Implementation and reporting of the development project (25 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Content scheduling

The thesis is a development project or commission related to the student's own work and/or networks. Depending on the student's competence, networks and situation, development can mean the development of a work, intervention, activity or service concept or the development of existing activities in the selected area. The development project is built on development activities in line with the development objectives, documentation and study of the work process and its results, and the publication and dissemination of the results of the development work.

The development project starts right at the beginning of the studies and passes through the entire study period. During the first semester (autumn 2022), the planning and preparation of the development project will be promoted through the Development Methods and Planning course and the course of the Information Procurement course included in it. The implementation of the development project and the reporting period are a direct continuum for it, including the activities of the project, documentation of their and results, research and developmental review and evaluation.

As part of the thesis, a mature sample of professional expertise will be written.

Objective

After completing this course, the students will be able to
• critically evaluate and apply research knowledge
• use the chosen methods to analyse ja solve problems in working life
• work independently as an expert in demanding contexts in which he/she is managing his/her own and possibly also the others’ work in a target-oriented way
• communicate and network in his/her own field and in international environment
• take into account communal and ethical perspectives of his/her professional field

Content

An essential part of Master-level studies is a thesis of 30 credits. The thesis process starts immediately at the beginning of the studies, and it continues through the entire cycle of studies.

The thesis is implemented as a development project with a research-based approach and a close connection to practical work. The student carries out his/her development work at his/her workplace, in RDI projects of the Turku University of Applied Sciences, in working life connections or in a manner agreed with the supervisor. The thesis is based on commission, if possible. It is preferable that the thesis is based on an assignment.

The thesis relies on in-depth information gathering and analysis, and the development process utilizes relevant research methods following principles of good scientific practice. The thesis includes documenting and reporting on development activities. The student will become familiar with the methodological skills necessary for development and reporting in the course on research and development methods.

In Master’s programmes in Culture and Arts, the thesis is divided in two parts:
- A 5 credits course Development work methods and design (1st semester), and
- Implementation and reporting of the development project, 25 credits (2nd ja 3rd semester).

Implementation and reporting of the development project (25 ECTS) includes the following steps:
• Presenting the thesis plan and finalizing it making use of feedback
• Thesis agreement
• Implementation, related research activities and documentation of the work in accordance with industry practice and in a meaningful way for the thesis
• Participation in group supervision sessions (“thesis learning café”) and individual guidance of the thesis
• Presentation of the results after completion of the thesis
• Maturity test: The student must write a maturity examination in the field of the thesis. This demonstrates awareness with the subject and the linguistic competence. If the (excellent) competence of the school education language has already been assessed in previous studies, the maturity test will only serve as a test the professional expertise. The maturity test is evaluated on a scale approved/ failed.
• Ensuring that there is no plagiarism in the thesis and evaluation of the thesis

Materials

Research and professional material relevant to the student's own development project and material in the e-learning environment.

Teaching methods

Research development project, participation in group and individual guidance. The thesis-development project is possible as a multi-professional partner, co-operation between two students. In this case, the procedures and working methods will be agreed in detail so that the respective roles of both factors can be assessed.

Parts of the work:
• Preparation, implementation, documentation and reporting of the research and development project
• Presentation of your own development project, feedback and feedback on others’ work at different stages of the process • Participation in group guidance and individual guidance • Writing a mature sample when examining a completed development projec

International connections

The student progresses independently and responsibly in the work, with the support of his/her instructor and other guidance. It is also possible to do the thesis together with a partner. The contents and approaches of the art in new contexts courses are utilised and applied in the thesis. If necessary, and in an agreed manner, it is possible to obtain mentoring provided by other Turku University of Applied Sciences instructors in addition to the actual instructors. The thesis process includes giving and receiving peer feedback. Working life partners participate in the thesis process as required or enabled by each thesis.

Student workload

The scope of the development project is 25 credits, i.e. the amount of work (approx. 670 hours) equals full-time work for almost 17 weeks. The work includes the following steps and tasks:
• Preparation and presentation of the development project plan
• Finalisation of the research and development plan (project plan) on the basis of feedback (based on the first version of the development work methodology and planning study course)
• Implementation of the development project, related research data acquisition, documentation of work and reporting of these in the form of a thesis, article or portfolio
• Participation in group and individual guidance
• Presentation of the development project results after completion of the thesis (seminar)
• Making a maturity sample.

Further information

The mentors can be reached by email. For students internal communication about urgent things the Slack app is used.