Choose a suitable type for your thesis plan. Use the thesis template already in the planning phase. Various types of thesis plan are presented below.
The project plan includes the following sections:
1. Introduction: What is the topic? Why is the research being conducted? What kind of client and project is the thesis work focused on?
2. Objectives and outcomes: What are the objectives of the thesis work? What are the desired outcomes for the client?
3. Research problem, research methodology, and research questions.
4. Theoretical background and theoretical framework: What are the key concepts, previous theories and technologies, literature, research, and other relevant materials for the thesis work?
5. Data collection methods: What methods and tools will be used to gather data?
6. Data management plan: How will the data be handled during and after the thesis work? How will research ethics, data protection, and data security be taken into account? Instructions and a template for the plan can be found on the Arena website.
7. Schedule: How will the work be divided into phases and how will the phases be scheduled on a monthly basis?
8. Risk assessment: What potential problems or challenges may arise, and how will they be addressed?
References
Recommended structure for Research plan (Master’s thesis):
1. Introduction
In the introduction, your goal is to introduce the topic and arouse the reader's interest.
The structure of the introduction is as follows:
• Related national and/or international background
• Justification why this particular thesis is important
• Presentation of a potential partner
• Description of the operating environment (if relevant).
2. Purpose, objectives and research questions/tasks
This is an important chapter, these are the questions you are seeking to answer with your thesis. There is no need for sources in this chapter.
Purpose
Describe why this thesis topic was chosen and what is expected of this work.
For example:
• The purpose of the thesis is to find out / describe / map / understand
Goal
Describe the benefits of the thesis from the perspective of developing the field, who will benefit from the finished work/thesis results, and what can be done based on the results.
For example
• The aim is to produce information that can be utilised in nursing... in the development of practices....
Research questions/assignments
Refine the purpose of the thesis with a few research questions or assignments (1-3).
For example:
• How do employees assess their competence...
• How does the immediate supervisor perceive...
• What are the problems with nursing record-keeping?
3. Knowledge base (titled by topic)
In this chapter you describe the theoretical background. Use an investigative and argumentative approach, not just a summary of literature.
• Define the key concepts and their connection to your thesis
• What is already known about the subject based on previous research
4. Research methods and material
In this chapter, you present the chosen research and development strategy and the rationale for the choices
• Introduction to the data collection method
• Presentation of the data analysis method
• Introduction to the development method
• Each point is justified by reference to the research literature.
5. Ethics and reliability
In this chapter, you demonstrate your familiarity with research integrity and reliability. How to ensure different perspectives related to research integrity in your work: such as the research permit process, processing of personal data and data protection, confidentiality, data management plan (attached).
You evaluate the reliability and validity of the thesis after the work has been completed, how do you ensure in the planning phase that the result is as reliable and valid as possible?
Instructions and template for data management plan (Arene)
6. Schedule and resource plan
In this chapter, you will present the schedule plan step by step and how resource needs are considered (staff time, facilities or external funder requirements).
7. Reporting, rights and obligations
This chapter sets out the following:
• Documentation and publicity of the work
• Planned publication: trade journal, Energy online magazine, presentation of results e.g. conference/commissioning organization.
• Copyright of the thesis, responsibilities of the UAS, thesis author and supervisor. These can be copied from the agreement template. If an assignment agreement is done, this is not necessary.
Sources
Appendices
Appendices should include:
• Interview outline or list of questions (if applicable)
• Cover letter
• Informed consent form for participants
• Data management plan (if required)
• Any additional documents required by the client
Structure of a literature review plan (Scoping/Descriptive)
1. Introduction
• What is the topic of this literature review thesis?
• Briefly explain the main concept(s) (+sources).
• Why is the topic important, what is known from previous research (+sources)?
• Brief description of the target organization.
2. Theoretical framework
• Define the key concepts using previous research.
3. Purpose, objectives, and research questions
• Purpose: To examine the extent of published literature, summarize previous findings, identify gaps.
• Objectives: To describe how the results can be used in the field.
• Research questions: What question(s) is the review answering? Example: How does commitment to treatment support client rehabilitation?
4. Implementation
4.1 Article selection and search strategy:
• Use YSO/FINTO for keywords: https://finto.fi/yso/en/
• Describe search queries.
• Use at least 3 databases.
• Define inclusion/exclusion criteria based on the aim.
• Create a search strategy table (and describe it textually too).
• Describe what will be extracted (author, year, country, purpose, sample, data collection, results, etc.).
4.2 Analysis and reporting of findings:
• Analyze the results using inductive content analysis.
• Publish in Theseus, present in seminar and to the target organization.
5. Ethical considerations
6. Schedule
• Write the schedule textually and as a table.
References
• Use APA 7 referencing style.
Structure of a functional thesis plan
1. Introduction
• What is the topic of the functional thesis?
• Why was this topic chosen? (Include references.)
• Scope and perspective.
• Description of the commissioner and project.
2. Literature section
• Define key concepts using previous research.
• Include relevant theories, technologies, and literature.
3. Purpose and objectives
• What is the purpose and expected output?
• What are the goals and benefits to the commissioner?
• Research question (if applicable).
4. Implementation
4.1 Functional section:
• What will be done, where, and how?
• What is the output?
• What methods and tools will be used?
• Needed resources from both student and organization.
• How will it be reported?
• Contact details of supervisor and workplace mentor.
• Ethical considerations if needed.
4.2 Research section:
• Often related to evaluating the output.
• Target group, data collection and analysis.
5. Schedule
• Write the schedule textually and as a table.
6. Risk assessment
• Define project and its stages (+sources).
• Define SWOT analysis and conduct one.
• Identify potential problems and mitigation strategies.
References
Appendices
• Example: lesson plan.
