Opinnäytetyön aloitus (10 cr)

Evaluation scale

Pass/Fail

Objective

The student is able to identify development needs in his/her own field of work and is able to justify a Thesis topic and approach related to them. The student knows how to design a research & development project and implement it as a thesis. He/she knows how to use reliable information from various sources in establishing the foundation and parameters of the thesis. The student is able to apply professional knowledge in and choose appropriate research & development methods and practices for his/her thesis.

Content

- Process and procedures for the thesis.
- Thesis topic and statement of the thesis problem as a proposal.
- Drafting and presentation of the thesis plan.
- Source-critical information retrieval.
- Academic writing and the formulation of a theoretical framework.

Materials

Stevens, J., & Crawford, S. 2014. Project reporting instructions. Adapted from Raportointiohje [Reporting instructions] by Liukko, S., & Perttula, S. 2013. JAMK University of Applied Sciences’ open learning materials. Accessed on 12 March 2014. Retrieved from http://oppimateriaalit.jamk.fi/projectreportinginstructionsJAMK's thesis-related directions in the Study Guide School-specific directions on Elmo Student

Completion alternatives

An approved thesis proposal. A partnership agreement with the assignor. An approved thesis plan including a theoretical framework and a report of the information sources to be used. The following of thesis seminars, presentation of the thesis plan, and participation in workgroups and group tutoring sessions.

Student workload

Thesis seminars, workshops and group tutoring 20-40 h Independent study 80-120 h

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The course is graded as Pass/Fail, marked as “S (Pass)” and “0 (Fail)”. If the student does not meet the minimum criteria set for the course, the grade is 0 (Fail).

Pass (S)
The student
• is able to identify development needs and problem areas in his/her own field of study and work in cooperation with working life
• develops an appropriate research or development project into a master’s thesis by applying information, methods and behavioral skills acquired from the field
• knows how to retrieve, process and critically evaluate information, theories, concepts, methods and principles from his/her own field
• is able to compile a evidence-based/research-based body of knowledge and cite sources in accordance with JAMK's instructions
• is able to apply professional expertise to and select appropriate research/development methods and practices for his/her research & development work

The thesis is evaluated summatively following its completion and presentation, on a five-point scale according to thesis-specific criteria: 5 (Excellent), 4 (Very good), 3 (Good), 2 (Satisfactory) and 1 (Adequate).

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree