Thesis Seminar 1

Thesis Seminar 1

Major Courses

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School of Economics and Management

3Year

KCCBG3MCA3

2.00Credits

演習 (Seminar)

Spring semester 2026

(Spring semester)

GONG Yuanyuan

School of Economics and Management

English

8／9／12

After class or at A304, Research Building I (an appointment in advance is needed)

kyo@em.u-hyogo.ac.jp

1◎／3◎／4◎

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N/a

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[Aim of this class]
The aim of Thesis Seminar I is to guide students through the initial stages of writing their graduation thesis. The subject focuses on identifying a viable research question, conducting a thorough literature review, and designing a robust methodology for data collection and analysis.

[Learning Objectives]

By the end of this course, students are expected to 

1. Find a clear, specific, and manageable research question or hypothesis.

2. Conduct a thorough literature review relevant to their topic.

3. Select appropriate research methods (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed) and finalize data collection.

4.  Deliver a presentation regarding their research projects.

academic writing, research method, data collection

In Thesis Seminar I, students will continue to learn about both qualitative and quantitative research methods through practice.
By the end of the semester, students are expected to identify their own research topic within the domain of international business.

[Contents] (Adjustments will be made according to the number of attendees.)
1. Introduction
2. Lectures on quantitative research methods and practices (week 2 to week 6)
3. Individual midterm presentations (week 7~8)
4. Presentations by students individually (week 9 to week 15)

In-person

• In-person classes only
• Not subject to the cap on distance-education credits

Limited permission for use

In this course, the use of Generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, etc.) is permitted with strict limitations. The goal is to use AI as a tool, not a replacement for thinking process.
Students are permitted to use generative AI for the following situations:
1. Brainstorming: students may use AI to generate lists of potential topics or to narrow down a broad interest.
2. Clarification: students may use AI to explain complex concepts or theories they encounter in their learning process.

Students are NOT allowed to use AI for:
1. Generating core ideas or data for analysis.
2. Citing information sources. (AI often "hallucinates" non-existing citations. Students must read the references and cite them by themselves.)

TBD

Reading materials will be assigned during the classes.

Students are required to read the assigned learning materials before classes. Preparation before class should take 1~2 hours per week.
Students must accomplish individual assignment, contribute to group project and submit a final report. Studying time out of class is estimated to be around 30~40 hours.

Students will have opportunities to participate in discussions and group work in almost every class.

The academic performance of the students will be assessed based on
1) contribution to the class (i.e., remarks, discussions, groupwork) (20%);
2) individual presentation on the assigned content (25%);
3) midterm presentation (25%);
4) final report (30%).

Feedback and comments will be given during the classes.

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