Accounting, Bachelor Thesis

The course is offered as a freestanding course.

The course can be part of the following programmes: 1) Programme in Business and Economics (S1EPG) and 2) Bachelor's Programme in Business and Economics (S1EKA)

Admission to the course (in the course package along with FEK331 Management Control System, Bachelor Course, 7.5 credits and FEK332 Financial Accounting, Bachelor Course, 7.5 credits) requires at least 105 credits, at least 45 of which must be from FEK101 Business Administration, Organization and Leadership, 7.5 credits, FEK102 Business Administration, Marketing, 7.5 credits, FEK103 Business Administration, Financial Accounting, 7.5 credits, FEK104 Business Administration, Management Accounting, 7.5 credits, FEK201 Business Administration, Strategic Marketing Management, 7.5 credits, FEK202 Business Administration, Strategy, 7.5 credits, FEK203 Business Administration, Economic and Financial Management, 7.5 credits, FEK204 Business Administration and Operations Management, 7.5 credits, or from FEG100 Business Administration 1, 30 credits and FEG200 Business Administration 2, 30 credits or equivalent.

The student is to independently complete a larger scientific study in order to receive training in applying a scientific perspective, that is, in applying theories, models and concepts on empirical material. The course includes a method section within which students partake in a laboratory session and write up the results in a report. The written laboratory report is compulsory and part of the examination.

Writing an academic paper entails independently identifying and formulating a major, complex issue and carrying out an analysis within the specified time. Work is to be related to the report’s scientific basis, methods and current research issues. The work results in a written academic paper that is reported on and discussed at a seminar.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student shall be able to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to identify, formulate and solve problems independently and to complete a thesis project within specified time frames.
2. Search for, collect and evaluate information in order to formulate a relevant research question and theoretical points of departure.
3. Demonstrate basic knowledge of and skills in applicable methodological approaches.
4. Argue for scientific assumptions made and methods chosen as well as identify and assess ethical aspects (if applicable) of his/her own research process.
5. Present results in writing in a scholarly manner.
6. Orally argue for the legitimacy of his/her results as well as interpret and analyse scientific results presented by others.
7. Intended learning outcomes specific to programme students (as of autumn semester 2013, programme-wide compulsory sustainability days are a part of all the School of Business, Economics and Law's programmes): Formulate research questions related to central sustainability challenges together with persons with different educational backgrounds.

Teaching comprises supervision and seminars.

Language of instruction: Swedish

Teaching in English may occur.

Intended learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are examined via a written thesis.

Learning outcome 3 is also assessed via a written laboratory report.

Intended learning outcome 6 is examined via both the student’s oral responses to the opponent’s arguments and his/her contributions as opponent.

Intended learning outcome 7 is examined via written group work at the compulsory Sustainability Day: Solutions. In order to pass the course, programme students who do not attend the day need to compensate with an alternative assignment within the prescribed time.

Due to resource constraints, the laboratory work can only be performed and assessed within the course dates.

The assessment of student performance consists of a written laboratory report, a written thesis and participation in seminars, both as a presenter/defender of own work and as an opponent of fellow students’ work. The opposition takes place between student groups. Attendance is compulsory and required at examination seminars. If the student does not attend examination seminars, the student is given a new opportunity to complete the defence/opponent task.

Each thesis group shall consist of two students.

A thesis that does not meet the requirements for a passing grade (A-E) can either qualify for a re-submission in order to meet the minimum requirements or be deemed of such quality that the writing of an entirely new thesis is necessary. A revised thesis must be submitted for re-assessment within two months of the end of the thesis course. The maximum grade awarded under such circumstances is Sufficient (E). Should the re- submitted thesis still not meet the minimum requirements, the student will be assigned a Fail (F). A revised thesis shall not be defended or reviewed at a seminar.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local Rules Regarding RIU Students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E) and Fail (F).

Grade (Definition) Characteristic:

A (Excellent) A distinguished result that is excellent with regard to theoretical depth, practical relevance, analytical ability and independent thought. Time planning for the thesis has been completed and followed.

B (Very good) A very good result with regard to theoretical depth, practical relevance, analytical ability and independent thought. Time planning for the thesis has been completed and followed.

C (Good) The result is of a good standard with regard to theoretical depth, practical relevance, analytical ability and independent thought and lives up to expectations. Time planning for the thesis has been completed and followed.

D (Satisfactory) The result is of a satisfactory standard with regard to theoretical depth, practical relevance, analytical ability and independent thought. Time planning for the thesis has been completed and followed.

E (Sufficient) The result satisfies the minimum requirements with regard to theoretical depth, practical relevance, analytical ability and independent thought, but not more.The thesis work has followed established or adjusted timelines.

F (Fail) The result does not meet the minimum requirements with regard to theoretical depth, practical relevance, analytical ability and independent thought.

Some occasional examination elements of the course may have the grading scale UG (Fail/Pass).

A course evaluation is conducted anonymously either digitally via the course website or via a written questionnaire handed out at the last scheduled meeting of the course or in connection with the exam. The results of the evaluation are to be communicated to students via the course committee and course website.

The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.