writing your thesis : the process and problems

TATION

AARHUS UNIVERSITYBUSINESS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES CENTRE FOR CORPORATE COMMUNICATION

pReSEN

Writing your thesis: The process and problemsThesis information meeting, Department of Business CommunicationMarts 2014

Sophie Esmann Andersen Associate Professor, PhD

challenges

Sophie Esmann Andersen: Writing your thesis Marts 2014

AARHUS UNIVERSITYBUSINESS AND SOCIAL SCIENCESCENTRE FOR CORPORATE COMMUNICATION

Agenda› What is a thesis?› How to get started› The thesis process› Thesis supervision: roles and expectations

› Links and pieces of good advice

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What is a thesis?



What is a thesis?According to the study guide the purpose of the thesis is to enable students:› to carry out extensive scientific research› of a problem which is relevant to the study programme› by applying scientific theories and methods

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What is a thesis?What is your overall contribution?Empirical thesis: raises questions regarding phenomena that may be observed or experienced. Argues and answers through data reflects on theoretical consequences.

Theoretical thesis: raises questions regarding existing theory/theories, compares, combine and discuss

Both types may provide recommendations for future actions. Remember that your thesis is an academic paper and

not a consultant’s report!5



What is a thesis?From a consultant’s report to an academic thesis:

“The purpose of this thesis is to develop a brand and CSR strategy for the English fashion brand ETC. In order to accomplish this, the project will focus on three question:

› What characterizes the fashion market and the market for CSR products?

› How can ETC authentically integrate CSR messages in the brand?

› How can the strategy be implemented among ETC employees

What is the problem? Why is this a problem?

What does the literature tell us about such problem – or is there a gap?

What is the contribution?

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What is a thesis?Defining the scientific genre: › a documentation› of the study› of a problem which is relevant to the professional field› by the use of the terms, concepts, theories and methods› with the purpose of convincing› a professional peer› about the scientific quality and accuracy of the study’s results

and conclusions › in a presentation which is acceptable for the professional

community

(translated from: Rienecker & Stray Jørgensen, 2010)7



What is a thesis?What does the scientific genre imply?› accounts for the chosen and applied method› meta communicates, i.e. explicitly accounts for the structure,

progression and argumentation of the thesis› does not make use of incompetent or unqualified arbiters of

taste [dansk: smagsdommere] › applies a consistent and explicit use of source references› motivates and argues for viewpoints› uses standard principles for academic writing› uses a clear typographic marking of the different levels in the

thesis

Systematic, consistent and factual8



What is a thesis?The scientific character of your thesis is not just an appendix that you can copy/paste from a previous paper, e.g.:

“I am a social constructionist because I believe that the world is socially constructed through social interactions and discourses. Knowledge is

also socially constructed. Knowledge is subjective and thus cannot be

generalised. Consequently, this thesis merely reflects my subjective conclusions”.

To be a social constructionist does not mean that you can disclaim any scientific position. In order to produce scientific knowledge, you must continuously reflect on your choices and actions as well as their consequences:

What are the consequences of my beliefs and assumptions? Theoretically? Methodologically? Concepts? Process? 9



What is a thesis?Different levels of your study (and thesis):› Meta theory (or philosophy of science)› Theory › Method› Data (empirical or theoretical)

Additional (transversal) dimensions: › Scientific rhetoric (refers to academic writing, e.g.

argumentation, genre, rhetorical strategies, styles etc.)› Scientific or research ethic (refers to the research process, e.g.

code of conducts in interviews etc.)

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Consistency, and coherence



The aim of your thesis is to produce quality scientific knowledgeHow do you produce knowledge in your thesis? What are your beliefs and assumptions about

the world and knowledge production?What is knowledge in your thesis?

How do you ensure quality?ETC…

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How to get started



How to get started?How do you find and choose a topic?› Use a previous assignment or project as a starting point› Inspiration from specific courses or profiles› Inspiration from scientific or professional journals or magazines› Current or topical issues in the media› Observation or experiences of a certain phenomena› Etc…

Remember that you are to study the topic for a looong time

INTERESTING, EXCITING, CATCHING 13



How to get started?Key questions to get you started:

› What is the problem that you want to discuss/explain/explore?› Why is this relevant? And to whom? › What do we already know about the problem (or its related

fields)? From where do we know this?› How can you contribute to further qualify our knowledge about

this? › Which data do you need to discuss/explain/explore/solve the

problem? › Which theories, concepts, models and methods do you need to

answer/discuss/explain/explore the problem?

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How to get started?

Background andmotivation

Problem statement

DataTheory, Concepts and Methods 15

Procedure

The Pentagon can help you to create an overviewand ensure coherence and progression in your thesis

(Rienicker & Stray Jørgensen 2010/2013)



Is there a common thread in the questions you ask?

Is the connection between your problem statement, the theories you use, the data and the methods you use to analyze your data coherent and consistent?

Are you capable of answering your problem statement on the basis of your choices?

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Examples for inspiration…› Employer branding og identitet: Et speciale om

hvordan en employer-branding strategi kan påvirker medarbejdernes identitet

› Den usynlige kemi: en kampagnestrategi for Forbrugerrådet om parfume og hormonforstyrrende stoffer i plejeprodukter og kosmetik

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› The Online Bank’s Nightmare: Crisis communication through social media

› The Novo Nordisk way: Considering the fit between business strategy and cultural values

› Efterredigering af maskinoversatte tekster: En empirisk analyse af udvalgte dele af eksisterende revisionsteori anvendt på artikler oversat med Google Translate.

› Det sociale brand: Corporate branding på de sociale medier i Spanien› Selvrettelser i simultantolkning – en empirisk analyse af selvrettelser

anvendt I simultantolkning mellem dansk og spansk› Eksport af Ny Nordisk Mad: en undersøgelse af Ny Nordisk Mads image

i Tyskland

http://pure.au.dk/portal-asb-student/da/



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The thesis process



What to do?Consider topics, issues, challenges, problems Tentative project proposal (Registration form: allocation of supervisor) Together with your supervisor you make a thesis synopsis, including a plan for the thesis process Thesis registration (Registration form Master Thesis) Ongoing supervision and discussion: stops when you have handed in (registration form: form for handing in the master thesis) Oral defense and feed back

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MY MA THESIS:

BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS

http://studerende.au.dk/fileadmin/studerende.au.dk/BSS/bcom/Vejledning/Bachelorprojekt_og_kandidatafhandling/Kandidatafhandling/Blanket_for_tildeling_af_specialevejleder_2013__Virk-MACC_.pdf

http://studerende.au.dk/en/studies/subject-portals/business-communication/teaching-and-examination/registrationforms/




The thesis roller coasterPsychological dimensions of

the processThe psychological phases:The thesis roller coaster

Persistence

Self-generation and -motivation

Immersion

Distancing

EnthusiasmIsolation

Growing interest in the studyIncreasing independence of

supervisorBoredom and frustration

Wrapping upEuphoria Emptiness

20Inspired by: Andersen & Hein 2002



Your thesis processMyths and realities› There is no ”one size fits all”-way of writing your thesis› It is okay to have off-days – enjoy them and use them to

recharge your thesis batteries› Writing a thesis can be a lonely process – be aware not to be

shut up in your own ivory tower far away from realities and social relation

› Social relations are crucial; fellow students, thesis writing communities and supervisor – and don’t leave friends and family behind

› The tough goals of writing a thesis: immersion in the topic vs. deadlines and project management

› Criteria for success when writing a thesis: Ambitions or self-worth!

21Inspired by: Andersen & Hein 2002



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The process of supervision



Allocation of supervisorDifferent procedures and forms depending on your study programme!Allocation of supervisor is based on your tentative project proposal and problem statement. You’ll find all information and forms on the study portal at au.dk

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Language and EUSCommunication

Language and EUSCommunication

http://studerende.au.dk/studier/fagportaler/bcom/vejledning/bachelorprojekt-og-kandidatafhandling/kandidatafhandling/



Allocation of supervisorLanguage and EUS study programmes: You may suggest a supervisor for your project. But please be aware that though we try, we are not always able to honor your wish. You’ll find lists of supervisors and their research areas as well as the form for allocation of academic supervisor on the study portal. Communication programmes: We have given the process of focusing your project and formulating the problem statement greater priority and developed an alternative form for allocation of academic supervisor on the study portal. NB! Supervisors are allocated by the study coordinators, NOT the individual supervisors: It is NOT a matter of first come, first served and “who asks the supervisor first, gets the deal sealed”…

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What is supervision?”In this context supervision means to help students to write an

assignment as part of their education. Most supervision is practiced within

the perspective that the supervisor must also evaluate and grade the assignment. Consequently, supervision includes the possibility of teaching, controlling and evaluation.”

(translated from: Rienecker & Stray Jørgensen, 2010: 23)

Supervision vs. ControlGuidance/coaching vs. teaching/ordering

Emotions vs. intellectGood advice vs. Evaluation

As a thesis writer you constantly navigate within these

dilemmas and shifting roles and positions!25



What is supervision?Students often expect the supervisor to be present in all aspects

of the thesis process and to continuously offer guidance, coaching and supervision. This includes supervision regarding:

› Theories, concepts and models› Research design, scientific method and methodologies› Overall research process, argumentation and approach› Writing process› Proof reading› Personal problems› Etc.

Different supervisor roles are brought into play26



What is supervision?Examples of the supervisor’s different roles in the process:

› Administrative function › Content supporter› Technical supporter› Proof reader› Intellectual supporter› Project planner and controller› Overall oracle› Personal coach

Can you expect the supervisor to perform all these roles?

Always remember to match your expectations27



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Links and pieces ofgood advice

(you’ll find the links in the pictures)



Remember to…› Keep track of your study guide and the exam description for the

thesis› Remember the deadlines› Choose an issue that interests and inspires you – on a long-term

basis › Prioritize working on and improving your problem statement › Align expectations with your supervisor › Keep appointments with your supervisor, be prepared, set the

agenda and be active › Write and send drafts to your supervisor on a regular basis/as

agreed upon› Keep within your time schedule – or inform your supervisor if it

isn’t possible › Enjoy!

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Study Portal at au.dk

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Here you find:

Practical

advices

Registration

forms

FAQ

Deadlines

Guidelines

Etc.

http://studerende.au.dk/en/studies/subject-portals/business-communication/counselling/bachelors-and-masters-thesis/masterthesis/




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Important dates for registration and submitting your thesis

NB! If the date stated is a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, the deadline is

the first working day after the deadline.

Deadline for handing in

the registration

form for allocation of supervisor

Registration day

Deadline for

submitting your thesis

1 December 1 January 1 June1 February 1 March 1 August

1 March 1 April 1 September1 May 1 June 1 November

15. June 1 August 1 January1 September 1 October 1 March

http://studerende.au.dk/studier/fagportaler/bcom/vejledning/bachelorprojekt-og-kandidatafhandling/kandidatafhandling/




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www.scribo.dk

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(Cf. Rienicker & Stray Jørgensen 2010/2013)

http://www.scribo.dk/



Study Metro at au.dk

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http://studiemetro.au.dk/en/



Enjoy writing your thesis!

Sophie Esmann [email protected]

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References› Andersen, H.L. & Tofteskov, J. (2008) Eksamen og

eksamensformer. Betydning og bedømmelse, Frederiksberg: Samfundslitteratur.

› Andersson, J.E. & Hein, H.H. (2002) Ph.d.-processen, Frederiksberg: Samfundslitteratur.

› Rienecker, L. & Stray Jørgensen, P. (2013) The good paper, Frederiksberg: Samfundslitteratur

› Rienecker, L. & Stray Jørgensen, P. (2010) Den gode opgave, Frederiksberg: Samfundslitteratur.

› Stray Jørgensen, P. & Rienecker, L. (2006) Specielt om specialer, Frederiksberg: Samfundslitteratur.

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http://www.scribo.dk/

writing your thesis : the process and problems

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