Master's Thesis in Culture, Organization and Management

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/S_MTcom

Course Objective

By writing your Master's Thesis, you demonstrate your ability to prepare, organize, carry out, and present independent academic research. In the thesis, formerly acquired theoretical and practical knowledge as well as an empirical field research are combined, analyzed, and presented in a coherent manner. The final version of the thesis is a demonstration of the skill to independently master a research project in all its facets. At the end of the course you have achieved the following learning goals:Uncover the social interactions and cultural meanings implied in everyday organizational behaviour.Select and approach a suitable research site, and initiate a research project in an independent, creative, self-critical and confident manner.Articulate the value of conducting ethnographic/qualitative research in organizational settings and learn to do so in an assertive yet responsible manner.Demonstrate ability to prepare, organize, carry out, and present independent academic researchConduct ethnographic/qualitative research by means of observations and/or interviews. Combine, analyze, and present formerly acquired theoretical and practical knowledge as well as empirical field research in a coherent manner.

Course Content

The Master's thesis is the final subject of the Master COM, combining a period of fieldwork and actual thesis writing (analysis and written presentation). The thesis is assessed with respect to the following: use of academic writing conventions; problematization of theme and theoretical concepts; critical and tailored use of theory, data and methods; quality of analysis, and reflection on academically and socially relevant debates related to the chosen theme.

Teaching Methods

Individual and/or group supervision; students join the thesis group of a supervisor under one of nine thesis themes, and depending on the topic and supervisor opt for individual and/or group supervision.

Method of Assessment

Assessment form for the COM Master's thesis.

Literature

Depending on the thesis topic and to be approved by the thesis supervisor.

Target Audience

All COM students.

Custom Course Registration

The master’s thesis has the period ‘academic year’ for administrative reasons, but there is only one starting moment per academic year, as indicated in the year schedule (study guide) and correspondence from the master’s thesis coordinator. It is not possible to start the master’s thesis during other periods.

Additional Information

The Thesis Trajectory is the main, continuous study process of the COM Master. Master Thesis COM covers the second semester; it entails a period of fieldwork (research) from February
- April, followed by analysis and writing in May and June. However, preparation for the thesis trajectory already starts in the September-December period. Master's Thesis COM builds upon the "From Fascination to Fieldwork to Future" (FFF) course, which runs throughout the academic year paralleling the thesis trajectory. By way of learning activities focussing on methods, writing, professional skills, and career development, FFF aims to support you in all phases of your Master’s thesis as well as prepare you for life after graduating from the COM program.

Entry Requirements

Master’s Thesis in Culture, Organization and Management only after participation in:The subjects of period 1 and 2 of the program, of which at least 12 EC have been achieved. Determination whether this requirement is met will take place after the first examination opportunity of period 2.The course From Fascination to Fieldwork to Future (FFF); if the research proposal, which is part of FFF, is not passed (in the resit), the thesis trajectory will have to be discontinued. Thus, if you do not acquire a sufficient assessment for your research proposal you cannot continue your fieldwork and you will need to re-enroll in the Master's Thesis in the next academic year.

Explanation Canvas

All relevant course information, documents and assignments will be available on Canvas. Please follow announcements and updates regularly for the most recent information on the course.