Degree in Digital Business Design and Innovation

In today's world, the digital revolution is transforming the way we communicate and the way we do business. Professionals have to be able to constantly adapt to these changes

Final Thesis

Description
In order to graduate with a degree all students must achieve a pass grade in the final thesis / project. The final thesis / project is the single most important piece of written work that students undertake during their undergraduate studies. The thesis / project is a culmination of four years of study and should demonstrate the student's knowledge and analytical capabilities. The Final project consists of either a Thesis, a Management Case or a New Venture Proposal and is evaluated through the course GD001.
Type Subject
Tercer - Obligatoria
Semester
Annual
Course
4
Credits
15.00
Previous Knowledge
Objectives

The objectives of the final project process are the following:
- To identify an appropriate research topic in the student's area of study.
- To demonstrate analytical skills, critical thinking and produce valid findings.
- To draw appropriate conclusions and recommendations where necessary.
- To produce a well organised, well-written and innovative final document and an effective oral presentation of the research project.

Contents

There are 3 types of TFG Project that students can choose to present, explained in the following section.

1. Thesis
Academic research into a topic that interests the student:
- Involves the collation of a substantial literature review from academic and applied sources to assess current research and opinion on this topic.
- Requires in-depth research to collect data on the topic.
- Utilises data analysis to undertake evaluations and conclusions.
- Allows students to develop more knowledge and insight into a chosen area which could lead to further study or a work-related prospect.

2. Management Case
The Management Case involves the identification of a specific business problem or challenge that interests the student and more specifically:
- Involves substantial research into the past and present situation surrounding the problem.
- Requires in-depth secondary research and primary research to assess current solutions to the problem.
- Requires the proposal of a detailed and applied solution to the problem based on the research analysis undertaken.

3. New Venture Proposal
The New Venture Proposal is the identification of a new business opportunity that the student wishes to explore, and more specifically:
- Involves substantial research into the market opportunity.
- Requires the use of set business model tools to assess and validate the potential opportunity and market.
- Develops a test of purpose and a business proposal.

Methodology

Final Project tutor
The role of the Final Project coordinator is to provide initial support for students when beginning their research and to be a reference point for students throughout the process.

Final Project promotor

Final Project promotors are members of the faculty that agree to supervise students' research projects. The matching of students with promotors will be done through the research project tutor. Final Project promotors should have a specific interest in the proposed area of study and be willing to take responsibility for the supervision of the Final Project. Students are advised to consult with possible promotors as soon as possible in the Final Project process.
The student-promotor relationship is not governed by any specific regulations and will depend on the individuals involved. However, the emphasis is on the student to take the initiative and responsibility for the development of their project. The project is the work of the student, not the promotor. The role of the promotor is to provide guidance and expert advice in a general sense.

It is strongly advised that students and promotors agree a work calendar with a series of realistic deadlines to hand-in draft work for correction. The students must meet these deadlines and promotors are expected to provide prompt feedback. Students should expect to meet their promotor approximately every 5 weeks (3 times per semester). It is the student’s responsibility to contact their promotor to schedule these meetings.

If students and/or promotors that feel their project relationship is not working should contact the Final Project tutor immediately.

Students should expect the following from their promotors:
- Agreement to promote the topic proposed.
- Expert advice on the area to be explored.
- Recommendations for relevant reading.
- Suggestions on how best to structure the project document.
- Constructive feedback on draft work.

Promotors should expect the following from their students:
- Acceptance that the project is the student’s responsibility.
- To take the initiative when organising meetings.
- Evidence of genuine motivation and interest in the area of study.
- Effective communication.
- Punctuality.
- Ability to meet deadlines.
- Evidence that feedback is taken into full consideration.
- That all procedures and guidelines are followed correctly.
- Accurate grammar and spelling.
- Overall professional behaviour.

Evaluation

THESIS
Positioning of the Research 5%
Literature Review 20%
Methodology 10%
Data Analysis 20%
Conclusions 10%
Document Presentation structure and referencing 10%
Presentation
- Introduction, Review of the Literature and Methodology 10%
- Data Analysis and Conclusions 10%
- Presentation Style 5%
MANAGEMENT CASE
Business Problem Identification 10%
Background Analysis - secondary and primary research 25%
Proposed Solution 30%
Document presentation and structure 5%
Referencing 5%
Presentation:
- Problem Overview 5%
- Proposed solution 10%
- Presentation Style (Clarity, fluency, and handling questions) 10%
NEW VENTURE
Problem Definition 15%
Proposed Solution and Business Model Validation 25%
Marketing and Financial Planning and Results 15%
Summary and Conclusions 10%
Document presentation and structure 5%
Referencing 5%
Presentation:
- Problem Overview 5%
- Proposed Solution and Business Model Validation 10%
- Presentation Style (Clarity, fluency, and handling questions) 10%
Plagiarism:
In accordance with university policy that has been applied throughout the students' undergraduate studies, the act of plagiarism is unacceptable and, depending on the degree of severity, will result in the rewriting or direct failure of a research project.
Students should work closely with their research project promoter and tutors to avoid plagiarising the work of others. This can partly be achieved through thorough referencing using the Harvard Reference System (HRS), which is mandatory for all undergraduate research projects. The HRS may be combined with footnotes, but only when absolutely necessary.

Be aware that the plagiarism detection software is used to identify incidences of plagiarism in all projects. Note that translating work from other languages will also be detected.

Evaluation Criteria
Basic Bibliography
Additional Material