The seminar supports students in writing a high-quality Master's thesis. To this end, various theoretical focal points from the research field of international business are discussed, as well as research methods and academic writing techniques. In detail, the seminar has the following contents:

• Introduction and seminar schedule
• Theoretical focus: e.g., internationalization process, decision-making behavior of managers in an international context, strategies and forms of market entry, organization of foreign activities, internationalization of young companies and SMEs.
• Research methods: including requirements for writing a Master's thesis, literature research, developing a research question, developing and communicating a research contribution, research designs (especially related to quantitative methods such as meta-analysis)
• Scientific writing

After completing the seminar, students will have:

• the basic academic and research skills to make an independent academic contribution to business administration studies in general and the International Business field in particular as part of their Master's thesis;
• the basic research skills related to the core topics in the ExInt Master's program;
• the elementary techniques of academic writing to communicate the content and, in particular, the implications of their Master's thesis to other researchers and practitioners.

Attendance is compulsory as the seminar is based on academic exchange between the participants. Students may miss a maximum of one session. This may not be a session in which students present or in which any other form of assessment takes place.

The seminar is offered in campus mode. The didactic concept of the seminar is based on three pillars:

1. Research-based teaching: the seminar follows a research-based approach. That is, students use research articles from highly-ranked scientific journals to achieve the learning outcomes mentioned above. Linking research and teaching ensures that students learn concepts and methods that are effective based on the latest research findings.
2. Interactive: the course combines teacher-centered and interactive ("flip-the-classroom") elements (e.g., presentations, discussions, feedback sessions, teamwork) to enable effective and active student learning.
3. Relevance: the research-oriented focus and feedback from the seminar leaders facilitate that the seminar is closely linked to the requirements for a Master's thesis. Presenting and reflecting on their own research findings also promotes students' social and professional skills.

The seminar grade is based on four assessments (all individual):

1. Written peer review: 25%
2. Presentation peer review: 15%
3. Written thesis proposal: 40%
4. Presentation of the thesis proposal: 20%

• Enrollment in the ExInt program.

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Methods of scientific research, in particular, understanding of theoretical models and the ability to interpret findings.

E-Mail: florian.zapkau@wu.ac.at

Please also contact Prof. Gudergan and me before, during, or after the sessions.

Literature:

• Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. Research methods for business students. Pearson Education.
• Research papers (will be distributed in the seminar)