At present, there appear to be different terms for different deliverables and concepts. Which is which?
How do I start my project?
One of the least understood processes is starting the graduation project.
There are different approaches to getting started. All approaches eventually
result in the assignment of a first graduation advisor, a graduation request,
and possibly a position at a company. Obviously, different entry points
exist. The most successful one is approaching a professor of whom you know is
interested in a topic that you want to write your thesis about. The second
approach is finding a thesis project company, that wants to supervise your
graduation project. This approach includes two risks: (1) the company proposes
a topic that is deemed unscientific and (2) the topic is great but there is no
professor to supervise it. Risk 1 can be tackled by coming up with a better
topic in cooperation with a professor. Risk 2 can be solved by finding a
professor who does want to supervise the topic, but cannot add too much on the
content.
What language should the thesis be written in?
English. The MBI is an English research master.
How many graduation project advisors do I have and what are their roles?
Generally you will have three graduation project advisors. The first advisor
advises and guides you on a day-to-day basis. The second advisor reviews your
graduation request, your thesis, and parttakes in
deciding the final grade. The third advisor can be someone from industry, who
guides you through the graduation project company that you have joined. The
second advisor has another special role: should the first advisor be absent for
any reason, the second advisor can fill in. Furthermore, the second advisor
mediates when conflicts arise between the student and the first advisor.
Where can I do my graduation project?
Students can perform their thesis project internally (at the Utrecht
University), or externally (at another organization). As for external projects,
we have many good contacts with companies, notably: Cap Gemini, PGGM, ITDS, Van
Meijel, NOB, Deloitte, Atos/Origin, Stabiplan, Pallas Athena, GX, Planon,
Berenschot, Fortis, Infor,
to name a few.
I am unable to write a thesis! I've tried, but it's just too hard.
Please note that there exist specific courses, offered by the university
for free (or very cheaply), that teach you how to plan and write your thesis.
In case you think you are a candidate for these courses organized by IVLOS,
please contact these people.
How should I do literature research?
Here are some links helping out on literature
research.
What do good theses proposals look like?
An examples of a Thesis Proposal is example
1.
What will the graduation day look like?
Please see the comments on the graduation page about this. Please also note
that the graduation talk can take up to 30 minutes, instead of 45.
What is not a good
time to start applying for internships?
Summer is a horrible time: generally people are on holidays throughout July and August, slowing you down a month or two. If you want to begin in September, please contact the company in May or June.
Who wants to see a copy of the thesis?
Instructions are found here http://www.uu.nl/university/library/NL/igitur/scriptie/Beta/Pages/default.aspx.
Who gets my thesis?
In the end the student administration will want a pdf of your thesis. Also, both your supervisors deserve a printed copy 2 days before your graduation presentation. If you fail to provide one, your presentation can be cancelled.