Kaikki oppaat / All guides: Instructions for Bachelor's Thesis: Different forms of the thesis

Different forms of the thesis

At Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, it is possible for students to implement theses in several different ways, which are mutually equal. For instance, a practice-based or project-based thesis is suited to be implemented as a development project, production, or as an exploratory thesis. The aim is to implement all kinds of theses as projects, or in cooperation with or commissioned by a company or organization.

A development project may be aimed at improving the working methods or other practices of a company or work community, or at planning new ones. A development project is implemented in cooperation with a company or community, and its outcome may be, for example, a data or quality system with a documentation, a new or more sophisticated working method or computer program. A development project is usually of long duration, for which it is advisable for the student to start implementing it before the actual thesis process, for example, during a traineeship period or a project assignment. In a thesis, the development project, together with its stages, actions, and outcomes, is reported in so far as it is relevant for the thesis commission.

A production leads to a limited outcome, e.g., the design and development of new products or tools. It is reported both in writing, in accordance with the goals and functions set for the thesis, and as the product itself. The outcome of a production process may be a staff training day, brochure, radio, TV or computer program, work or product, or an exhibition. The documentation of the production must be attached to the thesis.

An exploratory thesis may be related to either of the above-mentioned forms, but it may also be an independent study. The thesis may be implemented as a theoretical treatise, such as the development of an operations model, or as an evaluation study. It is usually based on the student’s own, separately acquired data, which can be analysed quantitatively and/or qualitatively.

A diary-form thesis is based on a long-time and close contact with working life. Usually, a diary-form thesis is written at the workplace by selecting a subject for observation for a period of several weeks. A diary-form thesis must also include a theoretical section. The observations are written down into a diary-type document allowing answering the pre-set question. The goals of a diary-form thesis also include criticalness, analyticity and the production of new knowledge, assessed with the same criteria as with other types of theses.

A practice-based thesis has a research-oriented approach and includes a practical project focused on business or industry. It demonstrates the mastery of knowledge and skills in the relevant field of research. It consists of two complementary elements: 1) a written thesis with a description of the theoretical framework and the practice-based segment and 2) the actual output (e.g. guide, programme, short film). A practice-based thesis meets both practical and theoretical objectives. The instructions for practical-based thesis are attached as Appendix 2.

Different ways of implementing the thesis can also be combined, because one of the aims of the thesis is to encourage the student’s multiform thinking. Regardless of the form and way of implementing the thesis, it must include a presentation of the theoretical foundations or knowledge base of the thesis and bring out their importance for the choices made in the thesis.

A thesis does not merely report, e.g., the progress of a development project or production, or a production process, but specific goals, tasks or research questions are set for each complex of phenomena. In the thesis process, data, observations, and other adequate material are collected to help solve, understand, explain and contextualize the goals, tasks, or research problems. The thesis includes an analysis of data collected using research methods (exploratory thesis), the process, data, and/or results/outcomes of a development project (thesis based on a development project), or a process, data and/or results of a production (thesis based on a production). Analysis may also relate to theoretical data based on the literature (literature review), a working method and its development, a guide book, a manual, an event, or a combination of these. A written report encompassing the above-mentioned matters must always be included in the thesis.

The writing of the thesis is agreed on with the teacher supervising the thesis. Depending on the instructions of the Faculty, the thesis is written by the student individually, or as pair, group, or team work. In the case of pair, group or team work, it must be made sure that each student is able to demonstrate both their total control of the process and their individual competencies. Already at the planning stage, it is essential to agree on the division of labour and the reporting of each student’s contribution. A thesis or a related development project or production can also be implemented abroad, e.g., in connection to the student’s practical training or a more extensive research or development project.

It is also possible to write the thesis as an independent project, study, or as part of a more extensive research or development project, which can also be international. In addition to the present Instructions, students become familiar with the Faculties’ own practices on courses related to the thesis process.