Industrial Engineering and Management MA, Defining a Problem and Planning the Degree Project, 7.5 credits

Aim

The purpose of this course is that students will develop their ability to formulate research problems and to plan research projects that run for a considerable length of time.

Course objectives

Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:

• Formulate relevant research problems within their field based on an analysis of the research frontier.
• Plan a thesis by defining objectives, research questions, and appropriate methodologies.
• Conduct a systematic investigation of a research area through critical analysis of scientific literature.
• Evaluate and justify the choice of research methodology in relation to the selected research problem.
• Develop a structured research plan, including time management and method selection.
• Apply techniques for literature review and academic writing to strengthen the theoretical framework of the thesis.
• Reflect on the different stages of the research process and their significance for knowledge development within the field.

Content

Design of problem formulation and planning of degree project. It must be based in the research discipline in which the analysis of the current research problem will be undertaken, with regard to the relevance of the research problem, research methodology, and objectives of the project. The course consists mainly of individual analysis and systematic examination of the research environment.

The course also addresses general issues surrounding the research process, how to develop research questions, techniques for designing research plans and how to systematically work with literature.

Entry requirements

Admitted to the programme Master by Research in Industrial Engineering and Management.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

The course commences with the supervisor and the student jointly establishing a plan for the course. The studies are primarily undertaken independently, with appointments for tutoring. Studies of the textbook materials can be done individually or in a group.

Examination form

S101: Seminar, 6 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A-F o Fx
Seminar with presentation and defence of the report.

S201: Seminar on the textbook, 1.5 Credits
Grade scale: Two-grade scale

Link to grading criteria: https://www.miun.se/gradingcriteria.

The examiner has the right to offer alternative examination arrangements to students who have been granted the right to special support by Mid Sweden University’s disabilities adviser.

Examination restrictions

Students registered on this version of the syllabus have the right to be examined 3 times within 1 year according to specified examination forms. After that, the examination form applies according to the most recent version of the syllabus

Grading system

Three-grade scale