Master's Thesis Business and Information Systems Engineering (B-KUL-D0I87A)

24 ECTSEnglishBoth termsCannot be taken as part of an examination contractCannot be taken as part of a credit contract
N.
OC Handelsingenieur en Handelsingenieur in de beleidsinformatica FEB Campus Leuven

Learning outcomes are evaluated for the master’s thesis in the field of the selected programme and the chosen subdomain (major/specialization), if applicable.

  • The student purposefully collects and selects relevant information from the scientific literature.
  • The student reflects critically on (findings from) existing research.
  • The student integrates information from existing research in function of the question.
  • The student presents the described scientific findings correctly.
  • The student refers adequately to sources used, both in the text and in the reference list.
  • The student formulates clear and defined research questions and indicates their relevance.
  • The student draws out a meaningful, feasible and verifiable research design with appropriate research methods and analysis techniques.
  • The student motivates the methodological choices made.
  • The student carries out the research design consistently.
  • The student provides a clear, accurate description of the results.
  • The student formulates an answer to the research questions.
  • The student reflects critically on the own research, links back to findings from previous research and formulates suggestions for further research, for practice or for the government.
  • The student reports, both orally and in writing, in a clear and correct manner on the research conducted.
  • The student takes initiative, works independently and conscientiously on the master's thesis.
  • The student deals constructively with the feedback obtained

The master's thesis can only be selected if the master's programme can be completed in the same academic year. The student may be granted permission to deviate from this general rule upon reasoned request and after advice from the study career consultant.

This course is identical to the following courses:
D0K52A : Master's Thesis Business and Information Systems Engineering (DD UNamur)
D0I70B : Masterproef handelsingenieur in de beleidsinformatica

Activities

24 ects. Master’s Thesis Business and Information Systems Engineering (B-KUL-D0I87a)

24 ECTSEnglishFormat: Master's thesisBoth terms
N.
OC Handelsingenieur en Handelsingenieur in de beleidsinformatica FEB Campus Leuven

The master's thesis aims to have students conduct and report (both written and oral) a scientific research project. The student works independently (individually or in group) but under the supervision of a supervisor.

The following general rules apply with regard to the subject of the master's thesis:

  • The topic is consistent with the field of study of the programme and the chosen subdomain (major/specialization), if applicable.
  • The research assignment should be in line with the research or areas of specialisation of the supervisor (who supervises the approach and completion of the work).
  • In developing their research, students have the opportunity to collaborate with the field (but this is not guaranteed for every topic or with every supervisor).

Compulsory study material

The compulsory study material depends on the chosen topic for the master's thesis and can be discussed with the supervisor.

Additional recommended study material

The optional study material depends on the topic chosen for the master's thesis and is to be discussed with the supervisor. Students should make use of relevant scientific articles and literature that they search for themselves via e.g. electronic databases (e.g. LIMO or Google Scholar).

Toledo

*Toledo is being used for this learning activity

The master's thesis consists of two components:

  • Writing a scientific article
  • Oral defense of the master’s thesis

With this ECTS file there are supplementary master’s thesis regulations. Students are required to take note of these Regulations and appendices: everything is available online on the FEB master's thesis portal. If there are interim additions, announcements and/or updates during the academic year itself, these will be communicated to students via Toledo.

Points of Attention:

  • Possible promoters, topics and information on how to choose them will be made available at the start of the academic year or in the 2nd semester (depending on the programme). If necessary, students may submit their own topics.
  • Students who re-register for the ‘Master's thesis’ never automatically transfer their choice of subject and supervisor at that time. In principle, with the written agreement of the supervisor, the started master's thesis will be continued. These students make this known no later than the start of the academic year. The procedure for making this known will be communicated at the start of the academic year.
  • Students moving abroad as part of their master's thesis must give at least 2 weeks' written notice. See FEB master's thesis portal for the procedure. If the planned itinerary and dates change afterwards or during the trip, this must be communicated again.
  • Students can work on the master's thesis in groups or individually. More information can be found on the FEB master’s thesis portal.

 

Evaluation

Evaluation: Master's Thesis Business and Information Systems Engineering (B-KUL-D2I87a)

Type : Continuous assessment without exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Paper/Project, Presentation, Process evaluation
Type of questions : Open questions
Learning material : None


Evaluation Features

In order to successfully complete the course unit Master’s Thesis the student must fulfil the conditions listed below in a timely manner (see deadlines and procedures on the FEB master’s thesis portal):

  • be fully in order with the choice and (re)start of the master’s thesis with a supervisor, incl. any project administration
  • register for the oral defense (or apply for an early graduation);
  • submit the master’s thesis and related documents via KU Loket (in case of group cooperation, specific guidelines apply);
  • be available on campus on the scheduled defense dates. The student will receive a call no later than 1 week before the defense date with details about the specific defense time.

Only for weighty reasons (proven force majeure) can the Ombuds Service grant exceptions to the above conditions and corresponding deadlines. 

Determination of final result

The evaluation of the master's thesis is based on various aspects (see Master's thesis regulations on the FEB master's thesis portal):

  • Each master's thesis is assessed before the oral defence by an assessment committee using the table of assessment criteria (see FEB master's thesis portal).
  • The student defends the master's thesis orally before an assessment committee and is assessed on this defence.
  • The final score on the master's thesis is calculated as follows: paper (70%), defence/presentation paper (20%), attitude during the master's thesis process (10%)
  • The student must be at least successful on the paper to pass the master's thesis.
  • If the student is not successful on the paper, the grade of the paper is the final score for the master's thesis.
  • To receive a final score, all evaluation activities must be taken. When the master's thesis is not submitted or submitted late or when the student is not present at the defence, the final score is ‘NA’ (=not taken).
  • For sanctions regarding the non-submission or late submission of other compulsory documents, please refer to the FEB Master's thesis portal.

The evaluation at the 2nd examination opportunity takes place in the same way as at the 1st examination opportunity. For master's theses involving group collaboration, the supervision team determines the reworking of the master's thesis.