describe your research activities systematically. It needs to be crystal clear
what you propose to do and how your methods are linked to your problem definition and your
theoretical framework. You need to demarcate the meaning of the research related concepts you
29
use in the context of your thesis. 2 You find these and many other sources in the databases of the
library of the HR.
Data collection
You have to make clear what activities you will undertake in order to collect data and why. If
obtained from secondary sources, then explain from what type of sources and explain why you think
these sources are the most valid and reliable sources for your research. Please note that your
literature review for the theoretical framework is not part of your data collection – data collection
refers to the collection of empirical data.
If you collect primary data, indicate from whom you will collect your data. Describe your sample
plan in detail. What sampling frame applies? How many respondents do you require? What kind of
sampling method do you propose and motivate why? How will you recruit your sample? What kind
of difficulties do you foresee? How will you try to mitigate these?
Data collection methods
If you propose to interview individuals, you need to describe your interview method and properly
derive topics and questions from your problem definition and theoretical frameworks
(operationalization).
If you propose to observe, then clearly describe your observation method, what kinds of behaviour
will you be observing, how, when, in what setting? Also, here you link the method to your problem
definition and theoretical frameworks.
If you propose to survey individuals, then describe if you will use an existing questionnaire and
modify it or if you will design one specifically for the organization. If so, describe the
operationalization of your variables into survey items.
Data analysis
You need to explain what you will do with the data. Describe the process that you will use. Make
sure that you explain what steps you will take to enhance the quality of your data set.
For qualitative data analysis, Regarding the analysis of qualitative data, it is mandatory to explain
step by step what you do in order to derive meaningful information from the collected data
(transcripts; axial/thematic coding; clustering...). It is mandatory to make transcripts, regardless of
the language the interviews were taken in. To give an example for grounded theory:
1. Provide transcripts in the Appendix and refer to them in main text.
2. Open coding. Add codes to the text. Summarise one piece of text in one word: greenhouse
gases.
3. Axial coding. Combine the open codes to axial codes which group the open codes. Greenhouse
gases and biodiversity may be combined in the code sustainability.
4. Selective coding. Try to relate the codes, for instance causes and effects. Both the increase in
greenhouse gas emissions and the loss in biodiversity and soil fertility are due to animal
husbandry. This a threat for food production for future generations.
E.g. you can use your textbook of Burns and Bush, Marketing Research (2014), Verhoeven (2015), or Saunders,
Thornhill and Lewis (2019) .
2
30
In the main text you may summarise the respective codes in tables. The coding is shown in the
Appendix. Finally, you can present the results in the main text: a summary comparison table or
mind map together with supporting text including quotes.
For quantitative data analysis explain what kind of analysis you will run and why? At minimum you
need to include some descriptive analysis such as the mean, standard deviation / variance, median,
modus, and a frequency table. In addition, you may want to run some inferential statistics (e.g.
correlations, cross tabs, regression analysis). In any case, make sure to create and include some
telling graphs. With regard to quantitative descriptive analysis of survey data, it is mandatory /
recommendable
1. to analyse / provide information on the success of the recruitment process: number
of either surveys, observations or structured interviews (divided by e.g. location, recruitment
method), response rates, analysis of representativeness. possible biases.
2. to analyse / provide descriptive statistics for the variables used in the analysis. These measures
include central tendency and variability measures, number of observations, minimum and
maximum depending on the measurement levels of the variables. Charts may substitute the
statistics. If these are not yet known in the RD phase they can be added in the report.
It is recommendable to add bivariate analysis comparing groups or relating variables. If
possible, determine the significance of the bivariate relations. Note that graphs and crosstabs are
powerful ways of investigating bivariate relationships and illustrating your results.
It is mandatory to document all material created and used for the data analysis and include it in the
appendix (that refers to transcripts, coding in all respective phases, interview questions, cluster
tables, survey items, tables that explain the operationalization of variables).
On top of this, business models are also made up of steps. Ensure that you make visible that you
followed those steps. Mulders (2010) has a very good summary of steps in various management
models. For instance, if it takes 10 steps to define personas, make clear that the 10 steps are
followed one way or the other.
When you use secondary data (desk research) for your research (i.e. for instance academic
articles, market reports, selected chapters from advanced textbooks, whitepapers) you need to
provide a clear and comprehensive overview of the sources you intend to use (including the title of
the report/book/article, the author or authors, date of publication and the name of the
publisher that published the book or the journal in which the article/report was published) as well
as a well substantiated justification as to why you deem these sources to be valid and
reliable. More specifically it is imperative that you indicate clearly and in a structured way how
these secondary sources will help answer the research question. Furthermore, you need to provide
an overview of the search terms and search strings you have used to retrieve these specific sources
as well as any other search terms/strings you plan on using for retrieving additional sources.
To conclude, it is mandatory to structure the chapter on methods per sub-question, i.e. name all
the sub-questions one by one and indicate what method you use to collect the corresponding
data.
If you do desk research, indicate clearly the sources you plan to use, as well as the key words and
search strings you used. Per field research sample, discuss all the points in the table below. You do
not need to write a corresponding text - it suffices to use the table on the next page.
31
Do not forget to explain how you will ensure that your research is credible; explain the main
reliability and validity issues that you might encounter in realistic terms and what you will do to
mitigate negative impacts.
Sample
selection
research
field
•
•
•
•
•
Data collection instrument
•
•
•
•
Data analysis
•
•
Population definition
Sampling criteria
Sampling method
Sample size
Recruitment method
what
instrument
(survey/interview)
operationalization
Validity: operationalization of
the variables from the
conceptual framework
Reliability:
phrasing
of
questions
Quantitative/qualitative?
Data analysis method (in
steps)
Be aware that this chapter states what you have done, and not what you intended to do as
described in your Research Design phase. This also means that the chapter is written in past tense.
It is most likely that you have slightly or fundamentally adjusted your methodological approach
during the project: in the thesis report, describe and discuss these changes – what did occur and
what did you do.
8. Results, Analysis and Conclusions (indication of 10 pages)
In this section, you present the results of your research per sub research question. Subsequently,
you analyse the results per sub research question and, based on the results, you draw conclusions
per sub question. Thus, name the sub research questions one by one and discuss the results, the
analysis and the conclusion in clearly demarcated paragraphs. Make sure that all the field research
questions are answered by the results of your research data. Describe the outcomes of your
interviews, observations, questionnaires in a logical and comprehensive way. When presenting the
data, answer the sub-questions of your research and provide an explanation of the data. For
quantitative data, use tables and figures to present your results when appropriate. Do not forget
to give an explanation of these graphs in the text. When presenting qualitative data, include
quotations from the interviews that were conducted to support the claims being made. Make sure
to code the respondent and not to reveal his or her identity.
When analyzing your research results you show that you can interpret the research results / data
in the light of the sub-questions and the literature study. When analyzing the research results /
data you make a clear link with the checked literature. You provide insights into the extent to
which the results found by you correspond or deviate from the literature / theoretical framework.
Every sub-question will be translated into a paragraph title and each section has a small
introduction (what are you going to present to the reader?), core (Analysis and presentation of
32
research data that answer the SQ.) and a conclusion. You may exclude the literature question
here though, since you discussed it, including results and conclusions, in the theoretical
framework.
Tips:
• include sufficient references to sources including interviewees (e.g. interviewee 1), survey
and observation outcomes (own data from survey, See Graph … or Appendix …).
• Make clear how primary research was actually carried out: sample sizes, possible sample
bias, response rates, and representativeness.
• Make sure you answer the research questions and focus on them. Make a distinction
between nice to know and necessary to know. E.g. don’t go through all items of the
survey.
Your assessors do not have to read appendices: the main output incl. graphs and tables should
be in main text.
Example:
In the following paragraphs, the results of the research are discussed per sub question.
Subsequently, the results are analysed and conclusions are drawn per sub question:
SRQ 2: What are the needs of readers of very exciting travel logs?
Results
The survey results show that 70% of the readers of very exciting travel logs want more statistical
information about destinations, preferably presented in info-graphs.
Analysis
Comparing the results of the survey to the results of the trend analysis (SRQ 1), the survey
seems to confirm a general trend in the industry – users of very exciting travel logs have a strong
preference for info-graphs, yet – and that seems to contradict the findings of the trend analysis –
with the limitation that the desired info-graphs should always include a reference to the sources
used in order to increase credibility.
Conclusion
In future editions of very exciting travel logs, Travel Light should include more info-graphs which
clearly indicate the sources used.
Research credibility
At the end of this chapter, discuss the discuss the limitations of the research project. Focus on
the limitations of the project in relation to the execution stage of the research. You planned, for
example, to collect data from 350 survey respondents, but ended up with 50 respondents, so
what does that mean for the credibility of the results? OR You sent out 70 invitations to
participate in in-depth interviews but ended up with a response rate of 4, et cetera, et cetera….
33
Evaluation criteria:
a) Data from primary and secondary research are used to present the results of the research.
b) Quality of Tables, Figures and other tools to present data.
c) Clarity on the research activities that produced the results.
d) Organisation of the presentation of the results.
e) Critical evaluation of the limitations of the research.
9. Conclusions (indication of 2 pages)
In this chapter you present the conclusions to the main research question. These conclusions
logically derive from the analysis, results and sub-conclusions that were presented in the former
chapter. You describe an overarching conclusion that is followed by recommendations for the
organisation. Whereas it may be useful to refer to the conclusions drawn regarding individual SRQ,
you should not summarize these findings again.
10. Recommendations (indication of 3 pages)
In the recommendations, assess a variety of options to solve the management issue. For each of
the options you are expected to discuss the pros and cons, taking into account operational, strategic
and financial implications. Also assess the feasibility of the options proposed using the knowledge
of internal processes and corporate culture. Finally, select the best option(s) based on your
thorough assessment.
11. Implementation plan (indication 4 pages)
The purpose of this chapter is to explain how the recommendations presented in chapter 10 will be
implemented within the organisation. In other words, this chapter is a roadmap for the thesis
company, describing feasible and actionable steps for implementation. These elements follow from
what needs to be done (the recommendations) and explain “how” it needs to be done. In order to
prove the feasibility of the implementation plan, a financial overview (Profit & Loss) related to the
proposed steps (e.g. increased sales and decreased costs leading to more profit or less loss) has to
be presented as well.
11.1 Implementation activities
Carefully think about the best way to present the steps to take. You order these steps in terms of
large versus smaller actions, time sequenced, in terms of their impact.
11.2 Financial implications
Present an overview of the costs involved with the implementation of the activities. Make sure that
you first research these costs (and their resource bases) and that you explain your reasoning.
Apart from the costs involved also provide a calculation on the benefits of your actions. You can
present this in a Profit & Loss statement. This also ay be cash flow statement. More appropriate for
limited (investment) projects.
11.3 Risks
Be specific with regards to the risks of the solution that you offer but also of the obstacles that
might be encountered in the implementation. Offer tentative solutions to mitigating these
obstacles.
11.4 Timeline
Provide a timeline with short, mid and long-term actions. Explain interdependencies of actions.
34
Evaluation criteria:
a) Drawing recommendations from the conclusions
b) Formulating practical and viable recommendations for the client, as a logical result of the
conclusions
c) Determining and analysing the impact of the recommendations for all functional areas of the
organisation
d) Outlining an implementation plan that takes into account the resources of the organisation, both
financial and other
e) Detailing the actions to be taken by the organisation at the short, middle and long term
f) Describing the associated risks and the currently most viable mitigation plan
Lay-out requirements
Make sure that your thesis follows the stipulated lay-out requirements outlined below:
Cover page
Needs to state the following:
• Title of the thesis
• Student name, student number
• Name of supervisor and company supervisor (remember to include title!)
• Date of submission
Executive summary
Table of Contents
General:
• Chapters and sub-chapters are numbered (the reference list is not to be numbered)
• All graphs, tables, figures and photos are numbered, fit within the margins and are
captioned.
• Font: Calibri 11 points, margins 2.5 cm on all sides (this should apply to figures and
tables).
• Distance between lines 1.15
• References formatted following APA 7th edition (applies to both in-text and references)
• Allow for only 1 space between paragraphs (this means incorrect “half paragraphs”,
where only a line break is present, needs to be avoided)
Word Count
Maximum length thesis report: 17.500 words, excluding Cover page, Table of Contents, Reference
List and Appendices.
Language
Spelling and grammar must be flawless. The text should be easy-to-read and written in a businessprofessional or academic style.
Do not forget to add the company evaluation in your appendices!
35
Part
D
The Thesis Defence
36
D. The Thesis Defence Phase
Oral Thesis Defence
When both final assessors evaluate your thesis report as sufficient (see appendix 5), you are invited
to defend your thesis (see appendix 6). During the oral defence you will reflect and demonstrate
what you have learned during your thesis period. Discuss your development, learning process, and
how your personal and professional traits effected the thesis writing process. Based on feedback
provided by the assessors AND the company supervisor, you should critically reflect on:
o the research process, literature review, methodology used, and the findings/outcomes as well
as the feedback from the assessors, whereby you need to indicate what went well and what you
would do differently next time;
o the professional development during the research in terms of professional attitude,
taking initiative, result orientation, flexibility and independent operation taking into
account organisational, social, and cultural situations;
o prospects for the future professional career, taking into account the described qualities
and development areas.
•
The procedure of the Thesis Defence:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Thesis has been approved by assessors.
Supervisor is notified by and receives rubrics from coordinator.
Supervisor informs student that his/her thesis was approved and forwards rubrics yet
without grades. The student can use the feedback of the assessors in order to prepare the
presentation.
Supervisor arranges a date of presentation with student and with the internal assessor.
Supervisor notifies coordinator via online form of arranged date.
Coordinator sends invite to participants.
Supervisor, internal assessor and student meet for presentation.
 The presentation:
o Supervisor or internal assessor welcome the student and explain the procedure.
o The student gives the presentation which lasts ca. 20-25 minutes, 5 minutes on the
project, 15-20 minutes on the reflection.
o The assessors (supervisor and internal assessor) ask questions: max. 15 minutes.
o Student is asked to leave the room.
o Assessors discuss the presentation and agree on a grade.
o Assessors ask student to return and give grade of thesis as well as of defense.
o Supervisor enters grade in Osiris. Student must not exmatriculate but stay enrolled until
he/she receives diploma.
o In case the presentation was not satisfactory, a new date (2 weeks later) is agreed upon
for a re-examination.
For an explanation of the assessment criteria please consult the Thesis Defence rubric (appendix 6)
Please note that the thesis defence should NOT be a summary or recap of the thesis report.
Emphasize the recommendation(s) and the practical implications of this/these recommendation(s)
for the organisation.
Good luck with your Thesis Defence!
37
Appendix 1. The Thesis Application document
Please complete this document and hand it in to the Thesis Coordinator accompanied by a recent Osiris
printout
DETAILS PROSPECTIVE GRADUATE:
Name
Student number
Telephone number
(mobile)
Study programme
International Business Differentiation………………………………………
Start date thesis
period
End date thesis
period
Preferred supervising
lecturer
COMPANY DETAILS:
Company name
Chamber of Commerce no.
Address
Postal code
Town/city
Telephone
Details company supervisor:
Mr
M(r)s
Position
Initials
Prefix(es)
Name
Surname
E-mail
Signature
company supervisor
Signature
student
Date
Date
38
ASSIGNMENT (Please read the chapter A. Thesis Application, page 13-16)
Background (Overview of the organisation and the department where you execute your research)
Management issue (What is the problem? Why are they hiring you?)
Provisional Research objective(s) + sub-objectives (What results does the organisation expect?)
Provisional Main research question (Based on the management issue and the research objective(s) the main research question
is: )
Note: You will revise your objectives and research questions in consultation with your thesis supervising lecturer in the next
phase.
39
Appendix 2. The standard thesis contract
Please complete this document and upload it to intouch!
DETAILS PROSPECTIVE GRADUATE
Name
Student number
Study programme
International Business – ASIA or Management or Languages
COMPANY DETAILS
Company name
Address
Postal code and town/city
Telephone
Name and position
company supervisor
After reading the contract conditions attached, the undersigned agree that the
prospective graduate will work on an assignment at the company referred to
above and shall do so subject to the conditions stipulated. Prepared and signed
in duplicate.
Signature in indication of approval:
Signature of the company supervisor:
Signature of the prospective graduate:
Name of the company supervisor:
Name of the prospective graduate:
Place, date:
Place, date:
40
Appendix 3. Contract conditions
Article 1
The assignment shall be performed from ……… - ……… - ……… to ……… - ……… - ……… and shall consist of a total of ………
working days.
Except where agreed otherwise, the student and the company shall reserve a minimum of three
and a half days per week (each day lasting eight hours) for performance of the assignment. The
thesis placement provider shall give the student the opportunity to attend review meetings
organised by the study programme and any lectures that have been scheduled. The thesis
assignment to be completed by the student is stated in the start document.
Article 2
The student shall continue to be a student at the educational institution throughout the thesis
period.
Article 3
The student shall not be an employee in the sense of the Dutch Civil Code (Burgerlijk Wetboek).
The thesis allowance shall be: ………… per month/week.
Article 4
The student shall undertake to strictly observe all regulations, instructions and rules of conduct
issued by the thesis company and shall do so in the interest of order, health and safety.
Article 5
In the event of absence, or if the student is intending to be absent, he/she shall be obliged to
notify the supervising lecturer and the educational institution of this fact immediately.
Article 6
The student shall be obliged to maintain the secrecy of that which is entrusted to him/her on the
basis of secrecy
during the course of the thesis period and also of the information that is made available to
him/her and that he/she should understand it is of a confidential nature.
-
-
Article 7
The thesis company shall only be entitled to terminate this contract after exhaustive consultation
with the other parties and in the following situations:
In the opinion of the thesis placement provider, the student repeatedly fails to observe the
regulations or instructions that it has provided.
The thesis company considers itself unable to render any further collaboration in the thesis period
due to
compelling reasons.
Moreover, this contract shall end:
at the end of the period agreed on in Article 1(a),
where agreed mutually by the parties,
in the event of the death of the student, and
in the event of the liquidation or dissolution of the company or if it loses its legal personality.
Article 8
If the student completes assignments for the thesis company and these assignments have not
been included in
the start document, a separate contract shall be entered into for the assignments in question,
after consultation
with and having obtained the approval of the educational institute.
41
Article 9
The student shall guarantee approval of the assignment by Rotterdam University of Applied
Sciences and, if required, shall ensure that there is (regular) contact between him/her, the company
and Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences.
Article 10
The thesis company shall undertake to guide the student in his/her obtainment of the learning
objectives
and
in
the facilitation of the performance of the thesis assignment, as formulated in the start document.
Article 11
This contract shall be binding for both parties. Should there be any lack of clarity about the
agreements
made,
the provisions in this contract shall prevail.
Article 12
If there is any lack of clarity and/or if conflicts arise between the parties, Rotterdam University of
Applied Sciences shall be asked to mediate.
42
Appendix 4. Assessment Criteria Research Design Document
Criterion
Assessable aspect
Central question: Is the assignment at the level required from a graduate from a university of applied sciences?
a) Is the subject relevant for the field of study?
b) Does the problem have a sufficient connection with the competencies for
the study programme?
Relevance and context
Central question: Is the research question sufficiently specific and has it been substantiated?
a)
Description of the organisation,
problem analysis, and research
objective(s)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
Is it clear in which organisation and department you are acting as a
researcher?
Is the scope of your research defined?
You distinguished between an external background and an internal background of
the management issue (if applicable).
You described the problem in depth: history, internal and external stakeholders,
possible causes, effects and solutions.
You indicate which parties have an interest in the outcome of your research.
The objectives are appropriate for the problem.
a) The main research question corresponds with or has been derived from the
problem description.
Research question and subquestions
Theoretical framework

b) The sub-questions are aligned with the theoretical framework.
a) The chosen theoretical frameworks are relevant for the research.
b) You have consulted several international academic sources.
c) You formulated the outcomes of the literature study in a critical and analytical
way.
d) You summarised the outcomes of the literature study in relation to your research
questions at the end of this chapter.
Central question: Have the methods and approach been substantiated sufficiently?
Research methods
Planning & project risks

a) The research method chosen is appropriate for the problem definition and
the research questions.
b) The data collection methods have been described and have a logical
connection with the problem definition and sub-questions.
c) Transparent and systematic description of the methods for data collection
and data analysis.
d) You described how the results obtained from the research will be analysed.
e) You showed that the feasibility, validity and reliability are safeguarded
a) The planning contains all relevant research activities.
b) The planning is feasible.
c) You described a realistic risk assessment and contingencies for managing these
risks.
Central question: Does the product comply with professional design requirements?
Reporting
a) The writing style is coherent
b) The grammar and spelling is correct
c) APA referencing and source acknowledgement is properly used
43
Appendix 4 Instructions for the student
In this document, you show that you will be doing an assignment at the level required of a
graduate from a university of applied sciences and indicate how you intend to approach your
research. To demonstrate the above, ensure that the criteria are observed.
Note: the Research Design Document does not guarantee that you will attain a satisfactory result
for your final thesis.
The assessment of your thesis will depend on a number of elements. For example, implementation
of the research (any adjustment necessary in relation to the research proposal), analysis of the
results and their translation into sound advice/a sound implementation plan.
44
Appendix 5 Rubric Thesis Report IB
Student Name
Grades Thesis Report
Student Number
Date
Supervising Lecturer
Business research skills = ____30%
-
Analysis, conclusions and recommendations (acr) = ____50%
-
Implementation = ____20%
Final Grade Thesis Report:
First (internal) Examiner
Second (external) Examiner
All grades should be minimum on competent level
Title Thesis Report
Pre-Scan Thesis Report*
-
Satisfactory
Company Name:
Optional remarks
1. Reporting:
a. The product complies with the professional design requirements.
b. The writing style is coherent.
yes/no
c. Grammar and spelling is correct.
d. APA referencing and source acknowledgement is properly used.
2. Length:
a. The thesis report (excluding the appendices) consists of a maximum of 17.500
yes/no
words.
b. The management summary consists of a maximum of 2 pages.
3. Lay-out:
a. Font is Calibri, size 11.
yes/no
b. Line spacing is 1.15.
c. Page numbering is used.
4. Handing in:
yes/no
a. Ephorus score is within the margins.
5. Completeness:
yes/no
a. All elements of the thesis report are present, including company evaluation
* All five elements mentioned above must be satisfactory in order for your thesis to be evaluated. If you do not meet the criteria mentioned above, you need to improve the thesis report
yourself before the thesis content will be evaluated.
45
Assessor Instructions:
The column on the right is for the explanation of decisive factors. The questions posed in the left column will help evaluate the thesis report and the thesis defence. However,
they might not cover all evaluative aspects; this depends on the management issues that will arise. This means that the assessor doesn’t have to answer all questions in order
to sufficiently evaluate the main criteria (Research Skills; Analysis, Conclusions and Recommendations; Reflection).
The assessment procedure is described in the thesis manual and assessor instructions.
The grades are the conclusion of extensive collegiate consideration. All grades should be at least at competent level.
Assessment * For further elaboration on the assessment criteria as stated in the rubric, please consult the evaluation criteria as explained in the thesis manual.
Thesis Report
Evaluation Criteria: Research skills contributing to PLO:
TWM24 Analyse a complex business problem in an international business setting
Business Research Skills
To what extent is the student able to adequately:
select a relevant management issue and delimit the scope of the research
align the research objectives and research questions with the management issue
select theoretical frameworks which are relevant for the management issue and research
questions and describe them in a critical and analytical way
select and describe appropriate research methods that have a logical connection with the
management issue and research questions
describe limitations of the research approach in terms of validity and reliability and propose
possible remedies
Assessment and Argumentation. What factors are decisive?
Excellent
Advanced
Competent
Not Yet Competent
The report demonstrates an excellent understanding of the
management issue as well as the entire relevant context. The
management issue is translated into a comprehensive and coherent set
of ROs and RQs. The report provides research solutions by evaluating
and proposing theories and research methods which are tailored to the
management issue, ROs, RQs and context and by providing ex ante
solutions for possible limitations in this specific research set-up.
The report demonstrates a good
understanding of the management issue as
well as a substantial part of the relevant
context. The management issue is
translated into a comprehensive set of ROs
and RQs. The report provides research
solutions by evaluating and proposing
theories and research methods and by
addressing the limitations in the context of
this research set-up.
The report demonstrates sufficient
understanding of the management issue. The
management issue is translated into a limited
set of ROs and RQs. The report proposes
standard theories and research methods as a
solution without much argument. The
possible research limitations are mentioned
without referring to the actual research setup. The report demonstrates that the
researcher is somewhat competent. The setup and implementation of the research is
somewhat persuasive.
The report demonstrates limited understanding
of the management issue. The management
issue is translated into an incomplete set of
possibly badly formulated ROs and RQs. The
report proposes standard theories and research
methods as a solution for part of the ROs and
RQs without any argument. The possible
research limitations are only mentioned.
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
<3
46
Evaluation Criteria: Analysis of the results and conclusion contributing to PLO:
WT1 Critical Thinking Use the process of thoughtful evaluation and deliberately formulate a reasonable
conclusion;
WW7 Produce Management Information from various data sources in an international business
environment
Analysis of the results, conclusion and recommendation
To what extent is the student able to adequately:
use effective, well-designed data-collection strategies and appropriate information sources
organize and synthesize evidence to reveal insightful patterns, differences, or similarities
related to set of ROs
The research data described are giving a clear answer to each sub-question and the main
research question
The research findings are described in a substantiated and imitable way
evaluate the research ex post by discussing the limitations and the implications thereof
draw conclusions from the findings obtained which fit the management issue and the research
questions
make practical, viable, realistic recommendations that are aligned with the research findings
(results) and drawn conclusions.
Assessment and Argumentation. What factors are decisive?
Excellent
Competent
The analysis provides evidence, but hardly
any relevant patterns, differences or
similarities. The conclusion is so general
that it adds little to existing
knowledge. The analysis, conclusions and
recommendations are to some
extent aligned and relevant for solving the
management issue. The analysis provides
an assessment of the implications of the
options for the organization. The
analysis focuses on the management issue
only and provides some evidence for
the most suitable option.
The recommendations are somewhat
persuasive for management and other
target groups.
The analysis provides many relevant patterns, differences, or
similarities related to the set of ROs. The conclusions are based
on inferences from the results obtained. The
analysis, conclusions and recommendations are fully aligned and
highly relevant for solving the management issue. The analysis
provides a thorough assessment of the implications of the options
for the organization. The analysis takes the
external/internal environment completely into account and
logically results in the most suitable option. The recommendations
are highly persuasive for management and other target groups.
10
9
Advanced
The analysis provides some patterns,
differences, or similarities related to the
set of ROs. The conclusions drawn follow
logically from the findings. The
analysis, conclusions and
recommendations are aligned and
relevant for solving the management
issue. The analysis
provides good assessment of the
implications of the options for the
organization. The analysis takes the
external/internal environment to some
degree into account and logically results
in the most suitable option.
The recommendations are persuasive for
management and other target groups.
8
Evaluation Criteria Implementation contributing to PLO
WT2 Create innovative ideas in a changing business environment systematically
7
6
Not Yet Competent
The information accessed is retrieved
randomly, irrelevant and of low quality. The
analysis, conclusion and
recommendation are not aligned
and/or irrelevant for the set of ROs. The
analysis provides a limited assessment of the
implications of the options for the
organization. The analysis does not focus on
the management issue, and does not take
into account the
external/internal environment, and does not
always result in the most suitable option.
The recommendations are hardly persuasive
for management and other target groups.
5
4
<3
Assessment and Argumentation. What factors are decisive?
47
Implementation
To what extent is the student able to adequately
to identify and assess at least one (strategic) option according to the management issue by
evaluating pros and cons
describe strategic, operational, and financial implications of the proposed options based upon
the analysis and pros and cons are assessed when applicable
describe feasibility of the proposed options and assess them in relation to the possibilities of
the company (taking into account internal processes and the corporate culture)
describe and analyse the impact of the implementation for all functional areas of the
organisation
Excellent
The implementation plan contains all implications for the
organisation.
The implementation plan contains a clear and detailed roadmap
towards the future (list of actions).
The
implementation takes all external/internal environment completely
into account.
The implementation plan is supported by a very detailed financial
overview.
10
9
Advanced
The implementation plan contains
implications for the organisation.
The implementation plan contains a
roadmap towards the future (list of
actions).
The implementation plan takes
external/internal environment into
consideration.
The implementation plan is supported
by a detailed financial overview.
8
7
Competent
The implementation plan contains some
implications for the organisation.
The implementation plan contains a
roadmap towards the future (list of
actions).
The implementation plan takes some
external/internal environment into
consideration.
The implementation plan is supported by a
financial overview.
6
Not Yet Competent
The implementation plan contains none or
hardly any implications for the organisation.
The implementation plan contains not a clear
roadmap towards the future (list of actions).
The implementation plan does not take any
or hardly any external/internal environment
into consideration.
The implementation plan is not supported by
a financial overview.
5
4
<3
The grades are the conclusion of collegiate discussion on argumentation. All grades should be at least at competent level >5.5.
Date:
Student name:
Student number:
First Examiner :
Signature
Second Examiner:
Signature
48
Appendix 6 Rubric Thesis Defence IB
Grades Thesis Defence
Student Name
Student Number
Date
Supervising Examiner
Second Examiner
Final Grade Thesis Defence = ______
All grades should be minimum on competent level
Thesis Defence: Reflection
Evaluation Criteria:
Reflection contributing to PLO LW8 Express reflections on his personal developments with
the aim of personal growth
Reflection
Based on feedback provided by the assessors AND the company supervisor, you
should critically reflect on:
o the research process, literature review, methodology used, and the
findings/outcomes as well as the feedback from the assessors, whereby
you need to indicate what went well and what you would do differently
next time;
o the professional development during the research in terms of
professional attitude, taking initiative, result orientation, flexibility and
independent operation taking into account organisational, social, and
cultural situations;
o prospects for the future professional career, taking into account the
described qualities and development area.
Assessment and argumentation. What factors are decisive?
Excellent
Advanced
Competent
Not Yet Competent
The reflections cover all the criteria described
above. The reflection shows a critical
assessment of and a high degree of insight into
his/her own attitude and behaviour.
Professional qualities and development areas
are critically reflected upon based on the
feedback provided. The reflection incorporates
a clear vision of the professional career in the
The reflections cover all the criteria described
above. The reflection shows a critical
assessment and insight into his/her own
attitude and behaviour. Professional qualities
and development areas are sufficiently
reflected upon based on the feedback
provided. The reflection incorporates a wellbalanced vision of the professional career in
The reflections covers most of the criteria described
above. It shows an assessment and insight into his/her
own attitude and behaviour. Professional qualities and
development areas are mostly reflected upon based on
the feedback provided. The reflection incorporates an
appropriate vision of the professional career in the near
future, while taking into account the described qualities
and development areas.
The reflections cover some of the criteria
described above. It shows a limited
assessment and limited insight into his/her
own attitude and behaviour. Professional
qualities and development areas are hardly
reflected upon based on the feedback
provided. The reflection incorporates an
inappropriate vision of the professional
49
near future. It takes into account the described
qualities and development areas.
10
9
the near future, while taking into account the
described qualities and development areas.
8
7
career in the near future, while hardly taking
into account the described qualities and
development areas.
6
5
4
<3
The marks are the conclusion of collegiate consideration. All grades should be minimum on competent level.
Final Grade Thesis Report 80% =
Final Grade Thesis Defence 20% =
Final Grade for Osiris =
Date:
Time:
Student name
:
Student number:
First Examiner
:
Signature
Second Examiner
:
Signature
50
Appendix 7. Evaluation by the thesis company /company
supervisor
The study programme would like to receive an assessment from the company on a number of
professional skills and competencies that the student attained. This assessment will be one of the pillars
of the students’ reflection chapter in the thesis. Given the aforementioned, we would be grateful if you
could complete this form at the final stage of the thesis period and give it to the student. If you find that
there is not enough space on the form to explain your assessment, please feel free to include your
explanation on a separate attachment to this form.
Marking
Good (G)
(above expectations)
Satisfactory (S)
(meets expectations)
Not satisfactory (NS)
(does not meet expectations)
N/A
(not applicable)
Student
Name:
Student
number:
Study
programme
:
Assessment of the student’s attitude to work
• Did the student keep to the agreements made?
• Was the student proactive (does he/she show initiative)?
• Did the student take responsibility for his/her own actions?
• Did the student show commitment?
Assessment: good / satisfactory /not satisfactory
/ N/A Explanation:
Assessment of research ability
• Did the student show a (constructive) critical attitude (not just blindly accepting things as they are)?
• Is the student open to new ideas and insights?
• Did the student add to existing knowledge in the company with his/her research?
Assessment: good / satisfactory /not satisfactory
/ N/A Explanation:
51
Assessment of collaboration
• Is the student able to work with you and other employees in the company and/or relevant stakeholders?
• Could the student deal appropriately with changing environmental circumstances?
Assessment: good / satisfactory /not
satisfactory / N/A Explanation:
Assessment of communication
• Was the student able to bring the thesis subject to the attention the appropriate parties involved at
the company and also retain this information (performance in the company)?
Assessment: good / satisfactory /not
satisfactory / N/A Explanation:
Assessment of ethical skills
• Does the student recognise the business culture, any applicable professional code and ethical
principles, and did he/she show respect for others?
Assessment: good / satisfactory /not
satisfactory / N/A Explanation:
Final result
• Did the student persuade you and other parties concerned of the quality and feasibility of
the solutions developed?
•
Are you satisfied with the final result that has ensued from the thesis assignment?
Assessment:
yes / in part
/no
Explanation:
This assessment has been completed by:
Name:
Company:
Signature: Date:
Students are to add this evaluation as an appendix to their thesis.
No rights can be derived from this document
52