Page 75 - DISSERTATION AND THESIS HANDBOOK 2017 -2020

the right to require a minimum number of pages per chapter. What is needed is an

exhaustive discussion of the research and findings.

TYPE OF RESEARCH EXPECTED

The thesis must clearly address an organizational communication problem on which

there is available body of relevant research literature. An organizational setting for such a

study must be established. It is advised that students select an area that is relevant to

their professional work or expected career. Thesis research makes the student an expert

in a given area of organizational communication and puts the student in a strong position

to move ahead in the job market in that given area.

Applied Research

It is important to remind students that the applied research method is expected for the

thesis. Basic research is not acceptable and should be reserved for doctoral dissertations.

Applied research, or field research as it is sometimes called, is primarily focused on

testing theories in the field. Studies using this method must identify an organizational

setting, which should restrict their scope of research. The findings from such studies are

therefore directly applicable to the identified organization.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES

There are several research methods that can be used for the master's thesis. The student

is however advised to use methods that are high in replicability. Students are, thus,

expected to use methods requiring statistical tests. Note that this is only advisory. The

thesis advisor has the ultimate right to advice on an appropriate method. In certain

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