Final theses

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First steps

The basis of an initial detailed consultation is an exposé to be prepared by the student for the planned thesis (approx. 3-5 pages), which presents initial thoughts on the research question, the theoretical background and the research concept. In addition, the exposé should contain an initial outline proposal for the thesis as well as a list of already known literature on the topic.

Academic standards

A thesis is an independent academic qualification paper that should meet academic standards in terms of content and form:

 

  • State of research: students prepare the state of research on their topic of investigation and critically examine the existing scientific literature.
  • Terminology: The administrative science vocabulary is used correctly in the thesis. Key terms are defined.
  • Structure: Students show that they are able to develop a coherent outline ("red thread") and a theory-based argumentation structure for dealing with a specific research question.
  • Linking theory and empiricism: Students demonstrate that they can classify their research question theoretically and are able to link theory and empiricism in a meaningful way.
  • Methods: Students demonstrate that they are familiar with and can apply social science methods. The methodological approach is described and justified in the introductory part of the thesis.
  • Analysis and presentation: Students demonstrate that they are able to analyze complex issues and to work out the essential points of content precisely and clearly in a limited space.
  • Formalities: Students apply academic presentation and editing techniques in a formally correct manner (citation, source work, bibliography, etc.).

 

Students on the Master's degree program in Public Management/Public Administration can find more detailed information on the requirements for written papers on eCampus under "Things to know" (Handout for written papers in MPA).

Choice of topic

The topic of the thesis must be developed independently by the student. Prof. Dr. Sylvia Veit and the staff of the chair will be happy to advise you on the choice of topic and the development of the research question.

Theses in the field of Public Management deal with a wide range of issues relating to the organization and functioning of the public sector. Possible topics include personnel (management of and in public administrations, personnel development and personnel management) and the organization (structural and procedural organization, organizational development, structural reforms) of public organizations. In addition, we supervise theses that deal with theoretical questions of the subject and the external relations of public authorities. We are particularly interested in theses that focus on the role of administration in the policy process. This involves questions of political control of the administration, but also of the administration's decision-making contributions and scope for action in the design and implementation of public policy.

It is possible to link theses to the main research areas of the department, in particular to our research on managers in the public sector/administrative elites and on administrative reforms.

 

Suggestions for Master's thesis topics in the Master of Public Administration program

Dr. Nadin Fromm

  • Politics and public administration in times of crisis
  • Politics and public administration in the federalist system
  • Role perception and decision-making behavior of top politicians in cooperation with the ministerial administration
  • The political attitudes of students on the MPA degree program

Prof. Dr. Sylvia Veit

  • Self-managed teams in public administration (Master's degree course in Public Management/Public Administration)
  • Crisis teams in ministerial administration (Master's degree course in Public Management/Public Administration)

 

Dr. Nadin Fromm

  • Migration Policy in Denmark (Master's program in Public Management/Public Administration)
  • Social Policy in Germany - A Critical Analysis of Basic Security for Jobseekers according to SGB II and the Possibility of an Unconditional Basic Income to Combat Poverty (Master's degree course in Public Management/Public Administration)
  • Evaluation of the practical semester in the dual study program using the example of the University of Applied Sciences for Administration and Services (Department of Pension Insurance) (Master's program in Public Management/Public Administration)
  • Digital driving license in Germany and Norway - opportunities and challenges with regard to user orientation (Master's degree course in Public Management/Public Administration)