Process flow of theses at the Professorship Gersch
Process flow of theses at the Professorship Gersch
Given the availability of free capacity there is the possibility of writing Bachelor, Master and Diploma theses at the chair of Prof. Dr. Gersch covering the research focuses listed below.You can either formulate your own initial proposals with reference to the general subject areas listed or you are interested in the specific topic options listed below (see point 2, Selecting a topic).
The process for successfully registering your thesis is illustrated above and described in more detail below. As part of the process, the obligatory Thesis Colloquium Information Management (AKIM) is offered, which takes place parallel to the preparation of the thesis. This serves as intensive guidance and support during the preparation of your Bachelor's and Master's thesis.
The deadlines and key dates listed in the links also apply to other degree programs.
1. Application with registration form at the start of the semester
Please contact us as early as possible with your intention to write a thesis in the coming semester. Express your interest in which supervisor you would like to write your thesis with. Please note the deadlines. Information on this can be found here (as of now, only in German):
Links to the deadlines:
Links to the registration form:
2. Choose a topic
Once you have received positive feedback from your supervisor(s), you can select a topic. Take a look at the topic selection and develop initial ideas and focal points for a possible topic:
Overview of the selection of topics:
3. Kick-off meeting
We ask students to contact the professorship in good time to make an appointment for the kick-off meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to get to know each other and exchange initial ideas on possible topics.
Mandatory requirements for the first kick-off meeting (please send an e-mail to the respective supervisor):
- brief CV
- Transcript of Records of your studies to date
- the goal of starting the thesis as soon as possible
- initial ideas for a main topic
4. Exposé development
After the first interview, you will concretize your topic into an exposé for your thesis.
- Exposé guidelines (available in Blackboard after activation by supervisor under "Content and form")
- Length 1-2 pages, consisting of motivation, research question, research method(s) and acceptable results
- Duration usually 2-6 weeks
- max. 2 weeks per revision iteration (independent feedback desired)
- Appointment after consultation with the supervisor
In order to optimally prepare you for the preparation of an exposé and the entire thesis process at our professorship, the AKIM begins with the first meeting on the topic of “Orientation”. In this session, we will teach you the best practices for writing a thesis proposal.
5. Registration of thesis
The completed registration form must be brought to the kick-off meeting. Please note the requirements and processing times of the respective study and examination regulations (see point 6., Writing phase) and inform your supervisor of these.
Registration forms: see step 1
Before the writing phase begins, the second meeting on “Researching” takes place as part of the AKIM. In a workshop, we will show you how to conduct a (systematic) literature search.
6. Writing Phase
Please observe the formatting recommendations and correct citation of your thesis.
Guidelines for the preparation of theses (available in Blackboard after activation by the supervisor)
Processing time and scope:
The completion time and scope of the thesis depend on the examination regulations in force.
Bachelor thesis :
- 10 weeks (for students of the StPO BA BWL 2012) or 12 weeks (for students of the StPO BA BWL 2017)
- BA: 30 pages or 9,000 words see StPO BA BWL 2012 or StPO BA BWL 2017
Master thesis :
- 23 weeks from issue date
- MA: 60 pages or 20,000 words see StPO MA Winfo 2015
In preparation for the writing process, the third AKIM meeting will take place, focusing on the topic of “Writing”. In this workshop, you will learn how to formulate, structure and cite in academic papers as well as how to create an outline using best practices.
7. Consultation
Feedback to the supervisor (independent feedback)
- within the first quarter e.g. coordination/questions on literature research, procedure, methodological key points, discussion of problems
8. Mid-term interview (a Master's colloquium)
Feedback to the supervisor (independent feedback)
Preparation for the mid-term interview:
- Two weeks before the planned mid-term meeting:
- Send draft outline to the supervisor(s)
In the fourth AKIM appointment, you will present the preliminary results of your work in the form of an interim presentation. This gives you the opportunity to receive specific feedback. The exact requirements for the presentation will be communicated to you in good time by the supervising AKIM lecturers.
9. Consultation
Feedback to the supervisor (independent feedback)
- as required
- e.g. questions about the results, discussion (last step)
At the end of the AKIM, a Q&A session will take place on the fifth date on the topic of “Rounding off”. Here you will have the opportunity to clarify any open questions about your thesis before you submit it.
10. submission / modalities
Bachelor thesis
- according to StPO BA BWL 2017 and StPO BA BWL 2012(amended 2022):
- as a PDF file at the examination office by 11.59 pm on the day of submission
- Please make sure that the affidavit is included and signed in the file.
Master's thesis
- according to StPO MA Winfo 2015(amended 2022):
- as a PDF file at the examination office by 11.59 p.m. on the day of submission
- Please make sure that the affidavit is included and signed in the file.
Recommended prerequisites:
- Well-grounded knowledge concerning scientific work
- Successful participation in the course "Research Seminar for Information Systems"
- Participation in the courses offered by the library regarding scientific work, e.g. "Richtig zitieren: Zitierregeln für konventionelle und elektronische Medien" ("Citing correctly: rules for conventional and electronical media") and "Literaturverwaltungsprogramme" ("Reference Management Software")
Recommended literature
Bergener, K. et al (2018): Wissenschaftliches Arbeiten im Wirtschaftsinformatik-Studium - Leitfaden für die erfolgreiche Abschlussarbeit by Springer-Gabler-Verlag.
