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About BUS895 & BUS898: Masters Thesis Projects
The graduate programs at SFSU require a culminating experience, which; depending on whether you're an MBA, MSBA, or EMBA student; carry an 895 or 898 course number. Generally speaking, the thesis requirements include: |
- ENROLL: Officially enroll in the one-semester 895/898 course
- PROPOSAL: Submit to the College Graduate Office, a written proposal (due approx the 3rd week of March if you intend to enroll in the 895/898 course for Fall or Summer semesters, or due approx the 3rd week of October if you intend to enroll inthe 895/898 course for the Spring semester. The proposal must be approved by two faculty readers (the two people who will supervise your thesis). The readers must be approved faculty members (see the list provided by the College Graduate Office). NOTE: the proposal is actually processed by the SFSU Graduate Division (Admin Building - Room 254).
- HUMAN SUBJECTS: If your study involves human subjects, you must adhere to human subjects protocol. This can be an arduous, time-consuming, and lengthy process (up to 12 wks for approval). If your proposal has any hint that it may include interaction w/ PEOPLE (interview people, conduct focus groups, send out questionnaire, etc.), then you must apply for approval from the SFSU Office of Protection for Human and Animal Subjects You may not begin to collect data until you attain final approval from this office - so plan acordingly.
- RESEARCH: Complete your thesis under the supervision of your readers, and have your faculty readers "sign off" upon completion (sign the thesis, sign a report of completion).
- SUBMIT: Submit your thesis (the submisison process for the 895 and 898 are much different - see below).
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Important Note: The information contained on this web page is my personal understanding of the thesis requirements, and I may be wrong. From time to time proposals to change the thesis requirements are circulated within the College of Business. These proposals range from eliminating the thesis as a requirement, to allowing a variety of thesis alternatives (e.g. an internship, exit exam, or other related culminating experience), to requiring a more rigorous research thesis. For the most up-to-date requirements and a more comprehensive understanding of the thesis, please see the graduate office (Albert Koo).
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What is a thesis? A business thesis is the written product of systematic study of a significant business problem. It identifies the problem, states the major assumptions, explains the significance of the understanding, sets forth the sources for and methods of gathering information, analyzes the data, and offers a conclusion and recommendation, The finished project (product) evidences originality, critical and independent thinking, appropriate organization and format, and thorough documentation. A master's thesis is a serious demonstration of a graduate student's ability to explore, develop, and organize materials relating to a certain topic or problem in a field of study. The goal of the master's thesis or written creative work is not only to pursue research and investigation, but also to write an extended scholarly statement,clearly, effectively, and directly. The thesis becomes a written a visible and permanent record of the quality of work that a graduate student has accomplished at SFSU. (adopted from SFSU thesis guidelines).
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MBA versus MSBA versus EMBA |
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The MBA program at SFSU is intended as a balanced preparation for managerial careers in business. It is designed to develop an attitude of intellectual curiosity and to fostering a program of continuous learning throughout life. The program the study of management as a unique function applicable to all types of endeavors which involve the coordination of people and material resources toward given objectives. The MBA degree at SFSU is acredited by the AACSB. The degree allows for an emphasis in one of the following areas:
- Accounting
- Decision Sciences & Ops Research
- Electronic Commerce
- Finance
- Information Systems
- International Business
- Management
- Marketing
If you are an MBA or EMBA student, you will complete BUS895: Research Project in Business
SUBMISSION OF THESIS: All MBA students submit their thesis, and a signed report of completion, to the College Graduate Office. The thesis is to be in a 3-ring binder. See the College Graduate Office for details. All EMBA students submit their thesis to the EMBA office.
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The MSBA degree is intended for students who desire a more individually designed program in business for eventual careers in business, government, trade associations, or the business functions of other agencies. It permits substantial specialization in a particular functional area or cross-disciplinary studies. The MSBA degree at SFSU is acredited by the AACSB. The degree allows for an emphasis in one of the following areas:
- Accounting (ACCT895 or BUS898)
- Decision Sciences & Ops Research
- Electronic Commerce
- Finance
- Hospitality Management
- Information Systems (ISYS895)
- International Business (IBUS895)
- Management
- Marketing
If you are an MSBA student, you will complete BUS898, however, if you are an Info Systems, Int'l Business, or Accounting student, you may instead enroll in IBUS895, ACCT895, or ISYS895 respectively.
SUBMISSION OF THESIS: All MSBA students submit their signed thesis directly to the SFSU Graduate Division (Admin Building - Room 254). There is no form to complete (no report of completion) and no binder. The requirements for submission are strict (cotton paper - specific font and margins - must be professionally bound - if all is ok with graduation then you are issued a thesis receipt - take thesis and thesis receipt to rapid copy binding in the library). NOTE: ACCT895, ISYS895 and IBUS895 follow the MBA 895 guidelines.
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Advice For Completing A Quality Thesis - On Time and On Nudget
It has been my experience that many MBA students encounter the following ten fundamental challenges in completing their theses: |
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Poor or misunderstanding of thesis requirements: Many students simply don't understand what is required to complete their thesis, or they wrongly assume they understand. Please take the time (and seek the advice of Graduate Office) to fully understand the regulatory, curriculum, and deadline requirements of the thesis prior to beginning. Also review several completed SFSU theses (see the College Graduate Office).
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Lack of Planning: The thesis requires approval of your proposed project (up to 12 weeks if it involved human subjects). Data collection often takes much more time than anticipated. Your advisor requires adequate time to read and digest your work, and provide feedback. The College and University Graduate offices need time to process your thesis. Plan accordingly, allowing adequate time for each aspect of the project.
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Bad or Uninteresting Topic: Because the thesis requires a lot of work, it is imperative that you choose a topic for which you will be motivated to engage. For those students who have an attitude of "it's just a requirement for my MBA - I just want to complete it and move on," I strongly recommend you reconsider your topic. Your thesis has the potential to launch and/or dramatically further your career - choose a topic that will serve you and your future.
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Poor Guidance: Your faculty readers and advisors can save you a tremendous amount of time, effort, and anguish. Although faculty are trained researchers, their knowledge base is limited to specific topics. I strongly recommend that y ou either (1) choose a topic that falls within the expertise of your reader/advisor, or (2) find an advisor that is expert in your topic.
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Unreasonable Scope: Too often students propose a project that is simply too large to complete in the required time. Narrow the scope of your project to a specific research question - make sure your project is do-able.
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Poorly Defined Scope: Students sometimes fail to precisely articulate what it is their project entails. Be specific. Clearly describe what you will do, the research question, how and from where you will gather data, your chosen data analysis technique, and precise outcomes of the project (thesis report, recommendations, etc.).
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Inadequate Training: Unfortunately, because SFSU focuses more on teaching than it does on research, many students lack sufficient training in research methods. This can lead to inappropriate data collection, improper data analysis, and false (and unacceptable) findings. Choose a research design commensurate with your abilities. Again, clearly identify the analysis techniques in your proposal and research design. Select an advisor that is proficient in your data analysis technique. Some data analysis techniques require special software - check with your advisor.
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Procrastination & Poor Time Management: Although, many students have the best intentions, however, fall prey to procrastination or other life commitments. Again, choose a topic that is engaging, and that will further your career. Develop a PERT chart or other project tool to help identify key tasks and critical paths. Employ proven time management techniques - see your advisor.
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Poor Structure: The writing of a thesis is nothign more than the writing of a story - the telling of a story. Most theses follow the EXACT same format, each with six sections (chapters): (1) an introduction to tell the reader what you are studying (clearly identify the research question) and why it is important enough to read; (2) a review of the literature to demonstrate tht you understand what others have found in their investigation of the same or related research question; (3) a description of the research design telling the reader how you will gather and analyze data to answer the researh question; (4) the actual analysis telling the reader the results of the data analysis; (5) a summary section which describes your findings, a post mortem discussion of your study, identification of any limitations of your study, and suggestions for future research; and (6) a bilbliography of references, graphs and tables, and any additional reference materials. The story should flow and be engaging.
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Poor Writing: If writing is a challenge, or if you are prone to poor witing due to time constraints, please plan accordingly. If you are unable to concisely and appropriately document your study - to tell your research story - then find assistance. Ask friends, family, co-workers, and classmates to review and edit your writing. Find a writing tutor.
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Thesis Solution: Meeks' 895/898 Thesis Group
To help graduate students realize the potential of their thesis project, to promote quality SFSU research, and to support an on-time thesis completion and graduation, I have designed a detailed process for the SFSU thesis projects I supervise. Each semester, via an application process, I accept 10-20 graduate students into the program. We meet as a group every two weeks. In these meetings I instruct the group on basic research methods, provide research and writing suggestions, and provide guidance for each individual project. The meetings also provide an opportunity for studetns to share their thesis challenges and lessons - to learn from one another. Most importantly, the meetings supply students with a reliable, valid, systematic process to complete their thesis.
Students must attend the group meetings and actively participate. Students must provide a research plan that includes a schedule of progress and completion dates for all research tasks. Students must follow the research design specified for that particular group (research designs vary from semester to semester - for example, one semester all projects may employ a grounded theory design, while the next semester all projects will employ a conjoint analysis design). Students must choose a topic from a predetermined list of topics - these are the topics about which I am expert, and am most able to guide your study (see list below).
How My Approach Addresses the Challenges Typically Faced in SFSU Thesis Projects:
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Poor or misunderstanding of thesis requirements: We address requirements and deadlines as a group.
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Lack of Planning: We share time lines and require a realistic plan.
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Bad or Uninteresting Topic: We engage in several exercises to identify your interests, and highlight the potential benefits of the study.
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Poor Guidance: All topics are predetermined by me - all topics fall in my areas of expertise.
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Unreasonable Scope:I take special care to ensure all projects have a reasonable scope.
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Poorly Defined Scope: I also take special care to ensure project scopes are precisely defined prior to beginning..
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Inadequate Training: We learn int he meetings - and from one another. It's a great system - a great support group..
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Procrastination & Poor Time Management: The regular meetings and peer pressure ensure your completion/success.
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Poor Structure: All projects follow the same structure - there are plenty of examples, and plenty of support..
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Poor Writing: The group provides a pool of reviewers, as well as advice on writing tips.
How to Apply for My 895/898 Thesis Group:
- Carefully review the list of thesis topics. Select a topic.
- Thoroughly review the research design selected for the group for which you will apply. For Fall 2006 the method will be Grounded Theory. For Spring 2007 the method will be Conjoint Analysis.
- Complete an application and send it to meeks@sfsu.edu. Submit the application at least 60 days prior to the start of the semester in which you are applying.
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Learn About Various Research Designs
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