Thesis supervision

aje on November 2, 2015

This page provides information for students that are considering asking me to supervise their dissertation. It provides some ideas on possible topics and advice on methodology.

I think there are three ingredients for success:

thesis

(1) Choose an insightful research question in an interesting topic

You can see an overview of my research interests here. In addition the + questions from the Markets for Managers problem set could be a source of inspiration.

I consider the power of economic reasoning to stem from its applicability, and therefore take a broad and eclectic position of what would constitute suitable subject material. For a general management thesis I don’t require students to work on the same research topics that I do. Indeed, there are several topics that I have thoughts and ideas on which I’d be delighted to see students run with. It is important to stress that an interesting topic is a necessary but not sufficient condition. You also need to identify an interesting research question within that topic. I’ve provided some examples of topics that I find interesting below:

(2) Utilise the right methodological framework

To start off with, I recommend the following articles on research design:

Although I’ve created an online course on Analytics my methodological interests are in qualitative and comparative methods.

There are also a few techniques that I am willing to work with students interested in using, regardless of the topic:

If you use standard quantitative methods then be aware of publication bias and avoid p hacking. For more listen to:

(3) Demonstrate competent project planning

This is crucial because it determines whether the experience is enjoyable or not. The following are necessary (but not sufficient) characteristics you need to have:

  • Enthusiasm for the research question (and not just the research topic)
  • Genuine desire to have research published
  • Ability to self-motivate
  • Swift communication

When planning the writing of the thesis take a look at:

This is also useful: Baylor University research planner guide. And Barry Weingast’s ‘Caltech Rules for Writing Papers‘.

If you get to present your work, here’s a good guide for creating a poster (and here). Don’t forget to include a clear plastic wallet with printed copies, and one for business cards.

Grading

These are only general guidelines and there’ll always be a gap between my judgement and your understanding of my judgment. But just because the grading is subjective does not make it arbitrary. I will assign an A, B, C or D grade to the following dimensions:

  • Purpose – are the aims and objectives clearly set and have they been met?
  • Originality – is this new? Interesting?
  • Focus – is the work precise?
  • Literature review – is the thesis aware of and able to critically discuss existing literature?
  • Methodology – are the methods chosen appropriate?
  • Analysis – has the entire process been transparent and correctly interpreted?
  • Implications for management – does it have relevance to the professional community?
  • Quality of presentation – is it clear and does it add value to the written work?
  • Quality of written work – are there any errors?
  • Quality of communication with supervisor – were the expectations of the supervisor managed effectively? Was help asked for when necessary? Was it an enjoyable experience for all?

For more details on grade ranges see page 7 of my guide for students, however you should adjust the passing grades such that what I deem to be a C grade for a thesis would get a mark of 55-60; a B is 70-80 and an A is 85+. Don’t make me send you this.

Finally, if you’re interested in a career in academic economics, here is some career advice and here is advice on surviving grad school.

Previous students:

  • Karoline Holm, “The Norwegian Gender Equality Paradox: Why do gender equality-winner Norway have such low percentage of female leaders in the business sector?” June 2017
  • Emilie Gueissaz, “Marketing ploy or source of competitive advantage? A case study of circular
  • economy practices in urban hotels in Europe” May 2017
  • Francesca Celano, “Economic Freedom and Human Development: An analysis of the links between economic policy and quality of life” June 2016
  • Valentin Vermersch “Features of Successful Strategies by Firms from Developing Economies”, June 2014
  • Bartosz Wasilewski “Analysis and Evaluation of the Credit Rating Industry”, July 2007
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