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Master's thesis supervision Summer term 2024

Before you consider to apply for thesis supervision at the BIM chair, please carefully read the following:

1) Do not write your thesis under our supervision if at the same time you plan to work full time, do an internship , travel the world, or still need to do a large number of other courses! The thesis is an integral part of your study program and, thus, should be in the focus of your attention. You will need all the time to be able to deliver the best package (we fully understand that most of you have a student job and this is perfectly doable). All students that despite our warnings still started a full-time job or internship etc. struggled with finishing their thesis in time and delivering the desired quality. YOUR thesis should be YOUR first priority!

2) Only write your thesis under our supervision if you are commited, motivated, and responsible as well as willing to accept new challenges! If you consider to write your thesis at the BIM chair you should be well-organized, be able to motivate yourself to achieve your goals, and be willing to independently learn new skills (e.g., learn new statistical approaches largely on your own). Writing your thesis with us inlcudes to go beyond what you have learned in your scientific project, your seminars, and lectures. We expect that you are proavtive and motivated as well as able to largely do this on your own. Our job is to reduce uncertainty. Be prepared for all meetings and show us that you invest effort and time to solve issues yourself. This is YOUR thesis, work for it!

3) We are not your personal assistant. Our job is to supervise your thesis with respect to the topic and method as well as the general content and process (e.g., literature search, writting, etc.). It is not our job to remind you of deadlines, to fill out your documents, or to replace your own efforts to understand the submission procedure. All this information is provided below or publicly available on the website of our faculty, specifically the examination office. We are not your internet search engine substitude. This is YOUR thesis, YOU need to organize it!
Registration form Master's thesis: Click here
Submission procedure of your Master's thesis: Click here
General information for your study program (including all information in case of illness): Click here

4) Time problems on your side do not create time pressure on our side! It is part of the mission of the BIM chair to provide students with timely answers to their questions as well as a timely feedback and grading after submission. Time constraints on your side do NOT create time issues on our side. Our aim is to answer questions and request via email within two working days. We are usually much faster than that but if you send your question Friday late in the afternoon you cannot expect an answer on the same day. Organize yourself and try walking in the shoes of the members of the BIM chair. The same applies to the situation once you have submitted your final thesis. If you want to start a job or internship, have visa requirements or travel plans, if you want to/need to move out of your apartment, or if you want to get back your semester fee etc. this is all your business and your responsibility. We have eight weeks to finish the grading of your thesis (see the study regulations) and while we aim for a much shorter time, it will not always be possible to finalize within two weeks. Each member of the BIM chair at any given point in time during the year is supervising at least five Master thesis students, five Bachelor thesis students, and several supervised internships etc. We simply cannot take into account all particularities for each and every supervised student as this otherwise would fill our schedule completly. All submitted theses are graded on a first come, first served basis. If you need your grade as soon as possible make sure to submit early. YOUR issues, YOUR business!

Please read the following text carefully.

Master's thesis supervision at the BIM chair during Summer term 2024 is organized in the following way:

Application: Apply for Master's thesis supervision no later than March 24th 2024 before midnight (deadline) and send it via email to Ida-Anna Thiele (ida-anna.thiele@ovgu.de). Prepare a max. two page motivation letter (including a priority list of three topics from the BIM chair list or your own topic proposition - see below), a CV, and the transcript of all Master's and Bachelor's grades in a single pdf document - use free of charge online tools to transfer and merge your documents. Please send us the most recent transcript of your current Master's degree to ensure that all grades from the Winter term 2023 are already included (if possible). Name the file with your last name and '_Thesis_App', e.g. 'Schlaegel_Thesis_App.pdf'.

Selection criteria: Preference in the selection of Master's thesis students will be given to excellent students that participated in the scientific projects and seminars of the BIM chair.

Notification: Applicants are going to receive information about the result of the selection no later than March 27th 2024.

Topic: You are welcome to (a) propose your own topic (but make sure that you have access to data so you can test your hypotheses) or (b) make a priority list of three topics from the BIM chair list of potential topics. Topic issues will NOT be discussed before April.

Timeframe: A total of 22 weeks are available for the thesis - a four week "reading" period and a 18 week "writing" period (to be graded in the Summer term 2024, the thesis needs to be finished by the end of September including the thesis submission and defense).

Reading period: Start of the four-week reading period no later than April 24th 2024

Registration: The thesis registration and start of the 18-week writing period is no later than May 22nd 2024 (the registration document is available on the website of the examination office - registration form Master's thesis: Click here).

For the thesis registration, please check (a) again if you fulfill all the requirements to register for the master thesis before sending us the registration form and (b) then send us your current transcript of records together with the registration form via e-mail. If it becomes apparent after the reading period has begun that you do not meet the requirements (for example, because you have failed a course for which you had not yet received a grade), please let us know IMMEDIATELY. 

For IMME students, the main requirements for the master thesis registration are: the successful completion of (1) at least 75 credit points including all compulsory modules, (2) at least one specialization section, and (3) at least one seminar worth 10 credit points (click here for the official examination regulation).

For BWL/Business Economics students, the main requirements for the master thesis registration are: the successful completion of (1) at least 75 credit points, (2) at least two specialization sections (please consider the particularities for the specializations "Marketing and E-Business" and "Economics"), and (3) at least one seminar worth 10 credit points (click here for the official examination regulation).

Supervision approach: An important aspect of the Master's thesis is to work independently on the topic - individual supervision meetings should not exceed four to five appointments of 30 minutes each (not including a meeting to specify the topic). In the meetings your supervisor is not a substitute for your own efforts to solve problems. Thesis supervision does not include prior review of parts of the thesis or a "first draft". All thesis supervision meetings take place face-to-face on campus.

Defenses (mid-term): All theses defenses take place between July 15th and July 19th 2024 (15 minutes presentation of your current state and 10 minutes questions - the ppt slides do not need to be submitted earlier) - about 45 to 60 minutes in total to have time for feedback. 

Submission: Submission of the thesis is no later than September 25th 2024 (see the website of the examination office for further details on the submission requirements and process - submission procedure of your Master's thesis: Click here).

Questions: Please read the above carefully. If you have any questions not answered by the above information, contact Ida-Anna Thiele (ida-anna.thiele@ovgu.de).

Important dates summary:

Register: Until midnight on March 24th 2024 via e-mail (ida-anna.thiele@ovgu.de)
Notification: Until March 27th 2024
Mandatory kick-off meeting on campus: April 9th 2024
First meeting with supervisor: Between April 8th and April 23rd 2024
Reading period: Start not later than April 24th 2024
Writing period: Start not later than May 22nd 2024
Thesis registration: No later than May 22nd 2024
Mid-term presentations/thesis defenses: between July 15th and July 19th 2024
Thesis submission: Latest by September 25th 2024 (see the official deadline after registration in the LSF)

Potential Master's thesis topics

Topic 1: The relationship between cross-cultural training and work-related outcomes: a meta-analytic review

Cross-cultural training (CCT) encompasses educational interventions before or during the expatriates’ stay abroad to reduce uncertainties and cultural shocks in the new cultural environment. The objective of this master thesis is to provide an overview of the previous research investigating the relationship between CCT and several work-related outcomes along the expatriation process (e.g., expatriation intention, cross-cultural adjustment, job and life satisfaction, job performance, turnover intention, among others). The thesis includes a comprehensive critical review of the definitions, conceptualizations, and measurements of CCT and the investigated work-related outcomes and provides an overview of previous meta-analyses and reviews on this topic. The thesis should further include an abstract, an introduction to the topic (including a short summary of the results), a detailed and replicable description of the literature search process and applied analytical techniques, the results of the meta-analysis (including the investigation of moderators and mediators), and a discussion of the findings and their implications for the field. The meta-analysis requires a thorough literature search, coding, and analysis of articles on the role of CCT in the expatriation context (i.e., conceptual articles, qualitative studies, and quantitative studies). The literature search (preferably supported by artificial intelligence tools) involves the use of a variety of databases and should be guided by predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The identified studies will be meta-analytically synthesized, and the role of moderators and mediators will be examined. The meta-analysis aims to provide a quantitative assessment of the current state of knowledge of the role of CCT, identify gaps in the current research, and suggest areas and methodological approaches for future study.

Starting literature:
Chenyang, L. (2022). Meta-analysis of the impact of cross-cultural training on adjustment, cultural intelligence, and job performance. Career Development International, 27(2), 185-200.

Deshpande, S. P., & Viswesvaran, C. (1992). Is cross-cultural training of expatriate managers effective: A meta analysis. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 16(3), 295-310.

Kempf, C., & Holtbrügge, D. (2020). Moderators and mediators of cross-cultural training effectiveness: literature review and development of a conceptual model. European Journal of International Management, 14(2), 293-326.

Topic 2: The relationship between expatriate personality traits and work-related outcomes: a meta-analytic review

Individuals’ personality traits are commonly measured with the Five-Factor Model of Personality (Big Five), encompassing emotional stability, openness, extraversion, conscientiousness, and agreeableness. The objective of this master thesis is to provide an overview of the previous research investigating the relationship between the Big Five and several work-related outcomes along the expatriation process (e.g., expatriation intention, cross-cultural adjustment, job and life satisfaction, job performance, turnover intention, among others). The thesis includes a comprehensive critical review of the definitions, conceptualizations, and measurements of personality traits and the investigated work-related outcomes and provides an overview of previous meta-analyses and reviews on this topic. The thesis should further include an abstract, an introduction to the topic (including a short summary of the results), a detailed and replicable description of the literature search process and applied analytical techniques, the results of the meta-analysis (including the investigation of moderators and mediators), and a discussion of the findings and their implications for the field. The meta-analysis requires a thorough literature search, coding, and analysis of articles on the role of the Big Five in the expatriation context (i.e., conceptual articles, qualitative studies, and quantitative studies). The literature search (preferably supported by artificial intelligence tools) involves the use of a variety of databases and should be guided by predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The identified studies will be meta-analytically synthesized, and the role of moderators and mediators will be examined. The meta-analysis aims to provide a quantitative assessment of the current state of knowledge of the role of the Big Five, identify gaps in the current research, and suggest areas and methodological approaches for future study.

Starting literature:
Caligiuri, P. M. (2000). The big five personality characteristics as predictors of expatriate's desire to terminate the assignment and supervisor‐rated performance. Personnel psychology, 53(1), 67-88.

Han, Y., Sears, G. J., Darr, W. A., & Wang, Y. (2022). Facilitating cross-cultural adaptation: A meta-analytic review of dispositional predictors of expatriate adjustment. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 53(9), 1054-1096.

Harari, M. B., Reaves, A. C., Beane, D. A., Laginess, A. J., & Viswesvaran, C. (2018). Personality and expatriate adjustment: A meta‐analysis. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 91(3), 486-517.

Topic 3: A meta-analytic comparison of the role of transactional and transformational leadership for follower performance

Leadership style refers to the different approaches used by leaders to manage their teams. Transformational and transactional leadership are among the most studied leadership styles. While transactional leadership is based on structures and rules such as rewards, feedback, and clear goals, transformational leadership focuses on the development and personal growth of employees. The objective of this master thesis is to provide an overview and comparison of the relationship between transactional and transformational leadership (if possible, including their dimensions) and followers’ job performance (e.g., individual performance and team performance). The thesis includes a comprehensive critical review of the definitions, conceptualizations, and measurements of the two leadership styles and job performance and provides an overview of previous meta-analyses and reviews on this topic. The thesis should further include an introduction to the topic, a detailed description of the literature search process and applied analytic techniques, the results of the meta-analysis (including the investigation of several moderators), and a discussion of the findings and their implications for the field. The meta-analysis requires a thorough literature search, coding, and analysis of articles on the role of transactional and transformational leadership (i.e., conceptual articles, qualitative studies, and quantitative studies). The literature search (preferably supported by artificial intelligence tools) involves the use of a variety of databases and should be guided by predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The identified studies will be meta-analytically synthesized, and the role of moderators will be examined. The meta-analysis aims to provide a quantitative assessment of the current state of knowledge of the role of transactional and transformational leadership, identify gaps in the current research, and suggest areas and methodological approaches for future study.

Starting literature:
Boerner, S., Eisenbeiss, S. A., & Griesser, D. (2007). Follower behavior and organizational performance: The impact of transformational leaders. Journal of leadership & organizational Studies, 13(3), 15-26.

Crede, M., Jong, J., & Harms, P. (2019). The generalizability of transformational leadership across cultures: A meta-analysis. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 34(3), 139-155.

Dumdum, U. R., Lowe, K. B., & Avolio, B. J. (2002). A meta-analysis of transformational and transactional leadership correlates of effectiveness and satisfaction: An update and extension. In B. J., Avolio, & F. J., Yammarino (Eds.), Transformational and charismatic leadership: The road ahead (pp. 35–66). Emerald Group Publishing.

Topic 4: The 20 item cultural intelligence scale: A critical assessment of the reliability and validity in the existing research

In the realm of cross-cultural management and psychology, the cultural intelligence (CQ) construct has emerged as a crucial tool for assessing individuals' abilities to function effectively in culturally diverse settings. At the heart of this construct lies the Cultural Intelligence Scale (CQS), a 20-item instrument designed to measure an individual's cultural intelligence across four dimensions: metacognitive, cognitive, motivational, and behavioral. This master's thesis embarks on a meticulous examination of the existing body of quantitative empirical studies, focusing specifically on the reliability and validity of the 20-item CQS. The significance of cultural intelligence in today's globalized world cannot be overstated. As organizations increasingly operate across borders and individuals engage in multicultural interactions, the ability to understand and adapt to different cultural contexts becomes paramount. The CQS offers a standardized means of assessing these crucial skills, but its reliability and validity require thorough scrutiny. This thesis aims to provide a critical assessment of the 20-item Cultural Intelligence Scale by synthesizing insights from existing research. Specifically, through a systematic review of empirical studies, this thesis seeks to evaluate the psychometric properties of the scale. Key objectives include assessing the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, factorial validity, convergent validity, and discriminant validity of the CQS. By analyzing a diverse array of studies that have utilized the scale, this research aims to identify patterns, strengths, and limitations in its measurement properties. Through a rigorous assessment of the reliability and validity of the 20-item CQS, this research seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of its measurement properties and implications for research and practice.

Starting literature
Ang, S., Van Dyne, L., Koh, C., Ng, K. Y., Templer, K. J., Tay, C., & Chandrasekar, N. A. (2007). Cultural intelligence: Its measurement and effects on cultural judgment and decision making, cultural adaptation and task performance. Management and organization review, 3(3), 335-371.

Bücker, J., Furrer, O., & Peeters Weem, T. (2016). Robustness and cross-cultural equivalence of the Cultural Intelligence Scale (CQS). Journal of Global Mobility: The Home of Expatriate Management Research, 4(3), 300-325.

Schlägel, C., & Sarstedt, M. (2016). Assessing the measurement invariance of the four-dimensional cultural intelligence scale across countries: A composite model approach. European Management Journal, 34(6), 633-649.

Van Dyne, L., Ang, S., & Koh, C. (2015). Development and validation of the CQS: The cultural intelligence scale. In Handbook of cultural intelligence (pp. 34-56). Routledge.

Topic 5: A critical review of the use of meta-analysis in the international management/international business literature

A meta-analysis is a statistical technique used to combine the results of multiple studies that have examined the same relationship between two variables (e.g., the association between firms` international experience and export performance). The goal of a meta-analysis is to provide a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the direction, strength, and homogeneity of a relationship. The main objective of this master thesis is threefold. First, the thesis should identify existing meta-analytic studies in the international management/international business literature (i.e., meta-analytic studies published in a predefined set of major journals). Second, the thesis should use a methodological lens to systematically review and to critically analyze and evaluate the use of meta-analytic methods in this area (e.g., literature search, inclusion/exclusion criteria, coding, quality analysis, outlier analysis, bivariate meta-analysis, moderator analysis, sensitivity analysis/robustness checks). Specifically, the thesis should assess the quality of the most commonly applied approaches and reported methodological aspects of the meta-analytic studies in this field. Finally, the thesis should also include best practice recommendations on the methodological aspect. Students who are interested in international marketing, entrepreneurship, supply chain management or other areas of management could also write this topic with a focus on the respective field of research.

Starting literature
Buckley, P. J., Devinney, T. M., & Tang, R. W. (2014). Meta-analytic research in international business and international management. The multinational enterprise and the emergence of the global factory, 100-134.

Hansen, C., Steinmetz, H., & Block, J. (2022). How to conduct a meta-analysis in eight steps: a practical guide. Management Review Quarterly, 72(1), 1-19.

Kirca, A. H., & Yaprak, A. (2010). The use of meta-analysis in international business research: Its current status and suggestions for better practice. International Business Review, 19(3), 306-314.

Topic 6: The use of cultural value dimensions as moderators in meta-analytic studies: A critical review

This thesis explores the use of cultural value dimensions, such as Hofstede and GLOBE, as moderating variables in meta-analytic studies in the field of international management and international business (IM/IB) as well as related fields. The thesis will begin by providing an overview of the cultural value dimensions frameworks. This will include a discussion of the dimensions and dimensions' measurement, and the ways in which they have been used as moderators to better understand and explain cultural differences in the IM/IB contexts. The thesis will then review the existing literature on the use of cultural value dimensions as moderators in meta-analytic studies. It will examine the ways in which these dimensions have been used to explain variations in the results of previous studies and the extent to which they have been successful in doing so. The review will also examine the methodological issues that have been associated with the use of cultural value dimensions as moderators in meta-analytic studies. The thesis will then conduct a critical review of the literature, identifying the strengths and limitations. It will also discuss potential areas for future research, such as identifying alternative approaches or methods to use cultural value dimensions as moderators. Finally, the thesis will conclude by offering best practices recommendations. This will include suggestions for improving the measurement and operationalization of cultural value dimensions, as well as recommendations for addressing methodological issues that have been associated with their use.

Topic 7: Mediation Analysis in International Management/International Business Research: A Replication Study

Are you intrigued by statistical analysis and its application in the realm of international management and international business (IM/IB)? If so, consider delving into the world of mediation analysis – a crucial statistical tool in understanding the mechanisms underlying relationships between variables. In this master's thesis, we aim to conduct a replication study focusing on mediation analysis within the IM/IB field, using existing datasets from prominent journals spanning the past three decades. Mediation analysis plays a pivotal role in uncovering the mediating processes through which various factors influence outcomes in international contexts. Although about 1/3 of all IM/IB studies use mediation analysis, existing studies are often characterized by limitations in the study design, theoretical underpinning, and particularly in the statistical analysis used to assess potential mediation effects. Why choose this topic? By replicating existing research, you'll gain valuable insights into the robustness and generalizability of findings in IM/IB literature. This thesis offers a unique opportunity to engage deeply with statistical methodologies while contributing to the advancement of knowledge in IM/IB research. Through meticulous data analysis and interpretation, you'll have the chance to critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of existing studies, identify potential areas for improvement or refinement in methodology, and offer valuable insights for future research directions. Moreover, by focusing on published datasets from reputable journals, you'll ensure the credibility and reliability of your findings, making a meaningful contribution to the academic discourse in the field. If you're passionate about statistics, international management, and making a substantive impact through research, consider embarking on this journey of replication and discovery in the realm of mediation analysis within the dynamic landscape of IM/IB research.

Starting literature
Demming, C. L., Jahn, S., & Boztuğ, Y. (2017). Conducting mediation analysis in marketing research. Marketing: ZFP–Journal of Research and Management, 39(3), 76-93.

Malhotra, M. K., Singhal, C., Shang, G., & Ployhart, R. E. (2014). A critical evaluation of alternative methods and paradigms for conducting mediation analysis in operations management research. Journal of Operations Management, 32(4), 127-137.

Rasoolimanesh, S. M., Wang, M., Roldan, J. L., & Kunasekaran, P. (2021). Are we in right path for mediation analysis? Reviewing the literature and proposing robust guidelines. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 48, 395-405.

Rohrer, J. M., Hünermund, P., Arslan, R. C., & Elson, M. (2022). That’s a lot to PROCESS! Pitfalls of popular path models. Advances in Methods and Practices in Psychological Science, 5(2), 25152459221095827.

Rungtusanatham, M., Miller, J. W., & Boyer, K. K. (2014). Theorizing, testing, and concluding for mediation in SCM research: Tutorial and procedural recommendations. Journal of Operations Management, 32(3), 99-113.

Topic 8: Mapping the echoes of internationalization: Exploring international orientation in corporate vision and mission statements

Are you fascinated by the international business landscape and eager to explore how companies articulate their aspirations on the international stage? Embark on a journey with a Master's thesis in Behavioral International Management, delving deep into the role of internationalization within the mission and vision statements of firms. In this thesis, we aim to dissect the intricate relationship between internationalization strategies and the fundamental philosophies that guide firms – their mission and vision statements. Through a meticulous blend of systematic literature review and empirical analysis, we seek to gain new insights into how firms express their global ambitions through their guiding principles. Begin your exploration by conducting a comprehensive literature review focusing on prior research concerning the significance and evolution of vision and mission statements in corporate strategies. Uncover the diverse methodologies and findings employed in previous studies to inform your own analytical framework. Next synthesize existing literature on the intersection of vision and mission statements with internationalization strategies. Dive into scholarly works to grasp the theoretical underpinnings and empirical findings that underlie this dynamic field. In your own data collection and analysis, select a target country – such the Germany, exemplified by the DAX and MDAX firms. Embark on a qualitative journey through the landscape of corporate communication, meticulously examining the websites and recent annual reports of the firms covering the selected country. Extract and analyze their mission and vision statements with a discerning eye, seeking clues and nuances that hint at their international orientation. Systematically compare and contrast the identified mission and vision statements, exploring the extent to which internationalization themes permeate through these foundational documents. Utilize frameworks and indicators to assess the degree of international orientation exhibited by each firm, unraveling patterns and anomalies within the sample. Using artificial intelligence tools in the identification of international orientation and in conducting sentiment analysis is a viable option. Why pursue this thesis? Contribute to the forefront of knowledge in international business by unraveling the subtleties of how firms articulate their global aspirations. Gain insights that are directly applicable to real-world business contexts, informing strategic decisions and organizational positioning. Hone your qualitative research skills through a systematic and rigorous analysis of corporate documents and communications. If you're ready to embark on an intellectually stimulating journey that combines academic rigor with real-world relevance, seize this opportunity to delve into the heart of behavioral international management. Let your thesis be the beacon illuminating the path towards a deeper understanding of how firms navigate the complexities of internationalization.

Starting literature
Desmidt, S., Prinzie, A., & Decramer, A. (2011). Looking for the value of mission statements: a meta‐analysis of 20 years of research. Management Decision, 49(3), 468-483.

López-Morales, J. S., & Ortega-Ridaura, I. (2016). International strategy of the 500 largest firms in Latin America: an analysis from its mission and vision. Problems and perspectives in management, (14, Iss. 3 (contin. 3)), 634-641.

Zhang, H., Garrett, T., & Liang, X. (2015). The effects of innovation-oriented mission statements on innovation performance and non-financial business performance. Asian Journal of Technology Innovation, 23(2), 157-171.