Bachelor's thesis in Hotel Management (BHOBAO)
The bachelor thesis is a substantial academic work that concludes the three-year bachelor's degree program. Working on the thesis provides students with the opportunity for academic specialization within a relevant topic of their own choosing. The purpose is to give the student deeper insight into a specific field or area of study by incorporating relevant subjects, methods, and theories from the program. In the process of crafting the thesis, the student should gain experience with academic approaches and the use of research methods. Working on the bachelor's thesis also allows the student to develop skills in critical thinking, problem formulation, and presentation.
Course description for study year 2024-2025
Course code
BHOBAO
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
20
Semester tution start
Autumn
Number of semesters
2
Exam semester
Spring
Language of instruction
English, Norwegian
Content
Students choose and formulate their own research question within certain criteria. The research question can be empirically explorative, knowledge-summarizing, or project-oriented. They must justify their choice of this research question and apply appropriate research methods and tools to answer it. The work must be documented in written form in an academic manner that adheres to professional standards.
The thesis can be submitted as group work carried out by up to three students or as individual work. For group work, there is a requirement for collective responsibility, active collaboration, and joint contribution.
A specific guidance booklet for writing bachelor's theses at the institute has been prepared, and other relevant information will be posted on Canvas. The thesis should be based on at least one subject and a method that is part of the relevant study program.
A thesis seminar is held during the fall semester (5th semester) where students are introduced to the formal framework for a bachelor's thesis, with a particular focus on the choice of topic and research question. After the seminar, students are to choose a topic/research question and prepare a topic note which must be submitted by a given deadline. Based on the submitted topic note, students are assigned a supervisor.
During January, students must prepare a project description to be submitted by a certain deadline. The project description should include information about the topic, research question, and research design, as well as an assessment of whether the study is reportable and covered by a common reporting form to Sikt. The project description should also include a progress plan and an overview of relevant literature. The project description must be approved by the supervisor.
Learning outcome
Through their work on the bachelor's thesis, students should acquire the following knowledge, skills, and general competence:
Knowledge
- be able to account for academic issues within a self-chosen topic
- be able to build in-depth expertise within a self-chosen topic
- have knowledge about guidelines for research ethics, data protection, and information security in research projects
- be familiar with the requirements of an academic assignment
Skills
- be able to formulate a research question and work systematically to address it
- be able to select and apply relevant theory as part of the research process
- be able to analyze and discuss a research question
- be able to choose and apply relevant methods in relation to the research question
- be able to assess issues related to research ethics, data protection, and information security in a research project
General competence
- have the competence to plan and conduct a smaller research project under supervision
- be able to convey their academic contribution in written form through the formal requirements set for an academic publication
- be able to present information and academic content in a way that sheds light on a research question
Required prerequisite knowledge
Exam
Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
---|---|---|---|---|
Written assignment | 1/1 | 1 Semesters | Letter grades | All |
Coursework requirements
Thematic Memo: The student should prepare a thematic memo during the 5th semester which forms the basis for the allocation of a supervisor.
Project Description: The student should prepare a project description that needs to be submitted by a specified deadline early in the 6th semester. The project description must be approved by the supervisor. The project description should contain information about the topic, research question, study design, and theory, and an assessment of whether the study is reportable and is covered by the joint notification form for "Sikt". The sketch should also include a progress plan and an overview of relevant literature.