Rotterdam Business School
International Business & Management Studie
留學生dissertation網(wǎng)THESIS GUIDE 2008 – 2009

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 2
PART 1 – STRUCTURE 3
1.1 General Background 3
1.2 Thesis Writing Process 3
1.3 Course dates and times 5
1.4 PDP 6
1.5 Steps to take per part of the thesis. 6
PART 2 – SUPERVISION 9
2.1 You the Student - Responsibility 9
2.2 Non-EU students 9
2.3 Who is eligible for the thesis? 9
2.3.1 thesis requirements 9
2.4 Research outside The Netherlands 11
2.5 Practicalities while writing your thesis 11
2.6 Meeting international standards 12
2.7 Implications of the Standards and Guidelines for Institutions 13
2.8 Eight core competence bachelors degree according to the Dublin descriptors 14
2.9 Due dates 16
Appendix: 1 GRC Regular Student staying in The Netherlands 17
Appendix 2 GRC Student staying at partner university 24
Appendix 3 GRC Student being abroad 27

INTRODUCTION

These are the thesis guidelines for the academic year 2008-2009 These guidelines are of particular importance, as starting from the academic year 2008-2009 IBMS has decided to change the thesis writing process in order to enhance quality and to increase efficiency.

This thesis guide notes replaces all previous thesis guidelines. All information with regards to thesis must be obtained from this document only.

The thesis is regarded to be the student’s ‘masterpiece’ and must, therefore, meet the academic standards set by RBS. In addition, the thesis must meet international requirements (see page 12), which will be further explained in this document.

At all times, students must comply with these thesis guidelines throughout the entire thesis (writing) process.

PART 1 – STRUCTURE

This chapter discusses the structure of the thesis modules as per academic year 2008-2009 and also presents the dates of the mandatory thesis course. In addition a deadline overview, grading procedures and the use of the library (HR and EUR) including additional digital sources are being discussed. All thesis students must have a copy of the book Research methods for business students by Mark N.K. Saunders et al.

1.1 General Background
A good thesis provides a workable and practical solution to a business problem. It will combine both practical and theoretical knowledge, backed by empirical evidence.

Researching and writing a thesis is an important element of the IBMS programme. It is the way in which you demonstrate your ability to present your ideas coherently, in a well-organized manner, through clear analysis and concise discussion, demonstrating your understanding of theory in practice. It is vital that you display your own original thoughts by co-ordinating your material developed from the range of business disciplines which have been covered in the IBMS curriculum.#p#分頁標題#e#

1.2 Thesis Writing Process

Thesis activities:

Thesis writing the last aspect of your studies at the Rotterdam Business School (IBMS). It is your chance to demonstrate your competences. Thesis writing is not only exciting, in terms of organising and managing different kind of processes such as communication, time and resources.

As soon as all (‘study abroad’) students are back in Rotterdam, a central lecture will be held to guide you through the thesis writing process. In addition, companies will be invited to in order to select students (vice versa) for a graduation placement. More specific details to follow.

All thesis related instructions are mandatory.Sources + library :
Students are encouraged to use common literature, articles and/or journals as academic sources / theoretical foundations for their thesis. As of the academic year 2007-2008 RBS students are not allowed to use articles and/or theories copied from search engines (e.g. Google). Students will be instructed to use sources of reasonable academic relevance like Harvard Business Review (HBR). The library has many academic magazines, books articles and/or journals.

In addition, through the HRO library students gain direct access to the library of the Erasmus university by registering at HRO library. HRO librarians can issue a temporally library pass for a limited period which will give access to the Erasmus library.

Deadlines

At all times deadlines must be respected. Not respecting deadlines will have serious consequences with regard to study progress. In case a student does not meet the deadlines, the thesis supervisor may decide to end supervision. Consequently, the student will not be able to defend his/her thesis in the current academic year.

Ephorus/Plagiarism
The large-scale lifting/copying of other people’s work from texts, papers, graphics, theses, or other material [without proper acknowledgement] will be heavily penalized and will result in your thesis report http://www.400190.com/Thesis_Tips/Handbook/being failed. It is imperative that you acknowledge all authors of books, papers, texts, journals, internet web site topic pages, etc., which you have used as a source in your research by citing their name, book or article title, publisher and year of issue. Also, acknowledgement is to be given either verbally or in writing to all those people who have assisted you while you performed your research project. If you fail to include the proper acknowledgements and source reference, this will be considered as plagiarism.

During this course the consequences of plagiarism will be discussed. At all times plagiarism will have serious consequences, to be determined by the RBS exam board. Plagiarism will not be tolerated and will automatically result in delayed graduating from the RBS. All sanctions to be determined by the RBS exam board.

During phase one students will be familiarized with Ephorus. Ephorus is a software program which identifies plagiarism. Before the student is allowed to defend his/her thesis, the text of the thesis must be scanned for plagiarism with Ephorus.#p#分頁標題#e#

1.3 Steps to take per part of the thesis

Thesis Structure
 

Executive summary
This is of great significance to your report/thesis. After reading this one page summary the reader should have a clear picture about your entire report/thesis. In the executive summary you introduce the case company, elaborate up on the general context. Present your research objectives, research question(s). In addition you present your main conclusions and recommendations. This all should not exceed one page.

Introduction (not numbered)
Personal motivation
Background of the topic
In the Introduction you basically state the ‘who’, ‘what’ and ‘why’ of your thesis. The reader should be able to grasp the rough content of the thesis before him.

Chapter 1
1.1 Introduction case company
1.2 Thesis objective(s) : Goal / means / constraints
1.3 Problem definition :
1.4 Research questions
1.5 Chapter’s summary

Objective:

To give recommendations with regards to…….

Problem:
Describe problem
Make a fishbone diagram and relate the bones (causes) to the fish head (problem). Every bone represents a main research question. The problem definition should be based on the research theme’s derived from the research objectives. The definition is based on the current (present) situation in the organization. In the problem definition you must discuss how aspects of your research themes (derived from your research objectives) affect the organization currently.

What led to this situation (cause and effect), which (internal/external) parties (stakeholders) are involved, what are the internal/external consequences. How does this situation affects the organizations competitive position……

At all times, when ending a chapter, you need to introduce the next chapter in the transition paragraph. Example: the next chapter deals with the ……..

Chapter 2: Literature review
Introductory paragraph (not numbered)
2.1 Theory / concept 1
Description (Theory)
Motivation (Why this concept?)
2.2 Theory / concept 2
Description (Theory)
Motivation (Why this concept?)
2.3 Theory / concept 3
Description (Theory)
Motivation (Why this concept?)
Introduction next chapter

Chapter 3: Methodology
Introductory paragraph (not numbered)
3.1 Case study research (theory on research methodologies used)
3.2 Research strategy
3.3 Research material
3.4 Research planning
3.5 Table of research steps (Your research)
3.6 Motivation methodologies used (Your research)
3.7 Chapter’s summary

Chapter 4: Research findings
Introductory paragraph (not numbered)
4.1 Research question 1
Answer to RQ 1
4.2 Research question 2
Answer to RQ 2
4.3 Chapter’s summary#p#分頁標題#e#

Chapter 5: Conclusion and recommendations
Introductory paragraph (not numbered)
5.1 Conclusion (all answers of research questions revealed together plus choice). The conclusions are based on the current situation within the company.
5.2 Recommendations (classified and specific for example per Marketing P).

Final conclusion (not numbered)
Very brief summary of the most important information provided in the thesis. This part should NOT contain any new information. The conclusions are based on your research and therefore focusing on the current situation.

Recommendations

Your (final) recommendations should be based future oriented. In other words, you must be able to offer your thesis company a plan of action on how to implement your recommendations, while taking the http://www.400190.com/Thesis_Tips/Handbook/thesis company’s ‘unique’ context into consideration. Your thesis company must be able to implement your findings even when you are no longer linked to their organization . A thesis lacking such a plan will not be accepted for defence.

Bibliography:
Make sure that you reference all the literature used in the bibliography. Use literature after 2002. Any sources mentioned in your text should be accounted for in your bibliography, including URLs, newspapers, magazines, TV programmes. The number of web based references must be limited. A student writing a bachelors thesis must demonstrate the ability to read, understand and analyse literature instead of demonstrating their Google skills.

Appendices:
Here you can put graphs and/or financial statements.

PART 2 – SUPERVISION

2.1 You the Student - Responsibility

A thesis research project is your responsibility: It is the way in which you demonstrate your ability to work independently on a major piece of research with minimum supervision. Secondly, it demonstrates your understanding of the theory taught to you in the course materials at IBMS.

The end product must be all your own work [not that of your thesis task team, friends or colleagues]. Regulations require that you meet agreed deadlines. Failure to comply with regulations regarding agreed deadlines will mean that you may be penalized. It is important to reiterate that the aim of the thesis is to assess your ability to undertake independent work. This means that you do not produce a ‘PR’ report for an organization or a company, passing it off as a piece of research.

The standard of English, style and overall presentation of the thesis report is also your own responsibility. Therefore, it is important that your report is properly proof read in order to ensure that the grammar and spelling is correct. This is not the responsibility of the thesis supervisor.

Your responsibility also includes arranging meetings with your thesis supervisor and providing in advance of any meeting relevant information/questions you want to discuss with your thesis supervisor.#p#分頁標題#e#

In the event a student is not respecting deadlines set by the thesis supervisor, the supervisor can decide to end the thesis supervision. If that is the case, the student will not be eligible for further supervision. Consequently student is likely to face severe delays in graduating since it will be very hard to find a new supervisor who is prepared to guide an unwilling student. At all times students must finish their thesis before at on the last day of the specified dead line. In case this deadline is not met, the student will be referred to the exam board.

Consequently, the current thesis will no longer be accepted and the student will have to find a new thesis company and write a new thesis.

2.2 Non-EU students

Due to strict IND regulations, those non-EU students who are deliberately delaying their thesis writing process and/or are responsible for any delay must be reported to the IND. Needless to say that the IND will revoke the residence permit.

2.3 Who is eligible for the thesis?

Fourth-year IBMS students with at least 130 ECTS .
Students who have attended and participated in the thesis modules and have met all the thesis course requirements;
Students who are conducting research for a real company.

2.3.1 Thesis requirements

The thesis topic must be of strategic nature and the main component of your thesis must be linked to your minor. You can also look at for example at Logistics for a Marketing perspectives and so on. As long as your research is within the context of the IBMS profile.

Examples of thesis topics:

Positioning, strategic alliances;
Outsourcing;
Strategy formation;
Influence of Risk management in make or buy decision;
Supply chain management;
Entry strategies (new markets).

2.4 Various faces of thesis writing

In order to help your carefully plan your thesis writing, the thesis guidelines helps you to plan activities per phase. Therefore the thesis is divided into fourteen different phases as shown in the box below. In your thesis planning, you must take these phases into consideration, after which you must evaluate phases one until thirteen.

2.5 Practicalities while writing your thesis

During the first central meeting (January 2009 ), the thesis co-ordinator will assign students to a thesis supervisor.

During the thesis writing process students must be available for their thesis supervisor;

In case a student needs to travel for research purposes, a written consent must be obtained from the thesis supervisor;

All deadlines must be respected, not meeting deadlines will have a negative influence on the final grade;

It is up to the student and the thesis company how many hours per week should be spent at the company. As long as the student has access to the company.

If the student does not finish the thesis before the final deadline, RBS might decide to stop further guidance. Consequently the student will not be able to graduate;#p#分頁標題#e#

IBMS students who are writing their thesis under supervision of a (DEMI) partner university must comply with the rules and regulations set by the partner university. In these cases IBMS will serve (only) as a second marker;

All students must submit their approved thesis proposal and a thesis contract (see page 23-42) to the thesis co-ordinator.

2.6 Meeting international standards

In order to meet international requirements, European governments have decided to change the credit systems and have defined the qualifications which need to be met on a Bachelor level. These qualifications are referred to as the Dublin descriptors. The Dublin descriptors are justified as follow:

Improve the consistency of quality assurance across the European Higher Education Area;

Provide common reference points for quality assurance for institutions and agencies;

Aid recognition of qualifications;

Assist mutual recognition;

Create a register that will make it easier to identify professional and credible agencies;

Enhance the credibility of quality assurance agencies in what they do;

Promote trust between agencies and HEIs ;

Facilitate exchange of experience and viewpoint amongst agencies (and other key stakeholders including students, HEIs and employers).

2.7 Implications of the Standards and Guidelines for Institutions

Implications for programme design:
realisation of the EHEA depends critically on a commitment at all levels of an institution to ensure that its programmes have clear and explicit outcomes
Implications for staff:
that its staff are ready, willing and able to provide teaching and learner support that will help its students achieve those outcomes
Implications for award design
the quality assurance of programmes and awards are expected to include … development and publication of specific learning outcomes;
Implications for delivery modes
specific needs of different delivery modes full-time, part-time.
Implications for Assessment Procedures
student assessment procedures are expected to be designed to measure the achievement of the intended learning outcomes and other programme objectives
be appropriate for their purpose, whether diagnostic, formative or summative
Implications for staff deployment
be undertaken by people who understand the role of assessment in the progression of students towards the achievement of the knowledge and skills associated with their intended qualifications where possible not rely on the judgements of a single examiner;

Based on the above, the Dublin descriptors are summarized in eight core competencies. On a Bachelor level students must meet the requirements specified in the eight core competences as specified below:

2.8 Eight core competence bachelors degree according to the Dublin descriptors

Core Competencies International requirements Translation to RBS context#p#分頁標題#e#
The students must be able to:
Knowledge
Breadth Specialised knowledge across a variety of areas Conduct research within the context of the IBMS program (curriculum). Research does not stop at Marketing, logistics and Finance & Accounting.
Knowledge
Kind Recognition of limitations of current knowledge and familiarity with sources of new knowledge; integration of concepts across a variety of areas Demonstrate the ability to integrate (all) gathered information (e.g. information from various departments and/or industry) and apply it within the research context in order to gain (strategic) advantage.
Know-how and skill
Range Demonstrate specialized technical, creative or conceptual skills and tools across an area of study Translate a complex problem to a manageable and must be able to present a plan of action as to how to implement the research findings.
Know-how and skill
Selectivity Exercise appropriate judgment in planning, design, technical and/or supervisory functions related to products, services, operations or processes
Demonstrate the ability to apply and both theoretical models and concepts;
Bridging (interdepartmental) differences in order to gain overall effectiveness by looking at the root cause of the problem. The ability to separate nice to know and need to know research findings.
Competence
Context Utilise diagnostic and creative skills in a range of functions in a wide variety of contexts
Use various (appropriate) theoretical concepts in order to analyze the research context. In addition, students be able to critically review the applied theoretical concepts and/or theories and imbed these in the research context.
Competence
Role Accept accountability for determining and achieving personal and/or group outcomes; take significant or supervisory responsibility for the work of others in defined areas of work
Manage relationship (communication) with all parties involved to the research (e.g. thesis supervisor(s), research company, interviewees) ;

Present and defend the research outcome before a critical crowd;

Rise above the research context and bridge differences to a concrete, solid, feasible outcome.
Competence
Learning to Learn Take initiative to identify and address learning needs and interact effectively in a learning group
Present the research company with feasible recommendations with a clear implementation scheme. In other words, how can the research context stand tall despite challenges within the industry.
Competence
Insight Express an internalised, personal world view, manifesting solidarity with others
Voice his/her personal opinion on the overall research findings based in rational findings.
Above-mentioned core competences will serve as a guideline for the final assessment. Students who do not meet thesis criteria will not be eligible for a passing grade.

2.9 Due dates

All dates are firm and are not open for debate.#p#分頁標題#e#

2.10 Defence dates

13+17.04, 11+15.05, 15+19.06, 29+03.07, 06.07

Final preparation for thesis defence
At least two weeks prior to the defence date a final thesis must be handed in (four copies);
The thesis card (will be provided during the thesis workshops) must be submitted with the final copies of the thesis;
The second supervisor might ask the student to make changes prior to the defence session. These changes must be completed prior to the defence date;
After the final thesis is handed in, the thesis co-ordinator will assign a second supervisor to prepare the thesis defence.;
A third thesis supervisor might be present during the defence session;
During the defence session the second and third supervisor will lead (ask the relevant questions regarding the research) the defence session;
The first supervisor remains the chair person of the defence session;
With regards to the assessment criteria the eight core competences (see page 12) will serve as a (leading) tool for the final marking of the thesis.

Appendix: 1 GRC Regular Student staying in The Netherlands

Graduation Research Contract (GRC)

The study programme International Business and Management Studies (IBMS) at Rotterdam Business School (RBS) includes a mandatory final research.

At the end of their studies, RBS students are able and capable to conduct an independent comprehensive research at a academic level. At all times the student will guarantee confidentiality and will not disclose (corporate) information provided to him/her during the period of thesis writing. To prevent any uncertainties and misunderstandings, all parties involved should enter into a GRC prior to the commencement of the research period.

This contract includes the following two parts.

Part A – Graduation Research Contract (GRC)
In this part arrangements are laid down about the duration of the work placement, reimbursement and the name of the contact responsible for work research supervision.

Part B – Description of the Research graduation assignment (4th year)
This part includes the academic level of the research graduation assignment by the student(s) involved. In addition student must meet the required academic skills and personal competencies in order to complete the activities as desired by the organization/institution involved.

Should you have any questions or need further explanation, please contact:
………………….
T +31(0) 10-453………
F +31(0) 10-4536001
Part A – Graduation Research Contract (GRC) at partner university

The undersigned:

The company
Company name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #p#分頁標題#e#
Postal code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Telephone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Email. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

In this respect lawfully represented by:
Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hereinafter referred to as: Placement provider,

Research students
Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Student number. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Postal code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Telephone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hereinafter referred to as: research student,

The Study Programme
Study Programme: Rotterdam Business School, hereinafter referred to as RBS
Visiting address: Kralingse Zoom 91, 3063ND Rotterdam
Telephone: +31 - (0)10 - 453

in this respect lawfully represented by:
Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Position: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hereinafter referred to as: the Thesis Co-ordinator / the Thesis supervisor

Considering that:
the research assignment provider is prepared to offer a research (assignment) position to the research student; similarly, the student is prepared to accept this research position, all this on the conditions described in this Graduation Research Contract (GRC).
The research student is a student of the RBS and has satisfied the obligations involved;
The Research student will be a student at RBS during the research period. The research is a mandatory part of the RBS learning programme;
The activities performed by the student for the benefit of the research provider, are part of the study programme and therefore halve of the (copy) rights belongs to the RBS and the remaining halve belong to the student involved; #p#分頁標題#e#
Prior to the commencement of the research (assignment), the student and the research provider have jointly drawn up a description of the research duties and activities which are to be performed by the student during the research period and which are included in the learning programme and fit in sufficiently with the student’s end qualifications as described in the curriculum. The student will not perform any activities for the company outside the scope of the research.
Credit points will be awarded for implementation of the activities described in the research assignment plan. This includes passing the assessment.

Agree to the following terms and conditions:

Section 1: Duration of the research period and description of the activities
1. The research student will accept a research assignment with the research provider from
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The RBS does not require the research student to be physically present at the research provider’s office while conducting research, unless the research provider and the students agrees otherwise. At all times these requirements must be formalized and presented to the RBS.
The research provider allows the student to work on his graduation project …. days a week
Part B: ‘Description of the research content’ and ‘Description of the final project’
are part of the work GRC.
Section 2: Work hours
The student’s work hours will be decided in consultation with the research provider.
The times at which the student must be present are to be set in consultation with the research provider.
In addition, the student must attend RBS supervision meetings

Section 3: Student’s liabilities
Job description (and research assignment): The student will perform all activities arising and ranging within the scope of the research assignment, which may reasonably be assigned by or on behalf of the research provider, to the best of his/her ability.
The nature and level of the activities performed by the student are to fit in with
the ‘Description of the research assignment (Section 1, paragraph 2) as agreed upon by the student and the research provider prior to the start of the research.
The student will never have the final responsibility for any activities performed
during the research period.
With regards to the research assignment the student will observe the rules of conduct, regulations and instructions issued by the research provider.

Section 4: Supervision of the student
1. On behalf of the research provider, the student will be supervised by:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2. On behalf of RBS, the student will be supervised by:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #p#分頁標題#e#
3. During the research period, supervision meetings will be organized by the RBS thesis supervisor, for the exchange of experiences.
4. The student, the RBS supervisor and the research provider supervisor liaise with each other on the implementation of the research outcome. Should any problems arise, all parties involved should be informed as soon as possible.
5. Should any serious problems arise during the research period, which may constitute a danger to the continuation of the research assignment, all parties commit themselves to:
closely consult on these problems, in order to reach a solution;
should this prove impossible, to make arrangement for an early termination of the research assignment, including arrangements to maximally limit any detriment to all parties involved.
6. This Contract will end:
upon expiration of the period as mentioned in Section 1;
by mutual agreement of all parties involved;
if the student is no longer enrolled at the RBS;
if any circumstances arise, as a result of which continuation of the agreement is no longer considered reasonable for any of the parties involved.
In this case, the contract ends at the moment when the other parties have been informed in writing of the wish to end the research assignment early.

Section 5: Awarding credit points
A maximum of 28 ECTS credits will be awarded to the student following a positive assessment for the performance of the activities described in the GRC, including the final thesis document.
Credits will be awarded by RBS, based on the final assessment of the student’s research assignment and the academic level of the research outcomes.

Section 6: Remuneration
The student is personally responsible for negotiating a research assignment remuneration with the research provider.
The student is personally and fully responsible for any consequences this remuneration has or may have for taxes and study financing.
In the event of illness reimbursement will be paid for at least one month.

Section 7: Non-Disclosure Agreements
The student will observe secrecy both during and following the placement period, regarding all information that has been classified as confidential, or that may reasonably be considered confidential by its nature.
The research provider will grant inspection of any confidential documents essential for the student’s assessment, provided this confidentiality will be observed by the RBS thesis supervisor.

Section 8: Insurances
The student is primarily responsible for his personal insurances, such as a health insurance. In any case, the student must have a liability insurance.
RBS indemnifies the research provider from any claims by third parties based on section 170 of the Dutch Civil Code resulting from wrongful actions on the part of the student whilst performing activities that are part of the research assignment on behalf of the research provider. This indemnification only applies if and insofar the Liability Insurance of Hogeschool Rotterdam accepts liability and provides cover. Neither Hogeschool Rotterdam nor the student can be held liable for the product.#p#分頁標題#e#
The liability insurance does not cover in the case of internal placements. An internal placement is a placement in another cluster within Hogeschool Rotterdam.
If applicable, the student should personally conclude a travel insurance (in case of foreign placements).

Signature Placement Provider Place/Date
Signature Student Place/Date

Signature Thesis supervisor/ Co-ordinator RBS Place/Date

Part B – Description of the work placement

Student name .
Student number. .
The student and the placement provider have agreed on practicing the following skills and/or on performing the following activities during the placement period:

Signature Placement Provider Place/Date

Signature Student Place/Date

Signature Placement Co-ordinator RBS Place/Date

B – Description of the final project
Student name ..
Student number

In addition to the activities described in ‘Description of the graduation research assignment’, the student will be assigned the following final project:

.

Signature Placement Provider Place/Date

Signature Student Place/Date

Signature Placement Co-ordinator RBS Place/Date

Appendix 2 GRC Student staying at partner university

Graduation Research Contract (GRC)
The study programme International Business and Management Studies (IBMS) at Rotterdam Business School (RBS) includes a mandatory final research. RBS management may allow students who are partially studying at a partner university to complete their thesis under supervision of the partner university involved.

At the end of their studies, RBS students are able and capable to conduct an independent comprehensive research at a academic level. At all times the student will guarantee confidentiality and will not disclose (corporate) information provided to him/her during the period of thesis writing. To prevent any uncertainties and misunderstandings, all parties involved should enter into a GRC prior to the commencement of the research period.

This contract includes the following two parts.

Part A – Graduation Research Contract (GRC)
In this part arrangements are laid down about the duration of the graduation research contract, reimbursement and the name of the contact responsible for work research supervision.

Part B – Description of the Research graduation assignment (4th year)
This part includes the academic level of the research graduation assignment by the student(s) involved. In addition student must meet the required academic skills and personal competencies in order to complete the activities as desired by the organization/institution involved.

Should you have any questions or need further explanation, please contact:
Mr./Mrs ………………….
T +31- (0)10 -453…….
F +31- (0)10 -4536001

Part A – Graduation Research at partner university#p#分頁標題#e#

in this respect lawfully represented by:

Hereinafter referred to as: research provider,

Research students

Hereinafter referred to as: research student,
 

The Study Programme
Study Programme: Rotterdam Business School, hereinafter referred to as RBS
Visiting address: Kralingse Zoom 91, 3063ND Rotterdam
Telephone: +31 - (0)10 - 453
in this respect lawfully represented by:
Name:
Position:
Hereinafter referred to as: the Thesis Co-ordinator / the Thesis supervisor (RBS).

At all times RBS will serve as second supervisor and herewith relinquishes all responsibilities to the partner university and will accept the valid procedures involving thesis writing by the partner university. At the thesis defence RBS will accept all procedures set by the partner university and will serve as ‘second supervisor’ only. Prior to the beginning of the thesis process the student involved is responsible to establish contact between the partner university involved and the RBS thesis coordinator in order to discuss the procedures. At the day of the thesis defence RBS will assume the role of second supervisor, since the partner university will be (seen) as the leading university or Business school.

Appendix 3 GRC Student being abroad

Graduation Research Contract (GRC)

The study programme International Business and Management Studies (IBMS) at Rotterdam Business School (RBS) includes a mandatory final research.

At the end of their studies, RBS students are able and capable to conduct an independent comprehensive research at an academic level. At all times the student will guarantee confidentiality and will not disclose (corporate) information provided to him/her during the period of thesis writing. To prevent any uncertainties and misunderstandings, all parties involved should enter into a GRC prior to the commencement of the research period.

This contract includes the following two parts.

Part A – Graduation Research Contract (GRC)
In this part arrangements are laid down about the duration of the work placement, reimbursement and the name of the contact responsible for work research supervision.

Part B – Description of the Research graduation assignment (4th year)
This part includes the academic level of the research graduation assignment by the student(s) involved. In addition student must meet the required academic skills and personal competencies in order to complete the activities as desired by the organization/institution involved.

Should you have any questions or need further explanation, please contact:
Mr/Mrs
T +31 (0) 10-453 ………
F +31 (0) 10-4536001
Part A – Graduation Research in foreign company

The undersigned:

The company
Company name
Street
Postal code
City
Telephone .
Email
Website .

in this respect lawfully represented by:#p#分頁標題#e#
Name .
Position
Hereinafter referred to as: Placement provider,

Research students
Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Student number. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Postal code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Telephone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hereinafter referred to as: research student,

The Study Programme
Study Programme: Rotterdam Business School, hereinafter referred to as RBS
Visiting address: Kralingse Zoom 91, 3063ND Rotterdam
Telephone: +31 - (0)10 - 453

in this respect lawfully represented by:
Name:
Position:
Hereinafter referred to as: the Thesis Co-ordinator / the Thesis supervisor

Considering that:
the research assignment provider is prepared to offer a research (assignment) position to the research student; similarly, the student is prepared to accept this research position, all this on the conditions described in this GRADUATION RESEARCH CONTRACT (GRC);
the research student is a student of the RBS and has satisfied the obligations involved;
c. the Research student will be a student at RBS during the research period. The research is a mandatory part of the RBS curriculum;
d. the activities performed by the student for the benefit of the research provider, are part of the RBS curriculum and therefore halve of the (copy) rights belongs to the RBS and the remaining halve belongs to the student involved;
e. prior to the commencement of the research (assignment), the student and the research provider have jointly drawn up a description of the research duties and activities which are to be performed by the student during the research period and which are included in the learning programme and fit in sufficiently with the student’s end qualifications as described in the curriculum. The student will not perform any activities for the company outside the scope of the research assignment;
f. Credit points will be awarded for implementation of the activities described in the research assignment plan. This includes passing the assessment;
g. the research provider will assist the research student involved to meet all deadlines set by RBS.

Agree to the following terms and conditions:

Section 1: Duration of the research period and description of the activities
1. The research student will accept a research assignment with the research provider from #p#分頁標題#e#
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The RBS does not require the research student to be physically present at the research provider’s office while conducting research, unless the research provider and the students agree otherwise. At all times these requirements must be formalized and presented to the RBS.
The research provider allows the student to work on his graduation project …. days a week

Part B: ‘Description of the research content’ and ‘Description of the final project’
are part of the work GRC.

Section 2: Work hours
The student’s work hours will be decided in consultation with the research provider;
The times at which the student must be present are to be set in consultation with the research provider;
In addition, the student must attend RBS supervision meetings and is obliged to participate in intervision workshops provided the student is in The Netherlands. Outside The Netherlands the research provider will make sure that the research student will be able to meet all RBS deadlines. These deadlines will have to be accepted by the research provider.

Section 3: Student’s liabilities
job description (and research assignment), The student will perform all activities arising and ranging within the scope of the research assignment, which may reasonably be assigned by or on behalf of the research provider, to the best of his/her ability;
The nature and level of the activities performed by the student are to fit in with
the ‘Description of the research assignment (Section 1, paragraph 2) as agreed upon by the student and the research provider prior to the start of the research.
The student will never have the final responsibility for any activities performed
during the research period;
With regards to the research assignment the student will observe the rules of conduct, regulations and instructions issued by the research provider;
Section 4: Supervision of the student
1. On behalf of the research provider, the student will be supervised by:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2. On behalf of RBS, the student will be supervised by:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3. During the research period, supervision meetings will be organized by the RBS thesis supervisor, for the exchange of experiences.
4. The student, the RBS supervisor and the research provider supervisor liaise with each other on the implementation of the research outcome. Should any problems arise, all parties involved should be informed as soon as possible.
5. Should any serious problems arise during the research period, which may constitute a danger to the continuation of the research assignment, all parties commit themselves to:#p#分頁標題#e#
closely consult on these problems, in order to reach a solution;
should this prove impossible, to make arrangement for an early termination of the research assignment, including arrangements to maximally limit any detriment to all parties involved.
6. This Contract will end:
upon expiration of the period as mentioned in Section 1;
by mutual agreement of all parties involved;
if the student is no longer enrolled at the RBS;
if any circumstances arise, as a result of which continuation of the agreement is no longer considered reasonable for any of the parties involved.
In this case, the contract ends at the moment when the other parties have been informed in writing of the wish to end the research assignment early.

Section 5: Awarding credit points
A maximum of 28 ECTS credits will be awarded to the student following a positive assessment for the performance of the activities described in the GRC, including the final thesis document.
Credits will be awarded by RBS, based on the final assessment of the student’s research assignment and the academic level of the research outcomes.
Section 5a: Thesis defence while abroad
Depending on the agreements the student has made with RBS, the student’s thesis defence will be either at the RBS in The Netherlands or the student will be allowed to use ICT technology for his/her thesis defence. Should the RBS granted the student to use any form of communicational technology for his/her graduation, the research provider will serve as a ‘second supervisor’ during the thesis defence. Prior to the thesis defence the necessary criteria will be conveyed to the research provider.

Section 6: Remuneration
The student is personally responsible for negotiating a research assignment remuneration with the research provider.
The student is personally and fully responsible for any consequences this remuneration has or may have for taxes and study financing.
In the event of illness reimbursement will be paid for at least one month.

Section 7: Non-Disclosure Agreements
The student will observe secrecy both during and following the placement period, regarding all information that has been classified as confidential, or that may reasonably be considered confidential by its nature.
The research provider will grant inspection of any confidential documents essential for the student’s assessment, provided this confidentiality will be observed by the RBS thesis supervisor.
Section 8: Insurances
The student is primarily responsible for his personal insurances, such as a health insurance. In any case, the student must have a liability insurance.
RBS indemnifies the research provider from any claims by third parties based on section 170 of the Dutch Civil Code resulting from wrongful actions on the part of the student whilst performing activities that are part of the research assignment on behalf of the research provider. This indemnification only applies if and insofar the Liability Insurance of Hogeschool Rotterdam accepts liability and provides cover. Neither Hogeschool Rotterdam nor the student are liable for the product.#p#分頁標題#e#
The liability insurance does not cover in the case of internal placements. An internal placement is a placement in another cluster within Hogeschool Rotterdam.
If applicable, the student should personally conclude a travel insurance (in case of foreign placements).

Signature Placement Provider Place/Date

Signature Student Place/Date

Signature Thesis supervisor/ Co-ordinator RBS Place/Date

Part B
1. Description of Graduation Research Assignment

Student name .. . Student number. . . . . .

The student and the research provider have agreed on practicing the following skills and/or on performing the following activities during the placement period:

Signature Placement Provider Place/Date

Signature Student Place/Date

Signature Placement Co-ordinator RBS Place/Date

2. Description of the final project

Student name .. .
In addition to the activities described in ‘Description of the graduation research assignment’, the student will be assigned the following final project:

I agree on behalf of the Placement Provider with the terms and conditions above.
Signed Date

.Print Name
Position . .
留學生dissertation網(wǎng)I am authorised to sign on behalf of RBS
Signed Date

Print Name .

Position (placement co-ordinator or study counsellor)

Student
Signed + Print Name Date

.