Final thesis
The Chair of Quantitative Methods, in particular Econometrics, supervises theses (Bachelor's, Master's and Diploma theses) in the field of empirical economic research, which can be written either as an independent empirical analysis or as a literature-based thesis.
Table of contents
Prerequisites
The basic prerequisite for admission to the Chair is a topic proposal based on the research and teaching focus of the Chair. Previous participation in courses offered by the Chair is recommended. Preference is given to topics from the fields of empirical labor market, education, health and population economics. A list of examples of topics can be found here Examples of topics. Your own topic suggestions are preferred.
The thesis can be written in German or English (by arrangement). A good knowledge of English is essential in both cases, as English-language literature is used for the preparation of a thesis on economic topics.
Typical procedure
- Contact (incl. exposé):
Before the initial contact, an exposé (maximum 1 page) must be written. The synopsis should contain a concrete topic proposal and convincingly present the relevance of the research question, the methodological approach (data and method for own empirical analysis, own data collection, own experiment or literature survey) as well as relevant basic literature (3-4 articles from specialist journals). Based on the exposé, a decision will be made as to whether the proposed topic can be worked on as part of a thesis and can be suitably supervised at the Chair.
The exposé should be sent electronically (as a pdf) to the secretary's office of the chair. The e-mail should also contain relevant information about yourself (degree program, semester, previous participation in courses at the Chair, overview of grades and CV) and the thesis (e.g. desired start date).
- Preliminary interview and topic selection
You will receive feedback on your proposed topic as soon as possible. After a positive assessment of the exposé, you will also receive an invitation to a preliminary discussion. In the preliminary meeting, we will discuss your interests, the planned approach and organizational matters. - Registration and participation in the research seminar
Upon admission to the thesis, registration and participation in the Chair's research seminar is mandatory. Participation in the research seminar accompanies the preparation of the thesis. The research seminar primarily takes place during the lecture period. The examination consists of regular participation in the seminar and at least two presentations (see below). The dates are allocated by arrangement with the Chair. The dates will then be announced on the seminar page in OPAL . - Registration of the thesis and presentation 1 (10 min plus discussion)
After approx. 1 month of the processing time, you present your central research question, motivation, introductory literature and the first draft of a possible outline in a short presentation. At the latest for the first presentation in the research seminar, the form for registering for the thesis must be submitted. - Presentation 2 (20 min plus discussion)
After approx. 2/3 of the working time, you present the current status of your work (central question, outline, method, results). This is followed by a 10-minute discussion (questions, feedback, suggestions for improvement, etc.). - Submission
1) Submit two printed copies of your thesis to the Faculty of Business and Economics Examination Office by the deadline. The Declaration of Originality/Consent to Plagiarism Check and the Consent to Publication in the Research Information System (FIS) must be bound into the thesis and signed by hand. Printed copies with a simple adhesive softcover binding are sufficient.
(2) In addition, send your supervisor the PDF file of the thesis (including the replication package for empirical theses) by email by the deadline.
Supervisors
Instructions for the preparation of seminar papers and theses
Information for the preparation of seminar papers and theses at the Chair can be found here Information for the preparation of seminar papers and theses