Course Syllabus for students Spring 2016

On completion of the course the students will be able to:

1. convey in-depth knowledge in a defined area of the subject of study and insights into the current status of research in this area.
2. make use of articles published in academic journals as the chief starting point for elaboration and analyses.

3. critically and systematically differentiate and integrate theories to create theoretical frameworks, relevant for the chosen field of study.
4. independently and critically identify and formulate research problems, plan and carry out an academic
research investigation with relevant methods and contribute to knowledge development in a given field.
5. clearly communicate findings, analyses and conclusions for the phenomenon chosen as specialization
in their research to an international audience.

6. produce and defend findings in synthesized and argumentative texts as well as critically and constructively assess the works of others.
7. discuss the limitations of research.

The course concludes the double degree master programme in International Business Development. During the course, students produce their master thesis and are supervised by supervisors from both JIBS and its partner institution. The thesis is finally examined at an examination seminar with representatives from both institutions. The grading is made by JIBS examiners.
The course contributes to develop the students’ ability to fill a theoretical gap. Students should demonstrate an ability to plan, conduct and present a research project. They should also demonstrate good knowledge of the research front within the field of study, and an ability to reflect upon and position themselves towards alternative approaches within the field. Students are expected to excel in the use of knowledge concerning scientific methods and theories relevant for the area of study to aim for a theoretical contribution. In addition, students are encouraged to write theses that have practical relevance for companies or for realising their own business idea. The practical relevance of the thesis does however not
lower the requirements concerning method and theory. The course is based on independent reading, data collection, analysis, and writing.

Independent reading, data collection, analysis and thesis writing. Participation in a supervision process with supervisors from JIBS and its partner institution. The thesis is finally examined at an examination seminar with representatives from JIBS and its partner institution. The grading is made by JIBS examiners. Supervision will be provided in English and the language of the partner institution. The thesis is written and examined in English.

The teaching is conducted in English.

Bachelor degree in Business or Economics and 30 credits advanced level courses in Business Administration (or the equivalent).

The course is graded A, B, C, D, E, FX or F.

All intended learning outcomes are assessed and part of the course grade.
The intended learning outcomes (ILOs) are appraised in the following way:

• ILO 1-5, and 7 are appraised through the finalized thesis, and at the final defense.
• ILO 6 is primarily appraised through the finalized thesis.

Name of the Test	Value	Grading
Examination1	30 credits	A/B/C/D/E/FX/F

¹ Determines the final grade of the course, which is issued only when all course units have been passed.

It is the responsibility of the examiner to ensure that each course is evaluated. At the outset of the course, evaluators must be identified (elected) among the students. The course evaluation is carried out continuously as well as at the end of the course. On the completion of the course the course evaluators and course examiner discuss the course evaluation and possible improvements. A summary report is created and archived. The reports are followed up by program directors and discussed in program groups and with relevant others (depending on issue e.g. Associate Dean of Education, Associate Dean of faculty, Director of PhD Candidates, Dean and Director of Studies). The next time the course runs, students should be informed of any measures taken to improve the course based on the previous course evaluation.

Academic integrity
JIBS students are expected to maintain a strong academic integrity. This implies to behave within the boundaries of academic rules and expectations relating to all types of teaching and examination.
Copying someone else’s work is a particularly serious offence and can lead to disciplinary action. When you copy someone else’s work, you are plagiarizing. You must not copy sections of work (such as paragraphs, diagrams, tables and words) from any other person, including another student or any other author. Cutting and pasting is a clear example of plagiarism. There is a workshop and online resources to assist you in not plagiarizing called the Interactive Anti-Plagiarism Guide.
Other forms of breaking academic integrity include (but are not limited to) adding your name to a project you did not work on (or allowing someone to add their name), cheating on an examination, helping other students to cheat and submitting other students work as your own, and using non-allowed electronic equipment during an examination. All of these make you liable to disciplinary action.

Literature is independently chosen by the students’ based on their thesis topics. Students are expected to digest and use state of the art research literature.