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Innovative Thesis Topics for MBA Graduates: Navigating the Future of Business

In the ever-evolving realm of business, innovation stands as a pillar of growth and adaptation. MBA graduates are uniquely positioned to lead this charge, equipped with advanced knowledge and strategic skills. This article delves into innovative thesis topics for MBA graduates, offering a glimpse into the future of business and the influential role these individuals play in shaping it.

Key Takeaways

• Big Data and analytics are revolutionizing strategic decision-making, enabling businesses to act on complex insights.
• Sustainable and circular business models are becoming essential for long-term profitability and environmental stewardship.
• Artificial Intelligence is transforming business processes, necessitating new strategies for integration and management.
• Leadership in the digital age requires a nuanced understanding of technological advancements and organizational dynamics.
• Ethical considerations and corporate social responsibility are increasingly integral to building a reputable and sustainable business.

Emerging Trends in Business Innovation

The role of big data and analytics in strategic decision-making.

In the realm of business innovation, the utilization of big data and analytics has become a cornerstone for companies aiming to maintain a competitive edge. It helps companies make informed decisions by providing insights into consumer behavior, market trends, and business performance. An MBA focusing on Data Analytics equips you with the necessary skills to decode vast amounts of data and enhance decision-making processes.

Leveraging big data analytics involves the systematic collection, examination, and analysis of large datasets to uncover hidden patterns, correlations, and insights. This practice is pivotal in aiding strategic decision-making , as it allows for a more nuanced understanding of the market and customer needs. Consider the following points when exploring this thesis topic:

• The integration of data analytics into organizational culture and decision-making frameworks.
• Methods for ensuring data quality and integrity in analytics.
• The ethical considerations surrounding the use of consumer data.

By delving into these areas, you can contribute to the evolving landscape of business strategy and innovation, where data-driven decisions are increasingly becoming the norm.

Sustainable Business Models and Circular Economy

As you delve into the realm of sustainable business models, you'll encounter the transformative concept of the circular economy (CE). Unlike traditional linear economies reliant on 'take-make-dispose' patterns, CE emphasizes the importance of resource efficiency and the regeneration of products and materials. One way to reduce dependency on finite resources is through CE's innovative business models . These models are designed to be restorative by intention, aiming to keep products, components, and materials at their highest utility and value at all times.

The five Business Models for the Circular Economy, as identified by Lacy et al. (2014), provide a framework for MBA graduates to explore and innovate within this space. These models include:

• Design for longevity
• Maintain, share, and lease
• Reuse and redistribute
• Refurbish and remanufacture
• Recycle and upcycle

By integrating these models into your thesis, you can contribute to a body of knowledge that not only advances sustainable business practices but also addresses global challenges such as climate change and resource scarcity. Your research could pave the way for organizations to transition from a linear to a circular approach, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and resilient economy.

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Business Processes

As you delve into the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), it's essential to recognize its transformative power in business processes. AI technology promises significant benefits , including enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making capabilities. By automating routine tasks, AI frees up human talent for more complex and creative work, fostering an environment of innovation and strategic growth.

The integration of AI into business operations is not without its challenges. It requires a careful balance between leveraging technology and maintaining human oversight. To navigate this landscape, consider the following points:

• Understanding the capabilities and limitations of AI in your industry.
• Developing strategies to manage the ethical implications of data use and automation.
• Ensuring that your workforce is equipped with the skills to work alongside AI.

By addressing these considerations, you position yourself at the forefront of business innovation , ready to harness the full potential of AI. Remember, the successful implementation of AI in business processes is not just about the technology itself, but also about the cultural and organizational shifts that accompany it.

Strategic Leadership and Change Management

Navigating organizational transformation.

As you embark on the journey of organizational transformation, it's crucial to recognize that this is not merely about altering structures or processes, but fundamentally shifting the corporate culture. Effective change management is the linchpin of successful transformation, involving meticulous planning, strategic implementation, and comprehensive management of changes to ensure favorable outcomes.

Consider the following steps to guide your transformation efforts:

• Establish a clear vision and communicate it effectively across the organization.
• Engage employees at all levels to foster a sense of ownership and commitment to change.
• Monitor progress and adapt strategies as necessary to maintain momentum.

Remember, transformational leadership plays a pivotal role in employees' readiness for change. By adopting a multi-theoretical lens, you can better understand and influence the mechanisms that drive successful organizational change. Embrace the challenge, and you'll be well on your way to steering your organization towards a future of innovation and growth.

Cultivating a Culture of Continuous Improvement

In your quest to foster a culture of continuous improvement within an organization, it is essential to understand that such efforts can only flourish when they become an integral part of the organizational ethos - "the way we do things around here" . This cultural shift requires a steadfast commitment to excellence and a willingness to embrace change at all levels.

To initiate this transformative journey, consider the following steps:

• Establish clear, measurable goals that align with the organization's vision.
• Encourage open communication and feedback from all team members.
• Provide ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Recognize and reward contributions to improvement efforts.
• Regularly review processes and outcomes for potential enhancements.

Remember, the path to continuous improvement is not a one-time initiative but a perpetual cycle of evaluation and refinement. By embedding this mindset into the fabric of your organization, you lay the groundwork for sustained success and innovation. As you navigate this challenging thesis journey, know that there are resources available, such as worksheets and templates , designed to support you every step of the way.

Leadership Strategies for the Digital Age

In the digital age, effective leadership transcends traditional boundaries and hierarchies. As an MBA graduate, you must be adept at leading in a landscape where technology evolves at a breakneck pace. Embrace a leadership style that is agile and responsive to the rapid changes in digital technology. This means being comfortable with uncertainty and prepared to pivot strategies swiftly.

To thrive as a digital leader, you must cultivate a deep understanding of digital trends and their impact on your industry. New research by the Global Center for Digital Business Transformation highlights the importance of skills such as digital literacy, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to drive innovation. Consider the following key areas for development:

• Digital literacy and technical acumen
• Data-driven decision-making
• Fostering innovation and creativity
• Building and leading agile teams

Remember, niche study strategies revolutionize learning by tailoring approaches to specific fields, maximizing understanding and retention. In this context, collaboration and adaptation are not just beneficial but essential for academic and professional growth. As you navigate your leadership journey, keep in mind that the ability to lead remote teams effectively has become a critical skill, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Leadership in the digital age is about connecting with your team, leveraging technology, and driving performance in a virtual environment.

Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation

Identifying opportunities in market disruptions.

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, market disruptions present unique opportunities for innovation and growth. As an MBA graduate, you are uniquely positioned to identify opportunities and overcome challenges in the pursuit of innovation. Market disruptions often lead to shifts in consumer behavior, emerging technologies, and new regulatory landscapes, which can open doors to novel business ventures.

To capitalize on these disruptions, it is essential to conduct a thorough investigation and critical analysis of the market. This involves understanding the underlying causes of the disruption, the needs that have arisen as a result, and the potential for creating value. Consider the following steps to guide your exploration:

• Assess the current market landscape and identify gaps or unmet needs.
• Analyze consumer trends and behavior changes due to the disruption.
• Explore technological advancements that can address new market demands.
• Evaluate the competitive environment and potential barriers to entry.

By encouraging further research and exploration through scholarly discourse, you can discover new insights and contribute to knowledge in the field of business innovation. Remember, disruptive entrepreneurs are those who create innovative solutions that revolutionize the way business is done.

Building Resilient Business Models in a Volatile Economy

In the face of economic turbulence, building resilient business models is not just a strategic advantage; it's a necessity for survival. As you delve into this topic, consider how resilience can be developed over time, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. According to research, resilience is an 'emerging' set of qualities that organizations can cultivate to withstand market disruptions.

To construct a resilient business model, begin by analyzing the facets of business resilience explored by McKinsey & Company. This involves understanding the organization's capacity to ride out crises and economic slowdowns. A bulleted list can help you organize the key components of a resilient business model:

• Diversification of products and services
• Agile operational processes
• Strong financial health
• Adaptive leadership and culture

Remember, the goal is to create a framework that not only survives but thrives amid uncertainty. Utilize tools for thesis writing , such as worksheets and templates, to structure your research effectively. And don't forget the importance of maintaining a social life for overall well-being during your thesis journey.

Leveraging Technology for Startup Success

In the fast-paced world of startups, technology acts as a catalyst for growth and innovation . By embracing the latest technological advancements, you can streamline operations , reduce overhead costs, and enhance productivity. Efficiency is key, and technology provides the tools to achieve it, from automating mundane tasks to optimizing complex processes.

Moreover, technology enables you to connect with customers and stakeholders in ways previously unimaginable. Social media platforms, customer relationship management systems, and data analytics tools allow for personalized engagement and strategic decision-making based on real-time feedback and trends. This not only helps in building a loyal customer base but also in adapting to their evolving needs swiftly.

Consider the following points to effectively leverage technology for your startup's success:

• Utilize cloud computing for scalable infrastructure and collaboration.
• Implement cybersecurity measures to protect your data and build trust.
• Explore artificial intelligence and machine learning for predictive analytics and personalized services.
• Foster a culture of innovation where technology is continuously evaluated and integrated into business practices.

Remember, the judicious use of technology can be the difference between a startup that struggles and one that soars. It's not just about having the latest gadgets; it's about integrating technology into the very fabric of your business strategy to drive growth and maintain a competitive edge .

Global Business Dynamics and Cross-Cultural Management

Adapting to global market shifts.

In the dynamic landscape of global business, your ability to adapt to market shifts is crucial for long-term success. Flexibility in compliance strategies is key to staying adaptable and thriving in an ever-changing environment. As you navigate these waters, consider the cultural nuances that can impact your business operations across borders.

To effectively adapt, you must stay informed about the latest trends and innovations. This includes understanding shifting demographics, consumer preferences, and technological advancements such as blockchain and smart contracts. Here's a list of steps to ensure you remain competitive:

• Continuously monitor global market trends and regulatory changes.
• Develop a deep understanding of the cultural and economic factors in your target markets.
• Invest in technology that enhances agility and responsiveness to market changes.
• Foster a corporate culture that values innovation and continuous learning.

Remember, the tools and resources available for thesis writing and academic projects can also provide valuable insights into research methodology selection, which is essential for analyzing global market dynamics.

Cross-Cultural Negotiation and Communication

In the realm of global business, effective cross-cultural negotiation and communication are pivotal to success. You must navigate not only the linguistic barriers but also the nuanced differences in business etiquette, expectations, and norms. Understanding cultural dynamics is essential in creating strategies that resonate across borders.

Consider the following points when engaging in cross-cultural negotiations:

• Recognize and respect cultural differences to build trust and rapport.
• Avoid relying on stereotypes , as they can lead to misunderstandings.
• Be mindful of non-verbal cues, which can vary significantly between cultures.
• Develop active listening skills to ensure all parties feel heard and valued.

By embracing these practices, you can enhance your ability to negotiate effectively in a diverse international landscape. Remember, the goal is to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome while fostering long-term relationships.

Managing Diversity and Inclusion in International Teams

As you navigate the complexities of international business, understanding and managing diversity and inclusion within your teams is not just an ethical imperative but a strategic advantage. From an ethical perspective , diversity and inclusion promote fairness, equality, and respect for human dignity. When companies embrace these values, they unlock a wealth of creativity and innovation that can only arise from a multitude of perspectives.

To effectively manage and empower diverse teams, it's essential to implement both formal systems and soft skills. Formal systems ensure that diversity policies are consistently applied, while soft skills, such as empathy and effective communication, foster an inclusive environment where every team member feels valued. Here are four soft skills that could help you make your team more inclusive :

• Active listening to understand diverse viewpoints
• Cultural sensitivity to respect different backgrounds
• Open communication to encourage sharing of ideas
• Conflict resolution to address and manage disagreements constructively

An excellent resource to develop these skills is the globally inclusive workplace model, which provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to diversity management. By integrating such models into your leadership strategy, you can work out an inclusive workplace that thrives on the unique contributions of its members.

Corporate Ethics and Social Responsibility

Integrating corporate social responsibility into business strategy.

In today's competitive landscape, integrating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into your business strategy is not just a moral imperative but a strategic one. Your CSR initiatives should reflect your company's values and business goals , creating a synergy that benefits both society and your bottom line. To achieve this, consider the following steps:

• Identify the core social and environmental issues that align with your business objectives.
• Engage with stakeholders, including customers, employees, and the community, to understand their expectations and insights.
• Develop a CSR strategy that incorporates these insights and aligns with your company's mission.
• Implement the strategy through actionable projects and initiatives.
• Measure and report on the impact of your CSR efforts, ensuring transparency and accountability.

By regularly discussing your CSR initiatives through various channels such as your website, social media, and newsletters, you maintain an open dialogue with your stakeholders. This not only enhances your corporate reputation but also fosters trust and loyalty among your customers and employees. Remember, a well-integrated CSR strategy can lead to innovative business practices and a sustainable competitive advantage.

Ethical Leadership in the Modern Corporation

In the landscape of modern business, you must recognize the pivotal role that ethical leadership plays in shaping the culture and values of a corporation. Leaders who prioritize ethics serve as beacons , guiding their organizations through the complexities of corporate governance and social responsibility. They set a standard for behavior that resonates throughout the company, influencing not just policies but the very ethos of the corporate identity.

As an MBA graduate exploring innovative thesis topics, consider the multifaceted impact of ethical leadership. Your research could delve into case studies that highlight the correlation between ethical leadership and corporate success. For instance, examining how ethical leaders navigate dilemmas and foster a culture of integrity could provide invaluable insights. Below is a list of potential areas of focus:

• The influence of ethical leadership on employee morale and retention
• Strategies for cultivating ethical decision-making among management
• The role of leadership in enforcing corporate social responsibility
• Assessing the impact of ethical leadership on a corporation's reputation

Remember, as you embark on this scholarly endeavor, to utilize resources like the Thesis Action Plan and worksheets designed to streamline your academic project planning. By doing so, you ensure a structured approach to your thesis, one that is both rigorous and reflective of the current business environment.

The Role of Governance in Sustainable Business Practices

As you delve into the intricacies of sustainable business practices, you'll find that governance plays a pivotal role in ensuring long-term success. Effective governance mechanisms are essential for aligning sustainability goals with corporate strategy, thereby fostering a culture of ethical decision-making and accountability. Research indicates a strong link between robust governance structures and the prioritization of sustainable development goals , particularly in emerging economies.

Consider the following points when exploring this thesis topic:

• The importance of transparency and accountability in sustainability reporting.
• The influence of governance on fair competition and ethical business conduct.
• The critical role of governance in detecting and preventing corporate fraud.

By focusing on these areas, you can contribute original research that enhances the understanding of how governance shapes sustainable business practices. Remember, the journey to a well-crafted thesis is as important as the destination. Utilize available tools for thesis writing , such as worksheets and templates, to manage your time effectively and prevent burnout.

In today's corporate landscape, ethical conduct and social responsibility are not just buzzwords—they are essential components of a successful business strategy. At Research Rebels , we understand the importance of these values and offer a comprehensive Thesis Action Plan to guide students through their academic challenges with integrity. Our methods, developed and tested by real students and approved by professors, ensure that you can tackle your thesis with confidence and ethical consideration. Don't let anxiety and uncertainty dictate your academic journey. Visit our website to learn more about our innovative approach and claim your special offer today. Together, we can make a difference in the world of academia with responsibility and care.

In conclusion, the landscape of business is ever-evolving, and MBA graduates are at the forefront of pioneering innovative solutions that address contemporary challenges. The thesis topics presented in this article not only reflect the current trends and future directions of the business world but also serve as a catalyst for MBA students to engage with complex issues, harness their entrepreneurial spirit, and contribute to meaningful advancements in their respective fields. As they navigate through the intricacies of their research, MBA candidates are encouraged to leverage the wealth of resources available, such as those provided by Research Rebels, to demystify the thesis process and emerge as leaders equipped to drive change and foster innovation in a dynamic global economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can mba graduates contribute to business innovation.

MBA graduates contribute to business innovation by leveraging their comprehensive understanding of business principles, strategic decision-making, and leadership skills to drive change, implement new technologies, and develop sustainable business models. They play a crucial role in fostering a culture of innovation within organizations.

What are some emerging trends in business innovation for MBA thesis topics?

Some emerging trends for MBA thesis topics include the integration of big data and analytics in strategic planning, the development of sustainable and circular business models, and the impact of artificial intelligence on business operations and decision-making processes.

How do MBA programs support entrepreneurship and new venture creation?

MBA programs support entrepreneurship by offering specialized tracks in entrepreneurship, access to mentorship and networking opportunities, and resources such as venture capital. They equip students with the necessary skills to launch and scale new ventures in a competitive marketplace.

What role do MBA graduates play in global business and cross-cultural management?

MBA graduates play a critical role in global business by understanding and adapting to global market shifts, managing cross-cultural teams, and employing effective negotiation and communication strategies in diverse cultural settings to ensure smooth international operations.

How can MBA students integrate corporate ethics and social responsibility into their careers?

MBA students can integrate corporate ethics and social responsibility by promoting ethical leadership, advocating for governance that supports sustainable business practices, and ensuring that corporate social responsibility is a core part of the business strategy in their future roles.

What skills are essential for MBA graduates in strategic leadership and change management?

Essential skills for MBA graduates in strategic leadership include the ability to navigate organizational transformations, cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, and develop leadership strategies that are effective in the digital age, ensuring that businesses remain agile and responsive to change.

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Business Theses, Dissertations, and Professional Papers

This collection includes theses, dissertations, and professional papers from the University of Montana College of Business. Theses, dissertations, and professional papers from all University of Montana departments and programs may be searched here.

Theses/Dissertations from 2004 2004

Independent external audits of foreign banking organizations (FBOs) operating in the U.S. , Bernard V. Khomenko

Theses/Dissertations from 2002 2002

E-textbooks : will there be a role for the college bookstore in their distribution? , Anne E. Iverson

How the top five automobile manufacturers reacted to the events of September 11, 2001 in their print advertisements , Jessica Walrath

Theses/Dissertations from 2001 2001

American Indian culture as a potential intervening factor in Internet acceptance , Trina L. Finley

Recruitment and retention strategies to combat nationwide nursing shortages , James R. Gillhouse

Evaluation of accounting software tailored for farming operations , Chad Peder Lee

Role of traditional business principles in today's economy , Joseph D. McCaffery

Making sense| Brand management in the new economy , Ken Quinn

Implementing an EPR program in the United States , Samantha Ann Sproson

Cultural impact of NAFTA on Mexico , Maitane Zuloaga

Theses/Dissertations from 2000 2000

Empathic negotiation: Addressing the need for putting feeling into the negotiation process , Garth W. Ferro

Japan goes web crazy : e-commerce and online shopping trend [sic] and future in Japan , Masahisa Hanamura

Generating online sales for small businesses through search engines , Dallas Neil

An examination of the potential of microenterprise development as a tool for social welfare reform , Henry Jay Wagner

Using permission-based E-mail as a medium for customer communications , Birgit Weischedel

Theses/Dissertations from 1999 1999

Distance education , Brent Booth

Challenge of a new standard for the governmental reporting format , Jennifer J. Cote

The core competency model in acquisition strategy development of the small and midsize environmental technology company , Leslie Ann Jensen

Investigation of the long-term viability of Major League Soccer, and soccer as a sport in the USA , Stian Jordalen

Industry-specific set of e-business solutions : An introduction to vertical communities , Brumby McLeod

The state of intellectual property rights in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperative (APEC) , Jeffrey P. Radighieri

Proposal for a small business development center on the Fort Belknap Reservation , Eleanor Yellowrobe

Theses/Dissertations from 1998 1998

Private enterprise in Bulgaria: A strategic assessment of opportunities in an emerging democracy , David G. Conklin

Operating plan for the Montana Business Plan Competition , Patrick J. Dailey

Amending the Single Audit Act| Expected impacts within the state of Alaska , Kristin K. Dzinich

Total quality management : involvement of craft-level workers on capital investment projects , Matthew Hamlin

An overview of ideas and principles on equity valuation that emerge from Warren Buffet's [i.e. Buffett's] letters to the shareholders of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. , Cameron Lawrence

Potential effects of electric utility industry deregulation on Montana Power Company , Heidi A. Wright

Montana's Profession Monitoring Program , Kimberley Vinso Wyatt

Theses/Dissertations from 1997 1997

How nonprofit organizations can build brand equity using the World Wide Web; trends and developments , Christa Keivan

Overview and evaluation of APEC members' current stage of investment liberalization , Carl-Christian Nitzsche

Theses/Dissertations from 1996 1996

EduSoft Inc. : three year business plan 1996-1998 , Joel A. Block

Pikuni Lodge , Raymond Montoya

Business plan and accounting system for Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Ranch , Timothy G. Olson

Estate planning in situations where the surviving spouse may not be a U.S. citizen , Harry Clinton Owen

Poly Advertising and Engineering| A business plan , Thom M. Tingley

Theses/Dissertations from 1995 1995

Assessing worldmindedness among college students in western Montana , Heidi L. Connole

China's changing shape: From socialism to capitalism , Robert R. Edmonson

Developing a sound business strategy for the continued operation of Interstate Brands Bakery thriftshops in Montana and Wyoming , Mark L. Heide

Evolution of the American Indian Business Leaders (AIBL) program , Michelle D. Henderson

Textbook Management System survey , Neil A. Rixe

ODBMS capabilities report , Nathan Anthony Singer

Consumer rumors and corporate communications , Susan M. Smith

Theses/Dissertations from 1994 1994

American labor unions' impact on the success or failure of Total Quality Management systems , Robert J. Blumhagen

Doing business in China , Youhua Chen

Uses of Montana lumber products , Paul J. Davis

Investing in China: Tackle the uncertainties , Xiao Feng

Impact of energy conservation on the marketing practices of the electric utility industry , Gabriele Golissa

A Feasibility study for a credit analysis consulting business for small independently owned banks , Kenneth L. Jansa

The use of performance appraisal and compensation systems in total quality management , Patricia Martin

Family business succession , Judith G. Preston

Health care in Montana : A survey of Montana experience and opinion , Susan Selig Wallwork

Product line management for hospitals : literature research and feasibility study for St. Patrick Hospital Missoula Montana , Thomas A. Wozniak

Has computer technology brought economies of scope to service oriented businesses?| An analysis of architectural and engineering firms , Carol A. Wulfekuhle

Theses/Dissertations from 1993 1993

Structure of the general merchandise retail market , Heiko Ebens

Competitive strategies in the U.S. long-distance telephone market , Bodo L. Grunenberg

Hong Kong: A gateway between the People's Republic of China & the United States of America , Xiaochun Guo

China's economic interactions with Asian countries , Chia-heng Kuan

Analysis of the recent economic and managerial reforms in China , Dingwei Lin

Expanded role of human resource management in joint-venture enterprises in the People's Republic of China , Wei Shao

Edge Specialty Sports , Randall Scott Spaulding

Selected examinations of business social responsibility: Theory to practice , Paul Svrcek

Accounting for the environment , Barbara J. Yahvah

Theses/Dissertations from 1992 1992

The State of day care in Missoula Montana , Scott Bixler

Changing environment of the Canadian retail trade sector , Mark Elwin Derbyshire

How to start a business: Coping with business regulations , Timothy Richard Engelhardt

Potential electronic information markets for the "Billings Gazette" , Dennis William Gaub

Developing carcass beef for the Japanese premium market: A Montana enterprise , Scott G. Hibbard

Airline fare pricing , Zeljko Ivic

Comparative study of equity accounting in the United States and the United Kingdom from a generally accepted accounting practices viewpoint , James Paul Luther

Market segmentation of downhill and cross-country snow skiers based on interpersonal orientation , Scott Marsh

Computers in small business accounting software problems , Eric J. Newman

An Acquisition Model to Emulate: An evaluation of the 1988 Packard Commission report , John M. Wilson

Theses/Dissertations from 1991 1991

Taiwanese investment in selected cities in the People's Republic of China , Su-Wei Hu

Productivity in a multispecialty medical clinic , Stephen Fraser Johnson

Overview of selected aspects of the United States-Japan business relationship: improving the most important bilateral relationship in the world , Yoshiaki Matsuda

Franchise agreement : an analysis of the contractual elements of franchising , Renwick W. Richardson

Influence of shareholder concentration on Chief Executive Officer (CEO) compensation| Empirical evidence , M. Gulam Samahon-Oumar

A child of China's economic reform special economic zones , Amanda Xu

Theses/Dissertations from 1990 1990

Montana-Wyoming Foundation for Medical Care : a workflow study , Ray Fuller

Assigned risk plan : what will it mean for the State of Montana? , Deslie Gianchetta

Montana's business climate: How bad is it really? , Gary D. Moseman

What is the prevalent ethical managerial style of MBA students: Immoral amoral or moral? , William T. Rupp

Cultural synergistic innovation , Michihiro Yamaguchi

Reform in China's foreign trade : decentralization and diversification , Jianli Zhang

Theses/Dissertations from 1989 1989

Development of a pay for performance reward system in a health care organization , Jan Ammerman

Energy efficiency : the impact of energy costs on business concerns , Charles E. Beard

A preliminary investigation into the operation of a Montana vacation fitness resort , Roberta Dixon

Study of methodologies to estimate the number of chronically mentally ill adults in Montana , Sandra A. Harris

Interrelationship between Taiwanese and American currencies| Present accounting practices and future suggestions , Shufen Hu

Evaluation of methods of planned giving , Joseph H. Lawson

Assessment of need for a city/county jail in Great Falls Cascade County Montana , Mark L. Macek

Pesticide regulation and the turfgrass industry| A proposed program to meet present regulatory requirements , David M. Matzer

Need for, and the legal impact on, employee drug testing in Montana's acute care hospitals , Michael L. McPherson

Human resource profile| Theoretical approach toward developing an integrated process for pre-employment interviewing and post-hire job performance appraisal , Victor Moretto

Heavy equipment maintenance software for the mining industries | A market feasibility analysis , Diane Marie Nalty

Marketing of trusts: Distinguishing trusts from other financial services , Gregory E. Olson

Pilot study designed to provide preliminary data for developing a feasibility study of building a golf course in Bozeman, Montana , Mary N. Olson

The Neversweat & Washoe Tourist Railroad: An analysis of its development and a plan for growth , John Carl Podobnik

Software cost estimation of the Advanced Training System project using three computer-based models , Douglas Poteat

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Research Topics & Ideas: Business

50+ Management Research Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project

Finding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation, thesis or research project. If you’ve landed on this post, chances are you’re looking for a business/management-related research topic , but aren’t sure where to start. Here, we’ll explore a variety of  research ideas and topic thought-starters for management-related research degrees (MBAs/DBAs, etc.). These research topics span management strategy, HR, finance, operations, international business and leadership.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps . In this post, we’ll kickstart the process by sharing some research topic ideas within the management domain. This is the starting point, but to develop a well-defined research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , along with a well-justified plan of action to fill that gap.

If you’re new to the oftentimes perplexing world of research, or if this is your first time undertaking a formal academic research project, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course. In it, we cover the process of writing a dissertation or thesis from start to end. Be sure to also sign up for our free webinar that explores how to find a high-quality research topic. 

Overview: Business Research Topics

• Business /management strategy
• Human resources (HR) and industrial psychology
• Finance and accounting
• Operations management
• International business
• Actual business dissertations & theses

Strategy-Related Research Topics

• An analysis of the impact of digital transformation on business strategy in consulting firms
• The role of innovation in transportation practices for creating a competitive advantage within the agricultural sector
• Exploring the effect of globalisation on strategic decision-making practices for multinational Fashion brands.
• An evaluation of corporate social responsibility in shaping business strategy, a case study of power utilities in Nigeria
• Analysing the relationship between corporate culture and business strategy in the new digital era, exploring the role of remote working.
• Assessing the impact of sustainability practices on business strategy and performance in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry
• An analysis of the effect of social media on strategic partnerships and alliances development in the insurance industry
• Exploring the role of data-driven decision-making in business strategy developments following supply-chain disruptions in the agricultural sector
• Developing a conceptual framework for assessing the influence of market orientation on business strategy and performance in the video game publishing industry
• A review of strategic cost management best practices in the healthcare sector of Indonesia
• Identification of key strategic considerations required for the effective implementation of Industry 4.0 to develop a circular economy
• Reviewing how Globalisation has affected business model innovation strategies in the education sector
• A comparison of merger and acquisition strategies’ effects on novel product development in the Pharmaceutical industry
• An analysis of market strategy performance during recessions, a retrospective review of the luxury goods market in the US
• Comparing the performance of digital stakeholder engagement strategies and their contribution towards meeting SDGs in the mining sector

Topics & Ideas: Human Resources (HR)

• Exploring the impact of digital employee engagement practices on organizational performance in SMEs
• The role of diversity and inclusion in the workplace
• An evaluation of remote employee training and development programs efficacy in the e-commerce sector
• Comparing the effect of flexible work arrangements on employee satisfaction and productivity across generational divides
• Assessing the relationship between gender-focused employee empowerment programs and job satisfaction in the UAE
• A review of the impact of technology and digitisation on human resource management practices in the construction industry
• An analysis of the role of human resource management in talent acquisition and retention in response to globalisation and crisis, a case study of the South African power utility
• The influence of leadership style on remote working employee motivation and performance in the education sector.
• A comparison of performance appraisal systems for managing employee performance in the luxury retail fashion industry
• An examination of the relationship between work-life balance and job satisfaction in blue-collar workplaces, A systematic review
• Exploring HR personnel’s experiences managing digital workplace bullying in multinational corporations
• Assessing the success of HR team integration following merger and acquisition on employee engagement and performance
• Exploring HR green practices and their effects on retention of millennial talent in the fintech industry
• Assessing the impact of human resources analytics in successfully navigating digital transformation within the healthcare sector
• Exploring the role of HR staff in the development and maintenance of ethical business practices in fintech SMEs
• An analysis of employee perceptions of current HRM practices in a fully remote IT workspace

Topics & Ideas: Finance & Accounting

• An analysis of the effect of employee financial literacy on decision-making in manufacturing start-ups in Ghana
• Assessing the impact of corporate green innovation on financial performance in listed companies in Estonia
• Assessing the effect of corporate governance on financial performance in the mining industry in Papua New Guinea
• An evaluation of financial risk management practices in the construction industry of Saudi Arabia
• Exploring the role of leadership financial literacy in the transition from start-up to scale-up in the retail e-commerce industry.
• A review of influential macroeconomic factors on the adoption of cryptocurrencies as legal tender
• An examination of the use of financial derivatives in risk management
• Exploring the impact of the cryptocurrency disruption on stock trading practices in the EU
• An analysis of the relationship between corporate social responsibility and financial performance in academic publishing houses
• A comparison of financial ratios performance in evaluating E-commerce startups in South Korea.
• An evaluation of the role of government policies in facilitating manufacturing companies’ successful transitioning from start-up to scale-ups in Denmark
• Assessing the financial value associated with industry 4.0 transitions in the Indian pharmaceutical industry
• Exploring the role of effective e-leadership on financial performance in the Nigerian fintech industry
• A review of digital disruptions in CRM practices and their associated financial impact on listed companies during the Covid-19 pandemic
• Exploring the importance of Sharia-based business practices on SME financial performance in multicultural countries

Ideas: Operations Management

• An assessment of the impact of blockchain technology on operations management practices in the transport industry of Estonia
• An evaluation of supply chain disruption management strategies and their impact on business performance in Lithuania
• Exploring the role of lean manufacturing in the automotive industry of Malaysia and its effects on improving operational efficiency
• A critical review of optimal operations management strategies in luxury goods manufacturing for ensuring supply chain resilience
• Exploring the role of globalization on Supply chain diversification, a pre/post analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic
• An analysis of the relationship between quality management and customer satisfaction in subscription-based business models
• Assessing the cost of sustainable sourcing practices on operations management and supply chain resilience in the Cocao industry.
• An examination of the adoption of behavioural predictive analytics in operations management practices, a case study of the
• Italian automotive industry
• Exploring the effect of operational complexity on business performance following digital transformation
• An evaluation of barriers to the implementation of agile methods in project management within governmental institutions
• Assessing how the relationship between operational processes and business strategy change as companies transition from start-ups to scale-ups
• Exploring the relationship between operational management and innovative business models, lessons from the fintech industry
• A review of best practices for operations management facilitating the transition towards a circular economy in the fast food industry
• Exploring the viability of lean manufacturing practices in Vietnam’s plastics industry
• Assessing engagement in cybersecurity considerations associated with operations management practices in industry 4.0 manufacturing

Topics & Ideas: International Business

• The impact of cultural differences in communication on international business relationships
• An evaluation of the role of government import and export policies in shaping international business practices
• The effect of global shipping conditions on international business strategies
• An analysis of the challenges of managing multinational corporations: branch management
• The influence of social media marketing on international business operations
• The role of international trade agreements on business activities in developing countries
• An examination of the impact of currency fluctuations on international business and cost competitiveness
• The relationship between international business and sustainable development: perspectives and benefits
• An evaluation of the challenges and opportunities of doing business in emerging markets such as the renewable energy industry
• An analysis of the role of internationalisation via strategic alliances in international business
• The impact of cross-cultural management on international business performance
• The effect of political instability on international business operations: A case study of Russia
• An analysis of the role of intellectual property rights in an international technology company’s business strategies
• The relationship between corporate social responsibility and international business strategy: a comparative study of different industries
• The impact of technology on international business in the fashion industry

Topics & Ideas: Leadership

• A comparative study of the impact of different leadership styles on organizational performance
• An evaluation of transformational leadership in today’s non-profit organizations
• The role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership and productivity
• An analysis of the relationship between leadership style and employee motivation
• The influence of diversity and inclusion on leadership practices in South Africa
• The impact of Artificial Intelligence technology on leadership in the digital age
• An examination of the challenges of leadership in a rapidly changing business environment: examples from the finance industry
• The relationship between leadership and corporate culture and job satisfaction
• An evaluation of the role of transformational leadership in strategic decision-making
• The use of leadership development programs in enhancing leadership effectiveness in multinational organisations
• The impact of ethical leadership on organizational trust and reputation: an empirical study
• An analysis of the relationship between various leadership styles and employee well-being in healthcare organizations
• The role of leadership in promoting good work-life balance and job satisfaction in the age of remote work
• The influence of leadership on knowledge sharing and innovation in the technology industry
• An investigation of the impact of cultural intelligence on cross-cultural leadership effectiveness in global organizations

Business/Management Dissertation & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a business-related research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various management-related degree programs (e.g., MBAs, DBAs, etc.) to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• Sustaining Microbreweries Beyond 5 Years (Yanez, 2022)
• Perceived Stakeholder and Stockholder Views: A Comparison Among Accounting Students, Non-Accounting Business Students And Non-Business Students (Shajan, 2020)
• Attitudes Toward Corporate Social Responsibility and the New Ecological Paradigm among Business Students in Southern California (Barullas, 2020)
• Entrepreneurial opportunity alertness in small business: a narrative research study exploring established small business founders’ experience with opportunity alertness in an evolving economic landscape in the Southeastern United States (Hughes, 2019)
• Work-Integrated Learning in Closing Skills Gap in Public Procurement: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study (Culver, 2021)
• Analyzing the Drivers and Barriers to Green Business Practices for Small and Medium Enterprises in Ohio (Purwandani, 2020)
• The Role of Executive Business Travel in a Virtual World (Gale, 2022)
• Outsourcing Security and International Corporate Responsibility: A Critical Analysis of Private Military Companies (PMCs) and Human Rights Violations (Hawkins, 2022)
• Lean-excellence business management for small and medium-sized manufacturing companies in Kurdistan region of Iraq (Mohammad, 2021)
• Science Data Sharing: Applying a Disruptive Technology Platform Business Model (Edwards, 2022)
• Impact of Hurricanes on Small Construction Business and Their Recovery (Sahu, 2022)

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are quite specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. This is an important thing to keep in mind as you develop your own research topic. That is to say, to create a top-notch research topic, you must be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

Fast-Track Your Topic Ideation

If you’d like hands-on help to speed up your topic ideation process and ensure that you develop a rock-solid research topic, check our our Topic Kickstarter service below.

10 Comments

Great help. thanks

Hi, Your work is very educative, it has widened my knowledge. Thank you so much.

Thank you so much for helping me understand how to craft a research topic. I’m pursuing a PGDE. Thank you

a feasibility study for the establishment of rice processing system in (_____)

Effect of Leadership, computerized accounting systems, risk management and monitoring on the quality of financial Reports among listed banks

May you assist on a possible PhD topic on analyzing economic behaviours within environmental, climate and energy domains, from a gender perspective. I seek to further investigate if/to which extent policies in these domains can be deemed economically unfair from a gender perspective, and whether the effectiveness of the policies can be increased while striving for inequalities not being perpetuated.

healthy work environment and employee diversity, technological innovations and their role in management practices, cultural difference affecting advertising, honesty as a company policy, an analysis of the relationships between quality management and customer satisfaction in subscription based business model,business corruption cases. That I was selected from the above topics.

Research topic accounting

Kindly assist me with a research topic on low income?

Kindly assist me with a research topic on low income? PHD/ Doctoral thesis

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Home > Business > Business Administration ETDs

Theses and Dissertations in Business Administration

Theses and dissertations published by graduate students in the Business Administration program, College of Business, Old Dominion University, since Fall 2016 are available in this collection. Backfiles of all dissertations (and some theses) have also been added.

In late Fall 2023 or Spring 2024, all theses will be digitized and available here. In the meantime, consult the Library Catalog to find older items in print.

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

Dissertation: Two Essays on Industry Tournament Incentives , Sarah Almisher

Dissertation: Two Essays on Investor Sentiment , Amin Amoulashkarian

Dissertation: Two Essays on Retail Trading , Qiqi Liang

Dissertation: Two Essays in Real Estate Dynamics , Navid Safari

Dissertation: Firm Capabilities, Great Power Competition, and the Structural Reshaping of Globalization , Samuel Wilson

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Dissertation: Three Essays on Stock Price Informativeness, Stock Price Momentum, and Firm Investment Efficiency , Chen Chen

Dissertation: Exploring Blockchain-Based Digital Transformation In Organizations , Weiru Chen

Dissertation: Two Essays on Antecedents and Effects of Award-Winning CEOS , Veronika Ciarleglio

Dissertation: Two’s a Crowd? Implications of Economic Geography for Corporate Governance , Matthew Farrell

Dissertation: Two Essays on the Effects of CEO Social Activism , Habib Islam

Dissertation: Two Essays on the Role of Empathy in Consumer Response to User-Generated Content , Mohammadali Koorank Beheshti

Dissertation: Three Essays on the Effects of Other Customer Brand Tie and Employee Behavior on Consumer Behavior , Saeed Zal

Dissertation: Three Essays on CEO Traits, Corporate Investment Decisions, and Firm Value , Rongyao Zhang

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Dissertation: Two Essays on Antecedents and Effects of Board Female Representation Non-Conformity , Fatemeh Askarzadeh

Dissertation: Application of Optimization Techniques in Corporate Cash Management , Venkateswara Reddy Dondeti

Dissertation: Two Essays on Corruption, FDI, and Digitalization , Mahdi Forghani Bajestani

Dissertation: Two Essays on the Information Embedded in Flow of Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) , Hamed Yousefi

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Dissertation: The Influence of Mating Motives on Reliance on Form Versus Function in Product Choice , Seyed Hamid Abbassi Hosseini

Dissertation: Three Essays on CEO Characteristics and Corporate Bankruptcy , Rajib Chowdhury

Dissertation: The Effects of CEO Dismissal Risk and Skills on Risky Corporate Decisions and CEO Compensation , Son T. Dang

Dissertation: Essay 1: How We Feel: The Role of Macro-Economic Sentiment in Advertising Spending-Sales Relationship; Essay 2: It Was the Best of Times; It Was the Worst of Times: The Effect of Emotional Uncertainty and Arousal on Healthy Food Choices , Leila Khoshghadam

Dissertation: The Accumulation of IT Capability And Its Long-Term Effect on Financial Performance , Jin Ho Kim

Dissertation: Three Essays on the Roles of Review Valence and Conflict in Online Relationships , Ran Liu

Dissertation: Two Essays on the Microstructure of the Housing Market: Agents' Diffused Effort and Sellers' Behavior Bias , Zhaohui Li

Dissertation: Two Essays on CEO Overconfidence in Relation to Speed of Adjustment of Firm Financial Policy and CEO Inside Debt , Xiang Long

Dissertation: Pricing the Cloud: An Auction Approach , Yang Lu

Dissertation: Two Essays on Consumer Envy , Murong Miao

Dissertation: Two Essays on Negotiations Between Entrepreneurs and Angel Investors , Aydin Selim Oksoy

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Dissertation: Two Essays on Bitcoin Price and Volume , Mohammad Bayani Khaknejad

Dissertation: Two Essays on Investor Attention, Investor Sentiment, and Earnings Pricing , Qiuye Cai

Dissertation: Success Factors Impacting Artificial Intelligence Adoption --- Perspective From the Telecom Industry in China , Hong Chen

Dissertation: Early Information Access to Alleviate Emergency Department Congestion , Anjee Gorkhali

Dissertation: Two Essays on the Consumer Acculturation Process – A Need for and Development of a Consumer Acculturation Measure , Kristina Marie Harrison

Dissertation: Three Essays on CEO Characteristics and Corporate Decisions , Trung Nguyen

Dissertation: Two Essays on the Effects of Organization Capital on Firm Behavior , Andrew Root

Dissertation: Underlying Factors Behind Generation of Different Types of User-Generated Content - Impact of Individual and Brand/Product Level Factors in Generation of Brand-Oriented Content and Community-Oriented Content , Kemal Cem Soylemez

Dissertation: Customers’ Goal-Related Behavior in Loyalty Programs , Junzhou Zhang

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Dissertation: Security Risk Tolerance in Mobile Payment: A Trade-off Framework , Yong Chen

Dissertation: Numerical Framing and Emotional Arousal as Moderators of Review Valence and Consumer Choices , Anh Dang

Dissertation: Three Essays on CEO Risk Preferences, and Ability, Corporate Hedging Decisions, and Investor Sentiment , Sonik Mandal

Dissertation: Two Essays on the Creation and Success of New Ventures , Amirmahmood Amini Sedeh

Dissertation: Effectiveness of Social Media Analytics on Detecting Service Quality Metrics in the U.S. Airline Industry , Xin Tian

Dissertation: Two Essays on Value Co-Creation , Hangjun Xu

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Dissertation: Two Essays on Forced CEO Turnover During Envy Merger Waves, and Dividends , Bader Almuhtadi

Dissertation: The Role of Consumer Ethnocentrism on the Effects of Domestic vs Foreign Product Failure on Post Consumption Emotions and Complaint Behaviors , Kittinand Bandhumasuta

Dissertation: The Impact of Help-Self and Help-Others Appeals Upon Participation in Clinical Research Trials , Susan Lewis Casey

Dissertation: Is Every Tweet Created Equal? A Framework to Identify Relevant Tweets for Business Research , Thad Chee

Dissertation: Three Essays on Mutual Funds, Fund Management Skills, and Investor Sentiment , Feng Dong

Dissertation: Two Essays on the Impact of Institutional Structures on Entrepreneurship: Country Level Analysis , Mehdi Sharifi Khobdeh

Dissertation: Two Essays on the Antecedents and Effects of Internationalizing Out of Emerging and Developed Economies , Mark Robert Mallon

Dissertation: From Placebo to Panacea: Exploring the Influence of Price, Suspicion, and Persuasion Knowledge on Consumers’ Perception of Quality , Vahid Rahmani

Dissertation: Essays on the El Niño Anomaly and Stock Return Predictability , Zhijun Yang

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Dissertation: The Effect of XBRL and Social Media on Information Asymmetry: Evidence from Bank Loan Contracts , Dazhi Chong

Dissertation: Two Essays on CEO Inside Debt Holding in Relation to Firm Payout Policy and Financial Reporting , Asligul Erkan

Dissertation: Two Essays on The Internationalization Speed of New Ventures , Orhun Guldiken

Dissertation: Two Essays on Shareholder Base, Firm Behavior, and Firm Value , Yi Jian

Dissertation: Valence or Volume? Maximizing Online Review Influence Across Consumers, Products, and Marketing , Elika Kordrostami

Dissertation: Essays on the Equity Risk Premium , Mohamed Mehdi Rahoui

Dissertation: A Study of the Impact of Information Blackouts on the Bullwhip Effect of a Supply Chain Using Discrete-Event Simulations , Elizabeth Rasnick

Dissertation: Two Essays on Investor Emotions and Their Effects in Financial Markets , Jiancheng Shen

Dissertation: Two Studies on The Use of Information Technology in Collaborative Planning, Forecasting & Replenishment (CPFR) , David McCaw Simmonds

Dissertation: Founder CEOs and Initial Public Offerings: The Role of Narratives, Institutions and Cultural Context , Christina Helen Tupper

Dissertation: Ambidexterity: The Interplay of Supply Chain Management Competencies and Enterprise Resource Planning Systems on Organizational Performance , Serdar Turedi

Dissertation: Two Essays on Short Selling , Zhaobo Zhu

Dissertation: Buying Love Through Social Media: How Different Types Of Incentives Impact Consumers’ Online Sharing Behavior , Yueming Zou

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Dissertation: Three Essays on Dividend Policy , Mehmet Deren Caliskan

Dissertation: "The Magic Formula: Scent and Brand"- The Influence of Olfactory Sensory Co-Branding on Consumer Evaluations and Experiences , Ceren Ekebas

Dissertation: The Value of Integrated Information Systems for U.S. General Hospitals , Liuliu Fu

Dissertation: Two Essays on Managerial Horizon, Cash Holdings and Earnings Management , Sanjib Guha

Dissertation: Three Essays on Opportunistic Claiming Behavior in a Services Setting: Customers and Front Line Employees Perspectives , Denis Khantimirov

Dissertation: Spillover Effects of Brand Alliance and Service Experience on Host Brands in Loyalty Program Partnerships , Gulfem Cigdem Kutlu

Dissertation: Measuring Consumer Expectations of Salesperson Unethicality: A Scale Development , Amiee Mellon

Dissertation: Essays on International Risk-Return Trade-Off Relations , Liang Meng

Dissertation: Two Essays on Investor Attention and Asset Pricing , Nadia Asmaa Nafar

Dissertation: International Venture Capital Firms Syndication and Performance: A Social Network Perspective , Amir Pezeshkan

Dissertation: Three Essays on Institutions, Entrepreneurship, and Development , Adam Smith

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Dissertation: An Empirical Examination of the Antecedents and Consequences of Earnings Management in Emerging Markets , Shuji Rosey Bao

Dissertation: Dynamic Capabilities and Resilient Organizations Amid Environmental Jolts , Stav Fainshmidt

Dissertation: An Empirical Examination of the Moderators of Direct Versus Indirect Comparative Advertising , Chun-Kai Hsu

Dissertation: Two Essays on Attracting Foreign Direct Investment: From Both a National and Firm Level Perspective , Ryan Lawrence Mason

Dissertation: The Effect of Online Reviews on Attitude and Purchase Intention: How Consumers Respond to Mixed Reviews , Chatdanai Pongpatipat

Dissertation: Three Essays on the Enterprise Strategy for Multinational Firms , Veselina Plamenova Vracheva

Dissertation: The Antecedents and Effects of Strategic Caring: A Cross-National Empirical Study , Thomas Weber

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Dissertation: International Banking sector Linkages: Did the Global Financial Crisis Strengthen or Weaken the Linkages? , James Edward Benton

Dissertation: Three Essays on Corporate Liquidity, Financial Crisis, and Real Estate , Kimberly Fowler Luchtenberg

Dissertation: Three Essays on Immigrant Entrepreneurship , Kaveh Moghaddam

Dissertation: The Response of Commercial Banks to Credit Stimuli , Denise Williams Streeter

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Dissertation: An Examination of Middle Manager Innovation Behaviors and Institutional Factors Impact on Organizational Innovation in the USA and Mexico , J. Lee Brown III

Dissertation: Essays on Foreign Reverse Mergers and Bond ETF Mispricing , Charles William Duval

Dissertation: Three Essays on Strategic Risk Taking , Krista Burrill Lewellyn

Dissertation: Two Essays on Executive Pay and Firm Performance , Thuong Quang Nguyen

Dissertation: A Study of Risk-Taking Behavior in Investment Banking , Elzotbek Rustambekov

Dissertation: A Study of Failures in the US Banking Industry , Joseph Trendowski

Dissertation: Two Essays on Behavioral Finance , Quang Viet Vu

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Dissertation: Three Essays on Individual Currency Traders , Boris Sebastian Abbey

Dissertation: Cross-listing Premium or Market Timing , Moustafa M. Abu El Fadl

Dissertation: Warranty and Price as Quality Signals: The effect of Signal Consistency and Unexpectedness on Product Perception , Sultan Alaswad Alenazi

Dissertation: The Behavior and Choices of Serial Bidders in M&A Transactions: A Prospect Theory Approach , Ahmed Essam El-Din El-Bakry

Dissertation: Two Essays on the Effect of Macroeconomic News on the Stock Market , Ajay Kongera

Dissertation: Intercultural Accommodation of Ethnic Minority Consumers: An Empirical Examination of the Moderating Effects in Service Encounters , Sarah Mady

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Developing a Thesis Statement

Many papers you write require developing a thesis statement. In this section you’ll learn what a thesis statement is and how to write one.

Keep in mind that not all papers require thesis statements . If in doubt, please consult your instructor for assistance.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement . . .

• Makes an argumentative assertion about a topic; it states the conclusions that you have reached about your topic.
• Makes a promise to the reader about the scope, purpose, and direction of your paper.
• Is focused and specific enough to be “proven” within the boundaries of your paper.
• Is generally located near the end of the introduction ; sometimes, in a long paper, the thesis will be expressed in several sentences or in an entire paragraph.
• Identifies the relationships between the pieces of evidence that you are using to support your argument.

Not all papers require thesis statements! Ask your instructor if you’re in doubt whether you need one.

Identify a topic

Your topic is the subject about which you will write. Your assignment may suggest several ways of looking at a topic; or it may name a fairly general concept that you will explore or analyze in your paper.

Consider what your assignment asks you to do

Inform yourself about your topic, focus on one aspect of your topic, ask yourself whether your topic is worthy of your efforts, generate a topic from an assignment.

Below are some possible topics based on sample assignments.

Sample assignment 1

Analyze Spain’s neutrality in World War II.

Identified topic

Franco’s role in the diplomatic relationships between the Allies and the Axis

This topic avoids generalities such as “Spain” and “World War II,” addressing instead on Franco’s role (a specific aspect of “Spain”) and the diplomatic relations between the Allies and Axis (a specific aspect of World War II).

Sample assignment 2

Analyze one of Homer’s epic similes in the Iliad.

The relationship between the portrayal of warfare and the epic simile about Simoisius at 4.547-64.

This topic focuses on a single simile and relates it to a single aspect of the Iliad ( warfare being a major theme in that work).

Developing a Thesis Statement–Additional information

Your assignment may suggest several ways of looking at a topic, or it may name a fairly general concept that you will explore or analyze in your paper. You’ll want to read your assignment carefully, looking for key terms that you can use to focus your topic.

Sample assignment: Analyze Spain’s neutrality in World War II Key terms: analyze, Spain’s neutrality, World War II

After you’ve identified the key words in your topic, the next step is to read about them in several sources, or generate as much information as possible through an analysis of your topic. Obviously, the more material or knowledge you have, the more possibilities will be available for a strong argument. For the sample assignment above, you’ll want to look at books and articles on World War II in general, and Spain’s neutrality in particular.

As you consider your options, you must decide to focus on one aspect of your topic. This means that you cannot include everything you’ve learned about your topic, nor should you go off in several directions. If you end up covering too many different aspects of a topic, your paper will sprawl and be unconvincing in its argument, and it most likely will not fulfull the assignment requirements.

For the sample assignment above, both Spain’s neutrality and World War II are topics far too broad to explore in a paper. You may instead decide to focus on Franco’s role in the diplomatic relationships between the Allies and the Axis , which narrows down what aspects of Spain’s neutrality and World War II you want to discuss, as well as establishes a specific link between those two aspects.

Before you go too far, however, ask yourself whether your topic is worthy of your efforts. Try to avoid topics that already have too much written about them (i.e., “eating disorders and body image among adolescent women”) or that simply are not important (i.e. “why I like ice cream”). These topics may lead to a thesis that is either dry fact or a weird claim that cannot be supported. A good thesis falls somewhere between the two extremes. To arrive at this point, ask yourself what is new, interesting, contestable, or controversial about your topic.

As you work on your thesis, remember to keep the rest of your paper in mind at all times . Sometimes your thesis needs to evolve as you develop new insights, find new evidence, or take a different approach to your topic.

Derive a main point from topic

Once you have a topic, you will have to decide what the main point of your paper will be. This point, the “controlling idea,” becomes the core of your argument (thesis statement) and it is the unifying idea to which you will relate all your sub-theses. You can then turn this “controlling idea” into a purpose statement about what you intend to do in your paper.

Look for patterns in your evidence

Compose a purpose statement.

Consult the examples below for suggestions on how to look for patterns in your evidence and construct a purpose statement.

• Franco first tried to negotiate with the Axis
• Franco turned to the Allies when he couldn’t get some concessions that he wanted from the Axis

Possible conclusion:

Spain’s neutrality in WWII occurred for an entirely personal reason: Franco’s desire to preserve his own (and Spain’s) power.

Purpose statement

This paper will analyze Franco’s diplomacy during World War II to see how it contributed to Spain’s neutrality.

• The simile compares Simoisius to a tree, which is a peaceful, natural image.
• The tree in the simile is chopped down to make wheels for a chariot, which is an object used in warfare.

At first, the simile seems to take the reader away from the world of warfare, but we end up back in that world by the end.

This paper will analyze the way the simile about Simoisius at 4.547-64 moves in and out of the world of warfare.

Derive purpose statement from topic

To find out what your “controlling idea” is, you have to examine and evaluate your evidence . As you consider your evidence, you may notice patterns emerging, data repeated in more than one source, or facts that favor one view more than another. These patterns or data may then lead you to some conclusions about your topic and suggest that you can successfully argue for one idea better than another.

For instance, you might find out that Franco first tried to negotiate with the Axis, but when he couldn’t get some concessions that he wanted from them, he turned to the Allies. As you read more about Franco’s decisions, you may conclude that Spain’s neutrality in WWII occurred for an entirely personal reason: his desire to preserve his own (and Spain’s) power. Based on this conclusion, you can then write a trial thesis statement to help you decide what material belongs in your paper.

Sometimes you won’t be able to find a focus or identify your “spin” or specific argument immediately. Like some writers, you might begin with a purpose statement just to get yourself going. A purpose statement is one or more sentences that announce your topic and indicate the structure of the paper but do not state the conclusions you have drawn . Thus, you might begin with something like this:

• This paper will look at modern language to see if it reflects male dominance or female oppression.
• I plan to analyze anger and derision in offensive language to see if they represent a challenge of society’s authority.

At some point, you can turn a purpose statement into a thesis statement. As you think and write about your topic, you can restrict, clarify, and refine your argument, crafting your thesis statement to reflect your thinking.

As you work on your thesis, remember to keep the rest of your paper in mind at all times. Sometimes your thesis needs to evolve as you develop new insights, find new evidence, or take a different approach to your topic.

Compose a draft thesis statement

If you are writing a paper that will have an argumentative thesis and are having trouble getting started, the techniques in the table below may help you develop a temporary or “working” thesis statement.

Begin with a purpose statement that you will later turn into a thesis statement.

Assignment: Discuss the history of the Reform Party and explain its influence on the 1990 presidential and Congressional election.

Purpose Statement: This paper briefly sketches the history of the grassroots, conservative, Perot-led Reform Party and analyzes how it influenced the economic and social ideologies of the two mainstream parties.

Question-to-Assertion

If your assignment asks a specific question(s), turn the question(s) into an assertion and give reasons why it is true or reasons for your opinion.

Assignment : What do Aylmer and Rappaccini have to be proud of? Why aren’t they satisfied with these things? How does pride, as demonstrated in “The Birthmark” and “Rappaccini’s Daughter,” lead to unexpected problems?

Beginning thesis statement: Alymer and Rappaccinni are proud of their great knowledge; however, they are also very greedy and are driven to use their knowledge to alter some aspect of nature as a test of their ability. Evil results when they try to “play God.”

Write a sentence that summarizes the main idea of the essay you plan to write.

Main idea: The reason some toys succeed in the market is that they appeal to the consumers’ sense of the ridiculous and their basic desire to laugh at themselves.

Make a list of the ideas that you want to include; consider the ideas and try to group them.

• nature = peaceful
• war matériel = violent (competes with 1?)
• need for time and space to mourn the dead
• war is inescapable (competes with 3?)

Use a formula to arrive at a working thesis statement (you will revise this later).

• although most readers of _______ have argued that _______, closer examination shows that _______.
• _______ uses _______ and _____ to prove that ________.
• phenomenon x is a result of the combination of __________, __________, and _________.

What to keep in mind as you draft an initial thesis statement

Beginning statements obtained through the methods illustrated above can serve as a framework for planning or drafting your paper, but remember they’re not yet the specific, argumentative thesis you want for the final version of your paper. In fact, in its first stages, a thesis statement usually is ill-formed or rough and serves only as a planning tool.

As you write, you may discover evidence that does not fit your temporary or “working” thesis. Or you may reach deeper insights about your topic as you do more research, and you will find that your thesis statement has to be more complicated to match the evidence that you want to use.

You must be willing to reject or omit some evidence in order to keep your paper cohesive and your reader focused. Or you may have to revise your thesis to match the evidence and insights that you want to discuss. Read your draft carefully, noting the conclusions you have drawn and the major ideas which support or prove those conclusions. These will be the elements of your final thesis statement.

Sometimes you will not be able to identify these elements in your early drafts, but as you consider how your argument is developing and how your evidence supports your main idea, ask yourself, “ What is the main point that I want to prove/discuss? ” and “ How will I convince the reader that this is true? ” When you can answer these questions, then you can begin to refine the thesis statement.

Refine and polish the thesis statement

To get to your final thesis, you’ll need to refine your draft thesis so that it’s specific and arguable.

• Ask if your draft thesis addresses the assignment
• Question each part of your draft thesis
• Clarify vague phrases and assertions
• Investigate alternatives to your draft thesis

Consult the example below for suggestions on how to refine your draft thesis statement.

Sample Assignment

Choose an activity and define it as a symbol of American culture. Your essay should cause the reader to think critically about the society which produces and enjoys that activity.

• Ask The phenomenon of drive-in facilities is an interesting symbol of american culture, and these facilities demonstrate significant characteristics of our society.This statement does not fulfill the assignment because it does not require the reader to think critically about society.

Drive-ins are an interesting symbol of American culture because they represent Americans’ significant creativity and business ingenuity.

Among the types of drive-in facilities familiar during the twentieth century, drive-in movie theaters best represent American creativity, not merely because they were the forerunner of later drive-ins and drive-throughs, but because of their impact on our culture: they changed our relationship to the automobile, changed the way people experienced movies, and changed movie-going into a family activity.

While drive-in facilities such as those at fast-food establishments, banks, pharmacies, and dry cleaners symbolize America’s economic ingenuity, they also have affected our personal standards.

While drive-in facilities such as those at fast- food restaurants, banks, pharmacies, and dry cleaners symbolize (1) Americans’ business ingenuity, they also have contributed (2) to an increasing homogenization of our culture, (3) a willingness to depersonalize relationships with others, and (4) a tendency to sacrifice quality for convenience.

This statement is now specific and fulfills all parts of the assignment. This version, like any good thesis, is not self-evident; its points, 1-4, will have to be proven with evidence in the body of the paper. The numbers in this statement indicate the order in which the points will be presented. Depending on the length of the paper, there could be one paragraph for each numbered item or there could be blocks of paragraph for even pages for each one.

Complete the final thesis statement

The bottom line.

As you move through the process of crafting a thesis, you’ll need to remember four things:

• Context matters! Think about your course materials and lectures. Try to relate your thesis to the ideas your instructor is discussing.
• As you go through the process described in this section, always keep your assignment in mind . You will be more successful when your thesis (and paper) responds to the assignment than if it argues a semi-related idea.
• Your thesis statement should be precise, focused, and contestable ; it should predict the sub-theses or blocks of information that you will use to prove your argument.
• Make sure that you keep the rest of your paper in mind at all times. Change your thesis as your paper evolves, because you do not want your thesis to promise more than your paper actually delivers.

In the beginning, the thesis statement was a tool to help you sharpen your focus, limit material and establish the paper’s purpose. When your paper is finished, however, the thesis statement becomes a tool for your reader. It tells the reader what you have learned about your topic and what evidence led you to your conclusion. It keeps the reader on track–well able to understand and appreciate your argument.

Writing Process and Structure

This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.

Getting Started with Your Paper

Interpreting Writing Assignments from Your Courses

Generating Ideas for

Creating an Argument

Thesis vs. Purpose Statements

Architecture of Arguments

Working with Sources

Quoting and Paraphrasing Sources

Using Literary Quotations

Citing Sources in Your Paper

Drafting Your Paper

Generating Ideas for Your Paper

Introductions

Paragraphing

Developing Strategic Transitions

Conclusions

Revising Your Paper

Peer Reviews

Reverse Outlines

Revising an Argumentative Paper

Revision Strategies for Longer Projects

Finishing Your Paper

Twelve Common Errors: An Editing Checklist

How to Proofread your Paper

Writing Collaboratively

Collaborative and Group Writing

• Business Economics

Development of Business Theories

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Business Development and Entrepreneurship

The Master’s thesis is an important part of your Master's Programme. The thesis is written individually and in English.

Below you can find information about the time schedule and deadlines, the regulations, the U.S.E. thesis award, and some tips.

Time schedule

Kick-off event for each master programme is organized, usually between 16 and 30 November, but deviations are possible. You will be informed about

• Potential thesis topics
• Potential supervisors and second readers
• Guidelines in case you want to propose your own topic
• Opportunities for a research internship in combination with your thesis

Matchmaking with your supervisor and the second reader takes place in December-January. The second reader will be involved in the process to (i) to grade and provide feedback on the research proposal and set up of the thesis, and (ii) read and independently grade the final manuscript. Grades for both will be based on the independent assessments of the supervisor and second reader; the supervisor consults with the second reader to establish a final grade that will be made available to the student.

Period 3 (5 EC)

Research proposal. At the end of period 3 you are supposed to have written a full research proposal. This implies you have done extensive literature research, addressed a research gap, drafted research questions, and develop a plan for empirical data analysis. You are usually also supposed to have collected the empirical  material for your thesis, or at minimum, developed a plan for data collection.

You present and/or discuss your draft research proposal with your supervisor and second reader.

Deadline to upload your research proposal via Osiris Case. The proposal will be graded (weight 10%). If you upload the research proposal too late, or not at all, the research proposal will be graded with a 1. When your progress is insufficient at this point, you will have to put in substantial extra effort in period 4 to be able to finish your thesis in time.

Deadline for supervisor (including consultation with second reader, resulting in the final grade) to finish the assessment in Osiris Case.

Period 4 (10 EC)

Develop and finalise thesis. You collect remaining data and literature, analyse data, and write your thesis.

June  17-21

You present and/or discuss your draft thesis in a meeting or final seminar organized by your supervisor and second reader, and receive final comments.

Deadline to upload the final version of your thesis in Osiris Case. The thesis will be graded (weight 90%).

Deadline for supervisor to finish the assessment (including consultation with second reader, resulting in the final grade) in Osiris Case.

Number of meetings

The thesis process has at least four compulsory meetings/deadlines:

• April 8-11: discuss your draft research proposal and full literature review
• April 12: hand in your final resarch proposal and full literature review online via Osiris Case. Specific instructions will be supplied on Blackboard. Concerning the literature review, consider coverage of at least 20 relevant academic papers as a reference point. However, your supervisor may set other expectations during the process.
• June 17-21: present/discuss your draft thesis
• June 28: hand in your final thesis online via Osiris Case (specific instructions will be supplied)

Theses need to be handed in via OSIRIS Student  (tab Cases > Thesis Assessment (U.S.E.)) to the thesis supervisor and second reader. The supervisor checks the thesis on plagiarism, grades it, and digitally fills in the two evaluation forms. You can check the evaluation forms in OSIRIS Student  (after your supervisor finalises the assessment and determined the grade in Osiris).

For your research proposal no retake is possible.

For your master thesis , a retake is possible. Conditions:

• Your unrounded final score (10%*proposal + 90%*thesis) is less than 5.5, but at least 4.0.
• Your supervisor will provide you with feedback/guidance of what to improve, but only once. Afterwards no additional feedback or guidance can be claimed from the supervisor (holiday season).
• You can resubmit your master thesis only once.
• The deadline to upload your revised thesis is August 4, after which the grade will be handed in by the supervisor at the latest by August 18.
• The rounded final grade for the thesis cannot be higher than a 6; this is only to be fair to students finishing in shorter time.

In case you do not succeed in finishing your thesis with a passing grade in semester 2, including the retake opportunity, you can consult the study advisor and submit a request to redo the thesis with a new topic and supervisor in period 1+2 of the next academic year if you think the following requirements apply:

• You have worked on the thesis in the regular period, but did not receive a passing grade.
• You have put in enough effort. The thesis evaluation form, including the written feedback by your supervisor, serves as the basis for this and your thesis grade is at least 4.
• You have finished all other courses of your master programme.

The request needs to be made ultimately on September 15 (or when this is a Saturday or Sunday, the Friday before September 15). The study advisor will contact the Board of Examiners (BoE). The BoE takes the final decision.

If your unrounded final grade is less than 4.0, no retake is possible. You will have to enroll again, and start with a new topic and supervisor in November 2024. Thus, you will then develop a new thesis in period 3 and 4 of the academic year 2024/25. 

In some circumstances the July deadline may be extended. See ‘Regulations’ (hereafter).

U.S.E. thesis regulations Academic Masters

The latest information about the thesis regulations can be found in annex 4 of the Education and Examination Regulations (OER, short for Onderwijs- en Examenregelingen) and on the blackboard community of the thesis course.

Publish your thesis

It is not mandatory, but we recommend you submit your thesis to the Students Theses Archive .

Thesis award

U.S.E. Master’s Thesis Award

Each year, Utrecht University School of Economics (U.S.E.) chooses the top thesis from each master’s programme. These theses are recognised with the  U.S.E. Master's Thesis Award . The winning theses need to be written and completed in semester 2 and are chosen for their relevance, academic merit, and particularly for their integration of a ‘real-world perspective’ into an economics issue. Furthermore, the submitted theses must have received a mark of at least an 8.5. Out of these ‘best-in-programme’ theses, the one thesis that stands out most receives additional accolades. The authors of the winning theses are awarded with a certificate during the Master’s Graduation ceremony.

UU Best Master’s Thesis

Utrecht University awards a prize for the best Master's thesis written at the University. It is awarded every year during the opening of the new academic year. The winner will receive an award which consists of a certificate and €1,500. Nominees need to meet certain criteria. The submitted graduate thesis or research must have received a mark of at least an 8.5 for instance. U.S.E. strives to select and submit one candidate each year. More information can be found on the university website .

Tips and tricks

Tips and tricks about academic research, writing skills, etcetera you can find in the Thesis Manual and Toolbox (this is not available yet)

For workshops, courses and individual writing tutoring see the Skills lab  and Libguide for an overview on much consulted information sources Economics

Research Data Management

When you write a thesis, you are dealing with Research Data Management: processing data and possibly also personal data, for example when you conduct interviews. In the latter case, you are then dealing with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). You also need to secure your data properly at all times. It is therefore important that you know what you have to comply with in terms of legislation and university frameworks. Please figure this out before you start writing your thesis. Your thesis supervisor can help you with this, ask for the guidelines. More information can be found on the following websites:

• https://www.uu.nl/en/research/research-data-management
• https://www.uu.nl/en/research/research-data-management/guides/handling-personal-data

Subscriptions to databases

U.S.E. has acquired subscriptions to

• Wharton Research Data Services (WRDS), 
• Mergent FISD,
• Refitiviv Eikon and Datastream

Compustat covers financial information and executive compensation data for publicly listed companies in the United States. WRDS provides access to Compustat and other free databases using a Web interface, SAS, Matlab, Python and R. Furthermore, WRDS offers a cloud environment with a SAS 9.4 installation. WRDS and Compustat can be accessed through the Wharton website and are available to all U.S.E. staff and students. Bank Focus is accessible through Bureau van Dijk .

See also the UU Library Search Engine ; and select 'Economie'.

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