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Research.fi
Article . 2026 . Peer-reviewed
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Research Methods in MSc Theses: A Preliminary Analysis of 2024 IT Theses from a Finnish University

Authors: Poranen, T.; Zhang, Z.; Järvinen, H.-M.; Kilamo, T.;

Research Methods in MSc Theses: A Preliminary Analysis of 2024 IT Theses from a Finnish University

Abstract

The crucial role of a master's thesis in information technology in the degree studies is to demonstrate the student's ability to apply theoretical knowledge to a practical or research-oriented problem. In our research, we performed an AI-assisted document analysis to 100 information technology master's theses written in a Finnish university in 2024. We analyzed the research method used, did the thesis include a design or implementation of some kind of artifact (constructive work), and how often the thesis was done for a company or other external sponsor. Based on the document analysis, we identified that 48% of the theses were done for a company, 35% were student's own topics, 16% were done for a research group, and one was done for an association. The theses were classified into seven categories based on their main research method: constructive, mathematical, case study, systematic review, comparative analysis, action research, and mixed methods. Of these, 52% were constructive works, involving the design or implementation of an artifact. Main methodologies in the constructive works included design science research and engineering design process. The results have practical impact in curriculum development and can support supervision work.

Country
Finland
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Keywords

Research Methods, Master's Theses, Information Technology, 113

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
Green
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