After completing the course the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in economics including knowledge in certain areas within economics.
2. Demonstrate methodological knowledge applicable in economics.
3. Demonstrate insight into current research and development work in economics.

4. Demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge and analyze, assess, and deal with complex phenomena associated with economics.
5. Demonstrate the ability to identify and formulate issues independently as well as using
appropriate research methods.
6. Demonstrate the ability to plan and execute a research project within a predetermined time
Frame.
7. Demonstrate the ability to report in speech and writing conclusions and the knowledge and arguments which they are based, and to discuss the results in dialogue with different audiences.

8. Demonstrate the ability to make assessments, considering relevant scientific, societal, and ethical issues, and demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects in research and development work.
9. Demonstrate the ability to identify the need for further knowledge and ongoing learning.

The course consists of writing a thesis in economics. The course includes coaching seminars but is based on independent work. To secure and maintain a research connection, it is compulsoty for the student to actively participate in four seminars ar the economics department during the semester in order to pass the course. At the end of the course, all students must present and defend their thesis at a public seminar, act as a main opponent at another student's seminar, and actively take part in three other final seminars. The purpose of this course is as follows:

- To train and develop the ability of students to independently analyze various economic problems by applying economic theory and scientific methods,

- To develop the analytical skills of students in a way that is valuable both for a scientific career and for a career in private enterprises, public administration, or international organizations.

- To train and improve the stylistic ability of the students, the skills of students to search and to evaluate information, and the ability of students to review the analyses of other students critically and constructively.

Connection to Research and Practice
The thesis is closely connected to research as it uses scientific models and frameworks as the basis of the work. The scientific frameworks are used to enhance the student’s ability to analyze economic problems and communicate with an academic audience. The thesis work also provides a connection to practice as the students use real-world data that enhance their understanding of the world surrounding them as well the scientific frameworks.

Seminar based tutoring.

The teaching is conducted in English.

180 credits within Business and Economics, Master programme, and at least 15 credits at master level within the track (or the equivalent).

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

Examination form:

ILO 1-5, 8, 9 examined by the written thesis and account for 70% of the total grade.
ILO 6-7: thesis defense, opposition, and defense at final seminars, active participation at final seminars, active part in preparatory seminars, and project management (time management). These activities are individually graded. These components account for 30% of the total grade in the course.

Note: A course grade can only be given if all ILOs are passed.

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

It is the responsibility of the examiner to ensure that each course is evaluated. There must be course evaluators identified among the students. The evaluation is carried out continuously as well as at the end of the course, through a survey. After the course, the course Examiner meets with student evaluators to discuss the survey results and possible improvements. A summary report is also created. The report is followed up by program directors and discussed with faculty and relevant others (e.g. Associate Dean of Education, Associate Dean of Faculty, Director of Ph.D. Candidates, Dean, or 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.

Students write the thesis individually

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.

Selected individually based on the thesis topic. The selection will be based on a discussion between students and tutors in relation to the chosen thesis topic.