Master International Communication

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Master International Communication - Dissertation Handbook -

Student Student name Student number

Dissertation Project Supervisor & Assessor First supervisor

Second supervisor

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The Master of International Communication (MIC) is a joint master program, organized by the following universities:

Leeds Beckett University Rose Bowl

Portland Gate 1 Leeds LS1 3HB The United Kingdom

Vilnius University Faculty of Communication Saulėtekio av. 9, 1st building LT-10222 Vilnius

Lithuania

Libera Universita di Lingue e Comunicazione IULM Via Carlo Bo, 1

20143 Milano Italy

Hanze University of Applied Sciences School of Communication, Media & IT Attn: Dania Fang, Office C2.51a Zernikeplein 11

9747 AS Groningen The Netherlands

Contact details for questions about this handbook:

Chair Geert Hofstede Consortium Dania Fang: [email protected]

Please note: This handbook has been written with the greatest possible care. If however you find inconsistencies or contradictory information, please contact Dania Fang at [email protected]

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Introduction

The purpose of these guidelines is to provide guidance to students who are about to undertake the Master Proof as part of their Master’s degree.

The Dissertation Project results in the following assessed products:

- A Dissertation proposal - A Dissertation

- Defence of the Dissertation

The Dissertation Project is an integral part of the educational and evaluative process of the MIC program.

While undertaking the Dissertation Project, students remain under the supervision and responsibility of the MIC Consortium partner universities. This means that the partner universities:

- Ensure that the Dissertation Project is carefully planned - Provide adequate supervision

- Assess the final products on the basis of relevant assessment criteria

You can find the formal procedures for the MIC Dissertation Process in the Appendix 6

Attention: Please note that the guidelines in this handbook are the MIC-consortium guidelines with respect to the dissertation process. Each university in the consortium can apply their own additional procedures and guidelines, for as far as these guidelines or procedures are not conflicting with what is described in this

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The Dissertation Project 2.1 The Project

The MIC Dissertation Project is considered as the Master Proof by which you can demonstrate your ability to independently make a substantial contribution towards the solution of a communication problem in an international and intercultural context. It gives you the opportunity to apply what you have learned in the first two semesters in a professional international setting.

The MIC Dissertation Project will be executed in your third semester, and comprises approximately 20 calendar weeks. For your Project you will execute a Dissertation Assignment given by an international client

organization from the not-for-profit, private and or public sectors. The Dissertation Project is carried out under the supervision of two expert supervisors from the MIC consortium partners.

As a general rule, your first supervisor will be your contact person throughout the dissertation process. He or she is a faculty member of one of the two universities for which you intend to graduate. The proposal, report and the defence will be also assessed by a second supervisor, of the other university involved in your Master’s program.

The MIC Dissertation project is a client-driven, supervised learning process. To the extent possible, it simulates a professional consultancy-approach emphasizing deadlines and professional standards for work products, as well as the imperative to make decisions and recommendations based on imperfect information. It recognizes the importance of being responsive to clients and cooperating with others.

The Dissertation Report is the equivalent of a ‘Master Proof’ (roughly 18,000 words) with a strong emphasis on the advisory nature of the report. It is an individually prepared piece of work, which needs to be of a high analytical and conceptual standard and presented in good English. It gives you the opportunity to apply what you have learned in the first two semesters in a professional international setting. You are supposed to explore an area that is relevant to the field of international communication and do this in some depth and through independent study.

The entire dissertation project is worth 30 ECTS. It is a matter for the students to decide how much time you are able to devote to this learning process, but you should expect to complete this project roughly in 840 hours (21 weeks of 40 hours).

2.2 The Principal Stages of the Dissertation Project

The stages you will go through are:

1. Decide on a topic

2. Acquisition of a project: find a client 3. Agreement with the client about the project

4. Request permission for approval of your topic and client (see dissertation permission form, Appendix 2);

5. Submit a Dissertation proposal. Develop your Dissertation proposal with the help of your assigned supervisor(s). Your Dissertation proposal is formally assessed. You need a Pass before you can start writing your dissertation

6. Execute the assignment and write the Dissertation Report in dialogue with your supervisor;

7. Submit Dissertation Report

8. Submit Learning Statement together with Dissertation Report

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This handbook provides extra information on each of these stages. It includes a description of the following:

Chapter

3 Permission to start Relevant forms To be approved by

Each student needs permission before he or she can start working on the dissertation project

Permission form Dissertation Project (Appendix 2)

Chair Geert Hofstede Consortium

4 Dissertation Assignment

The relation between the student and the client are formalized by some kind of an contract

As an appendix to the permission form:

Example contract (Appendix 7)

The Client, the student (and the host university)

5 Dissertation proposal

The proposal describes what you will do in Dissertation project

Assessment of Dissertation Proposal (Appendix 4)

1^st and 2^nd supervisors

6 Dissertation Report

A professional product based on applied research and includes an advice

Assessment of Dissertation Project (Appendix 5)

1^st , 2^nd and additional examiners of the two relevant universities 7 Dissertation Supervisors

Your dissertation supervisor will guide you through your dissertation project and be involved in the assessment of your work.

Supervision log, in which you monitor your requests for supervision (Appendix 3)

8 Dissertation Defence

Presentation of your dissertation to a panel of examiners and preferably your client.

Assessment of Defence (Appendix 5)

1^st , 2^nd and additional examiners of the two relevant universities 9 Learning Statement

A personal statement reflecting on your learning experiences during the project.

PDP - teacher

10 Assessment of dissertation project

An overview of the products and how they should be submitted for assessment

Assessment of Dissertation Project (Appendix 5)

1^st and 2^nd supervisors/

examiners

11 Dissertation planning

An overview of how to plan your dissertation project

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Permission to start

3.1 Criteria for a dissertation assignment

You decide on a topic for your dissertation. This topic has to be relevant to the field of the MIC program. Then you have to find an international client organization where you can execute an assignment in line with your topic of preference. It is recommended that you discuss your (potential) assignment with the teaching staff of the MIC consortium universities. There are 2 important criteria for your dissertation assignment:

I.

Assignments must be in the area of International communication (covering MIC subject matter, e.g., area of specialization)

II.

Assignments must be supported by an established, professional, public, private, or non-profit organization whose functions includes communication in an international setting. The MIC program will not approve or give credit for assignments where the duties and the function of the organization are primarily operational in nature.

3.2 Approval of the assignment

All dissertation assignments conducted by MIC students must receive formal permission in advance.

Consequently, once you have a client and a topic, it is your responsibility to request an approval for the topic of your Dissertation Project. Approval will be based on the dissertation permission form (see Appendix 2). You receive approval under the following conditions:

- You have completed the first semester of the curriculum of the MIC.

- Your dissertation topic meets the 2 criteria specified above (assignment covers a MIC subject matter, and is supported by a relevant organization).

Summarized, it is essential that you complete the dissertation permission form, and that it is signed by the Chair Geert Hofstede Consortium (See Appendix 2). After approval, your Dissertation Supervisors will be assigned or confirmed. Your first dissertation supervisor will guide you through the Dissertation Project, and will also be grading your project. This will be done together with a second supervisor from the university where you did the other semester of your Master program.

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International Client Organization

4.1 Acquisition of a client

The MIC program emphasizes applied learning in a real-client context. The Dissertation Assignment itself is treated as a "consultancy" rather than an internship in that your client organization offers a specific assignment with an end product. There are two ways in which to complete the dissertation project:

1. The first is for the student to complete an agreed- upon consultancy assignment on-site. Students report to the international client organization's and work from the client’s workplace. Some additional work tasks are possible as long at these tasks do not interfere with the dissertation project. This additional work can be in the form of an internship.

2. Independent Consultancy: the dissertation project is treated as an independent consultancy assignment.

Using this approach, the student would meet with the client to map out the goals and the specific communication deliverable for the assignment (communication plan, advice on image change, campaign plan etc). Students could have periodic meetings with the client organization, but would not be required to perform the work on-site. (It remains possible however, to spend a few weeks in-company to get to know the organization).

In both cases, the student needs to obtain a client organization. There are a number of options to do this, among which we can mention:

- A student approaches an organization for a suitable assignment

- A student asks an organization permission to research a particular topic - An international client organization asks a student to carry out an assignment - An international client organization offers the university an assignment - The university offers the student an assignment

During the acquisition phase, students may use the support offered by the participating universities.

4.2 Agreement with the client

The relation between the student and the client are formalized by some kind of contract. Sometimes a client has a standardized contract arrangement, in other cases the student has to make an agreement together with the client.

A client might require the student to do a limited amount of operational work or other activities not directly related to the dissertation assignment. Arrangements MUST be made between the student and the client organization about the content of the assignment and potential additional work, and about the kind of supervision the student will receive from the client:

1. The assignment ensues from a real need within the client organisation and is felt to be sufficiently urgent 2. If the university considers it necessary for the assignment, the student will get the opportunity to extend

the assignment beyond the client organisation to other organisations 3. The assignment is supported by the executives of the organisation

4. The organisation gives the student the opportunity to consult with staff-members who are involved in the problem

5. Subject to the requirements regarding their independence, students may call upon the assistance of a

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6. Confidentiality agreement

The client organisation may decide to make available a financial compensation for executing the assignment.

Any arrangements regarding this, as well as regarding any in-house arrangements and facilities will be a matter for the assignment-providing organisation and the student. From the point of view of MIC, it is not strictly necessary to spend the entire dissertation period within the organisation where the assignment is carried out.

In consultation with the assignment-providing organisation, the assignment may also be carried out elsewhere.

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Dissertation proposal

You are required to create a Dissertation proposal. This proposal describes what you will do in your

Dissertation Project, and how you will organize it. The Dissertation Assignment proposal is subject to approval by your Dissertation Supervisors. The Dissertation proposal is assessed as a Pass/Fail. Only after receiving a Pass you can start writing your Dissertation.

A well-designed Dissertation proposal is designed to help you plan for, and thus complete your dissertation project to the best of your ability. A Dissertation proposal includes -at least- the following:

I. Working title of the dissertation;

II. Introduction: introduction to the topic, and to the client. The introduction explains why the topic is relevant, and consequently, introduces the context of your research problem

III. Initial literature review and theoretical framework(s): you describe which theoretical topics, and which literature, will be the starting point of the literature review in your dissertation

IV. Problem statement and/or research aim. Which problem or issue is going to be resolved by your dissertation project? Ideally, this research aim provides a fairly general statement of what you intend to explore. Usually, it can be described in one or two sentences. If you find your research aim needs more than two sentences, then this is an indication that you need to focus down the general statement of the research aim.

V. Research questions and/or research objectives: which questions will be answered by your dissertation project, or which objectives will be realized with your project. The research questions and/or

objectives are a specification of the problem statement. As a rough guide, between three and seven questions/objectives is a sensible number.

VI. Research design and methods: description of how you are going to execute your research; division between primary and secondary research. You make this explicit for each research question. Especially when you envisage extensive primary research, an extensive methodology description is relevant.

VII. Planning: a preliminary planning of activities to be executed during your dissertation assignment VIII. Contact details of the people involved in your project (you, the MIC dissertation supervisor, the client

supervisor)

Page 15 gives the planning, with the dates when you have to submit your Dissertation proposal. Appendix 4 presents the assessment form for the dissertation proposal.

Attention: Students of Leeds Beckett University (LBU) have to keep in mind, that LBU students have to do a Research Methods module, in which the assignment is to write a Dissertation proposal. This is a different assignment than the MIC proposal, with possibly a different deadline. Students can choose, of course, to use their MIC dissertation proposal also for the LBU Research Methods assignment, but they can also chose to do a separate topic for the LBU assignment.

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Dissertation Report

The Dissertation Report is an integral part of the educational and evaluative process of the MIC program. It is also a professional product, with an advisory nature, which aims to encourage:

- Independent thought and initiative;

- Applying research-based knowledge to a specific, well defined problem an organisation is facing and which needs to be addressed from communication perspective;

- Exploring all stakeholders involved in the problem and of the field of forces within which the organisation operates;

- Providing analytically solid, practical and feasible solutions to the organizational client.

The content of the report should contain both theoretical and empirical insights. It is not simply 'a long essay', surveying the arguments of material contained in a limited number of references on a broadly defined topic.

Nor is it solely a practical communication plan, outlining steps on how to improve communication. It is far more than this - the dissertation report is an opportunity for students to stretch their abilities and to demonstrate how to evaluate and analyse a particular issue.

You should avoid regarding the report as simply the final bound document that is produced at the end. The report is best thought of as a highly individual process of research, reportage and reflection, which tests the MIC professional competencies.

The report will give you the opportunity to explore at length some aspects of theory or methods, knowledge or skills, introduced in the earlier stages of the MIC program. Your exploration might, for example, take the form of:

- An analysis of communication theory or methods for a real international client organization;

- The development or customising of methods for use in a real situation;

- The testing or extending theory through survey, interview, observation of a real situation, or investigating sources of secondary data;

- The extension of your knowledge base in a particular area through extended literature search and interviews.

The primary aim of this exploration is to enhance your own learning in an area of your own choice. Your Dissertation Report will be considered as an individual thesis that requires individual assessment.

Specifically, the Dissertation Report should:

1. Analyse and develop an issue associated with the field of International Communication.

2. Critically select and discuss, and rigorously apply an appropriate research methodology in a reflective manner.

3. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the various international, intercultural relationships, and interactions impacting upon the research.

4. Demonstrate a rigorous understanding of the theory and literature relevant to the issues under investigation.

5. Reflect upon and assess the generalisability of any findings and the extent to which the research contributes to the understanding of communication problems and issues.

6. Have a critical and reflective understanding of the processes involved in undertaking the research.

7. Provide realistic and sound advice to the client’s communication opportunities or challenges

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The MIC consortium has chosen for a competency-based approach to the Master’s programme, because it considers this the appropriate approach for professional development. (See Appendix 1)

Your Dissertation Supervisor

After you receive permission to start with your dissertation project, a first Supervisor and a second Supervisor will be appointed to you. Your first Supervisor will guide you through your dissertation assignment, and grade your proposal, report and defence together with your second supervisor.

Wherever possible, an attempt is made to match the dissertation topic of the student with the subject expertise of staff. There is no guarantee, however, that staff expertise is sufficiently comprehensive to

accommodate the, often idiosyncratic, nature of some student topics. All staff appointed to supervise master’s dissertations are suitably qualified and experienced.

Once the supervisors have been allocated, the student should attempt to contact his/her first supervisor as soon as possible. During initial meetings with the supervisor you will discuss the specific aim and objectives of your dissertation, the methodology and the content of the dissertation proposal. The timing of these first, and all subsequent, meetings, between student and dissertation supervisor are a matter of mutual agreement.

Please note that students have the right to four feedback moments from their 1^st supervisors. (See Appendix 3)

It is the supervisor's responsibility to monitor student progress and to give advice, not to chase students or do their work for them. It is important to note that it is the student’s responsibility to determine the work schedule, to arrange for meetings and complete the dissertation. Supervisors are there to guide you, not to write the document - nor will they simply tell you what to do.

Supervisors will expect students to:

- organise meetings regularly

- work towards preparing material in readiness for the arranged meetings - be committed and enthusiastic

- follow the advice/feedback given - work independently

- use initiative

The role of the supervisor resembles the role of a project manager, giving oversight and guidance. In particular, you can expect your supervisor to:

- assist and monitor your progress in the dissertation process, within the restricted time allocated to the supervisor for this task

- give advice/feedback

- provide constructive criticism

- you may reasonably expect your supervisors to agree to regular meetings of 30 minutes duration (approximately) at 4-6 weekly intervals; to provide constructive feedback on the conduct of your research and written submissions prepared for, but submitted in advance of, these meetings; and to support the student's interests by offering advice and guidance. It is not the role of your Dissertation Supervisor to write or proof-read the dissertation report.

Besides your (first) supervisor described above, your proposal, report and the defence will also be moderated by a second supervisor of the university where you did the other semester of the MIC.

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The formal procedures of the MIC dissertation process, including the obligations of the supervisor(s), are specified in Appendix 6. With respect to the communication with your first supervisor, you are requested to keep a log and submit it with the final version of your dissertation report; see Appendix 3.

Defence

Nowadays, the presentation is becoming one of the most popular reporting devices. In many companies, the traditional report has been replaced by visual presentation (powerpoint, digital multimedia). You will have to present your dissertation assignment to your dissertation supervisor, and, preferably simultaneously, also to your client. If possible, the opinion of the client will be included in the overall defence/presentation

assessment.

You will be admitted to the defence after your dissertation report is of sufficient level. Your defence will be organized on location of the university of your first supervisor. Physical presence at the defence is not required.

If due to practical reasons (like travel distance) you cannot be present, then an online defence (through skype) will be arranged.

Both your dissertation report and your defence should be of sufficient level before you can receive a passing grade for your dissertation project. Your final dissertation project grade will be communicated after the defence.

Learning Statement (part of PDP)

Students are also required to submit a brief statement of 1500-2000 words reflecting on their learning experiences during the Dissertation Project with their final version of dissertation report. The learning statement is assessed as part of your PDP. Assessment of the learning statement will not be part of your dissertation assignment.

The relevant learning outcome from the Dissertation Project specification document states that: ‘On successful completion of the module, the student will be able to reflect critically on their learning experience in relation to the production of the dissertation: indicating their capacity for dealing successfully with the interpersonal, communication and political aspects of their project area’. Thus, the statement should consider key learning experiences (using specific examples) from the Dissertation Project Process and demonstrate a critical awareness of the student’s learning and development as professionals and as researchers.

The skills for learning at one of the MIC partners’ website (http://skillsforlearning.leedsmet.ac.uk/ ) provides some guidance on reflection which is likely to be useful in developing a learning statement. There is no one

‘best’ way to reflect on learning, but students are required to show that they have thought about their learning and identified both what and how they have developed when working on their dissertation. A key aspect of this would be to show what problems they encountered and what they would do differently in the future in

addition to the more successful elements. You should not leave this until the last minute (a common problem) – it is important to see this as a part of the ongoing process of researching and writing your Dissertation Report.

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Assessment of the Dissertation Project

Assessment of the Dissertation Project will be done according to the following:

Product Deliverable

Dissertation proposal

Students are allowed to start writing their dissertation report after the Dissertation proposal has been approved by both supervisors

Digital copy

Dissertation Report

The dissertation report will be reviewed under the condition that the 2 deliverables (the digital copy and the hard copy) are received on or before the deadline

Digital copy Hard copy

Defence (potentially including Presentation and underlying slide show)

Students are allowed to the defence if the student received a pass for the dissertation report

Oral defence, on location at one of the partner universities or by Skype

During the dissertation period, students have to meet high standards regarding the integration of knowledge and insight, methodical approach, depth and creativity, professional attitude and skills, and efficient reporting.

The assessment of the dissertation assignment is based on the MIC competencies.

All deliverables have to be submitted to each of the 2 universities involved in your graduation, on or before the deadline mentioned in the planning chapter of this dissertation handbook.

The deliverables (proposal, report and the defence) will be moderated, and graded by supervisors from both universities of your MIC program. Your report will be assessed based on the criteria mentioned in Appendix 5 (Assessment). Please note that, in some cases, the procedures of the university prescribe that the dissertation is assessed by an additional independent assessor, or by a committee of assessors. Inform yourself about the specific assessment procedures of the 2 universities involved in your graduation.

Both your dissertation report and your defence should be of sufficient level before you can receive a passing grade for your dissertation project. Your final dissertation grade will be communicated after the defence. The supervisors account for the grade with a written explanation. This explanation is given in the Assessment Form.

In the event of a fail, the supervisors will consider whether an addition to, or improvement of the original assignment may lead to a satisfactory result (a pass). The evaluation of the dissertation, as detailed in the assessment form, will serve as the basis for this. If, after consultation with those involved, the supervisors feels that improving the dissertation assignment will not lead to a positive result, then the Consortium Chair will be involved in the process. The Consortium Chair will consult the student about doing a new assignment.If any objection is raised against the assessment of the dissertation assignment, the examination regulations will apply.

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Planning

The planning presented below contains a number of deadlines. Most importantly, there are 2 defence

moments, one in January and one in May / June. A student failing to meet the second defence moment in June has to pay an additional tuition fee, if he or she wishes to continue with the MIC.

Planning for students wishing to graduate in January

May 1, 2015 Deadline “permission to start”: submission of “Permission Form Dissertation Project” to Dania Fang at [email protected]

Within 2 weeks after submission of their permission form, students are informed if they have

“permission to start”. A first and second supervisor are appointed to the students with

“permission to start”.

Sept. 11, 2015 Deadline Dissertation proposal. The student sends a digital version of the proposal to first and second supervisor (and Cc Dania Fang). Students who fail to submit their proposal on this date will not be allowed to the January 4 dissertation deadline, and can use the next opportunity on May 2.

Within 2 weeks after submission of their proposal, students are informed by their first supervisor if their proposal is a pass.

Jan. 4, 2016 Deadline submission dissertation report. The students sends a digital version (Cc Dania Fang) and a hard copy of the dissertation report to first and second supervisor. If you submit your hard copy by postage mail, it should be post marked January 4, 2016.

Within 2 weeks after submission of their dissertation report, only students who have passed their dissertation report are invited to the defence. However, this does not imply that you already passed your dissertation project as a whole. You will receive the final mark for your dissertation project after the defence.

Last 2 weeks of Jan.

2016

Defence days

Planning for students wishing to graduate in June

Oct. 30, 2015 Deadline “permission to start”: submission of “Permission Form Dissertation Project” to Dania Fang at [email protected]

Within 2 weeks after submission of their permission form, students are informed if they have

“permission to start”. A first and second supervisor are appointed to the students with

“permission to start”.

Feb. 12, 2016 Deadline Dissertation proposal. The student sends a digital version of the proposal to first and second supervisor (and Cc Dania Fang). Students who fail to submit their proposal on this date will not be allowed to the May 2 dissertation deadline, and can use the next opportunity in January (more than a year later)!

Within 2 weeks after submission of their proposal, students are informed by their first supervisor if their proposal is a pass.

May 2, 2016 Deadline dissertation report. The students sends a digital version version (Cc Dania Fang) and a hard copy of the dissertation report to first and second supervisor. If you submit your hard copy by postage mail, it should be post marked May 2.

Within 2 weeks after submission of their dissertation report, only students who have passed their dissertation report are invited to the defence. However, this does not imply that you already passed your dissertation project as a whole. You will receive the final mark for your dissertation project after the defence.

Last week of May and 1^st week of June 2016

Defence days

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Appendix 1. MIC Competences

Core competencies: Final qualifications for the Master of International Communication

International and intercultural orientation

The Master of International Communication displays a high level of intercultural sensitivity and an international orientation by independently integrating this dimension into the professional work.

Communicative capability

The Master of international Communication communicates effectively within the range of different professional roles with all of the stakeholders of the organization.

(managerial)

Analytical capability The Master of International Communication takes initiative and responsibility for the development of knowledge and insights based on systematically detecting,

investigating and analyzing signals relevant to the organization’s objectives and reputation.

Problem solving Capability

The Master of International Communication takes a strategic, long term approach to identifying and solving complex open-ended communication problems and

demonstrates self-direction and originality in a multidisciplinary environment.

Implementing Capability

The Master of International Communication takes responsibility for planning, implementing and evaluating of the effectiveness of communication policy, plans, projects and tools at strategic and tactical levels.

Reflective capability The Master of International Communication critically reflects on the (developments within the) international communication profession, the social impact of the work and on his or her own personal development, professional role and responsibility.

Innovative capability The Master of International Communication anticipates change and includes innovation as part of the decision making process.

The competency described under the international and intercultural orientation includes a number of positive indicators reflecting the choices the consortium made. Globalisation is also about values, interconnectivity and democracy.

International and intercultural orientation

The Master of International Communication displays an international and intercultural orientation by independently integrating this dimension into the professional work by:

a) building mutually beneficial relationships of trust and respect with different stakeholders across cultures.

b) integrating fundamental human rights, values and ethical principles in their professional work, including: multi-culturalism, social responsibility, personal freedom, solidarity, equal opportunities, freedom of speech and personal responsibility.

c) embracing the concept of civil society and global citizenship as a professional benchmark& applying this perspective to the strategic decision making process of the organisation.

d) Working from the perspective of the “societal concept” of organizations

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Appendix 2. Permission Form Dissertation Project

Instructions for students:

 Submit this form to Dania Fang [email protected] before the deadline (see Planning p.15)

 Include as an appendix an agreement between you and the client. An example agreement may be found in Appendix 7. If you don’t have one yet, it can also be submitted after the deadline once you have a client company.

 Within 2 weeks after submission of this form, students are informed if they have “permission to start”.

 A 1^st and 2^nd supervisors are appointed to the students with “permission to start” by the university of their first supervisor.

Student details

Name:

Student Number:

University of first semester:

University of Specialization Semester:

Telephone:

University E-mail address:

Other E-mail address:

Description of Dissertation Topic:

Client details

Name of organization:

Internet address of organization:

Department:

Name of Company Supervisor:

E-mail of Company Supervisor:

Phone number of Company Supervisor:

Job-title of Company Supervisor:

==========================================================================================

Permission to start dissertation project, to be filled in by Chair Geert Hofstede Consortium.

Above mentioned student has permission to start with his dissertation:

O He or she completed the first semester

O The proposed dissertation topic meets the standards of a Master’s program in International Communication

Date : Signature :

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Appendix 3. Supervision log

Instructions for students:

 1^st supervisors provide professional guidance to the student during the dissertation process.

 Students have the right to 4 feedback moments from their 1^st supervisors,

 contact with the supervisor is initiated by the student

 In principle, student do not initiate contact with 2^nd supervisors

Guidance involves at least:

i. Feedback with the student on the draft Dissertation proposal

ii. Feedback with the student on logical framework (problem statement and research questions), literature review and methodology, on request of the student

iii. Feedback on the draft dissertation

iv. Feedback on a topic to be specified by the student, on request of the student

Please indicate below when you initiated contact with the 1^st supervisor, and when the 1^st supervisor provided feedback. As indication, a ‘normal’ response time is around 1 week. Response reasonably can be expected within 14 days.

This log is meant to support you in your communication with your supervisor.

This form should be submitted at the same time as your final dissertation report.

Please contact Dania Fang at [email protected] if you run into any difficulties.

Contact history between student and supervisor

Contact moment Date of feedback request

(by student)

Date of feedback (by supervisor) Draft Dissertation proposal

Logical framework (problem statement, research questions) and methodology Draft dissertation

Topic to be specified by the student

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Appendix 4. Assessment of Dissertation proposal

Instructions for Supervisors:

 Within 2 weeks after students have submitted their research proposals (see Planning p.15), students are informed by their 1^st supervisor if their proposal is a pass.

 The 1^st supervisor is responsible for filling in this dissertation proposal assessment form with the 2^nd supervisor.



In addition, the 1^st supervisor is responsible for submitting this form to Dania Fang [email protected].



Please ensure it is signed by both supervisors. In case of missing signatures, please attach relevant email correspondence between supervisors that can verify the assessment.

MIC ASSESSMENT FORM – DISSERTATION PROPOSAL –

Name of the Student:

Student Number:

Title of the Proposal:

Date:

Names of the Supervisors: 1

^st

: 2

^nd

:

1. Problem & Context

Overview of research problem and relevant organizational context, statement of problem, research questions and research objectives, hypothesis. Description of contribution of the research to the solution of the problem and the impact on theory/practice.

□ Fail □ Sufficient □ Satisfactory □ Good □ Very Good □ Excellent Comments:

2. Literature Review Relevant review of sources, understanding of key literature.

Description of key concepts and constructs. Evidence of critical awareness/focus.

3. Research Design

Consistency of research design.

Choice, justification and relevance of methods and methodology, appropriateness of theoretical framework.

4. Presentation

Structure, organization of

presentation of material, academic writing expression, use of consistent referencing and bibliography, use of tables and figures.

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5. Planning

Realistic and feasible planning , overview of phases and activities relevant for the research.

OVERALL ASSESSMENT

Overall Comments:

1^st Supervisor: □ Pass □ Fail 2^nd Supervisor: □ Pass □ Fail Agreed Assessment by Both Supervisors:

Signature: Signature:

□ Pass □ Fail

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Appendix 5. Assessment of Dissertation Project

In the following sections, you will find:

1. MIC Assessment Form - Dissertation Report

2. MIC Assessment Form - Defence

3. MIC Dissertation Project – Final Assessment Form

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MIC Assessment Form – Dissertation Report (1)

Instructions for Supervisors: MIC Assessment Form - Dissertation Report

 The 1^st supervisor is responsible for filling in this assessment form with the second supervisor.

 In addition, the 1^st supervisor is responsible for submitting this form to Dania Fang [email protected].

 This form can be submitted together with the Defence Assessment form and the Final Assessment form after the defence.

 Please ensure it is signed by both supervisors. In case of missing signatures, please attach relevant email correspondence between supervisors that can verify the assessment.

Please tickthe relevant box to indicate your assessment of the dissertation on each criterion

GEERT HOFSTEDE CONSORTIUM MIC ASSESSMENT FORM

– DISSERTATION REPORT –

Name of the Student:

Student Number:

Title of the Dissertation:

Date:

Names of the Assessors: 1

^st

: 2

^nd

:

A. CORE COMPETENCIES International and intercultural

orientation:

displays a high level of intercultural sensitivity and an international orientation by independently integrating this dimension into the professional work.

□ Fail □ Sufficient □ Satisfactory □ Good □ Very Good □ Excellent Comments:

Communicative capability:

communicates effectively within the range of different professional roles with all of the stakeholders of the organization.

Analytical capability:

takes initiative and responsibility for the development of knowledge and insights based on systematically detecting, investigating and analysing signals relevant to the organization’s objectives and reputation.

Problem solving capability:

takes a strategic, long term approach to identifying and solving complex open-ended communication problems and demonstrates self-

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Implementing capability:

takes responsibility and acts autonomously in planning, implementing and evaluating of the effectiveness of communication policy, plans, projects and tools at strategic and tactical levels.

Reflective capability:

reflects on the (developments within the) international communication profession, the social impact of the work and on his or her own personal development, professionalrole and responsibility.

Innovative capability:

anticipates change and includes innovation as part of the decision making process.

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Please tick  the relevant box to indicate your assessment of the dissertation on each criterion (an example descriptor has been provided for guidance only i.e. not meant to be fully prescriptive).

NB: This is to give an approximation along the grading continuum of how well you think each chapter has been presented

B. CRITERIA

Abstract:

To include:

1) The main research objectives and hypotheses (if applicable) of the study 2) A synopsis of the methodology 3) An outline of the principal findings 4) A brief conclusion

□ Fail □ Sufficient □ Satisfactory □ Good □ Very Good □ Excellent

Not undertaken OR Weak in all areas.

A little weak, perhaps having missed out

one area, but the student has attempted it.

Sufficient, but needs improvement.

Good, clear and concise. Perhaps

requiring a little expansion.

Work of very good standard. Work of an extremely high standard.

Introduction chapter:

Thorough, but concise overview of the problem/ issue under investigation, including why it is a significant study and why/ how it may impact on theory and/

or practice.

Research questions, formulated

objectives, key variables (if relevant), and brief explanation of method included.

Not identified OR Major omissions to the requirements as

laid out in the dissertations

guidelines.

An attempt has been made, but some areas

may be missing or lacking in substance.

All areas covered, but some areas may be weaker than others.

All areas covered, well-articulated. It is

clear what the dissertation is about,

and why it is being undertaken.

All areas covered to a high standard. Very good

justification of the significance and objectives of

the study and its potential impact.

All areas covered to an extremely high

standard.

Literature review:

Appropriate academic sources consulted.

Critical review, analysis and integration of the relevant literature(s).

Definition and explanation of concepts and constructs.

Evaluation and application of theoretical frameworks.

Not addressed OR Descriptive in nature, with many elements which are not relevant to the research questions.

Partially addressed, although insufficient literature considered

and this is not critically analysed or

integrated into a coherent whole.

Reasonable amount of literature considered,

some attempt at analysis, but lacking in critical focus and only partially integrated into

a coherent whole.

Sufficient literature considered and analysed, good integration of literature and some

critical content.

Extensive literature considered and analysed,

critical evaluation of literature and theoretical

framework developed.

Overall critical review of relevant and up-to- date literature. Breadth

and depth of literature reviewed is appropriate, and integrated into a coherent whole.

Methodology:

Demonstrate ability to identify and gather authoritative and relevant secondary and/or primary data source.

Appropriate choice, justification, and application of method(s).

Not addressed OR Totally inappropriate,

inconsistent,

Choice of method would work, but not necessarily the most appropriate. No/poor

rationale given for

Competent choice of appropriate method(s).

A rationale is given for the method(s), but this

is of an ‘average’

Good choice of appropriate method(s) under the identified constraints of the study, with

Very good choice of appropriate method(s) under

the identified constraints of the study, with very clear, unambiguous rationale given

Excellent choice of appropriate (even innovative) method(s).

Robust justification, with consideration of

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Analysis of Results:

Evidence of systematic data collection and analysis. Logic and good format of results presentation.

Not addressed OR No, or very little,

original data presented.

Insufficient original data presented, or data poorly presented

and interpreted, which may be repetitive e.g.

presenting the data in a table and then again in written text.

‘Average’ presentation of data, room for

improvement in organisation, and choice of presentation

style.

Appropriate choice of manner of presentation.

Clear, concise, with no repetition.

Very good presentation with a clear thematic organisation.

Ability to synthesise generalisation from the

material

Excellent presentation.

No repetition. Clear, concise, no repetition,

with excellent organisation.

Discussion of results, conclusions and recommendations:

Critical discussion of findings, linking to literature review where appropriate, and identifying contribution to knowledge base and/or practical and/or policy implications.

Not addressed OR No discussion of findings (repeats results) and

negligible contribution to knowledge/practice

Insufficient recommendations

provided

Little discussion of findings, failure to relate findings to the

literature review, little contribution to knowledge/practice;

Limited evidence of realistic, timely and

cost-effective recommendations and action plan or implementations as

appropriate.

Fair discussion of findings, ‘though lacks

critical and reflective thinking. Some contribution to knowledge/practice but

little abstract or creative thinking; some

evidence of realistic, timely and cost-

effective recommendations and

action plan or implementation.

Good discussion of findings with links to the literature. Some critical and reflective thinking and a useful

contribution to knowledge/practice;

good evidence of realistic, timely and

cost-effective recommendations and action plan or implementation.

Very good discussion of findings with links to the literature. Very good critical and reflective thinking and a very useful contribution to

knowledge/practice; Very good evidence of realistic, timely and cost-effective recommendations and action

plan or implementation.

Excellent discussion.

Evidence of original and creative thinking and a significant contribution

to the academic literature and/or practice; shows

excellence in developing realistic,

timely and cost- effective recommendations and

action plan or implementation as

appropriate.

Learning Statement:

Critical analysis of self-learning process, linking to relevant literature where appropriate, identifying academic, personal and professional development needs, and integrating needs with action plans for future career.

Descriptive account rather than evaluative. Limited or no reflection on learning gained. No

or inappropriate reference to the theory. No real action plan for professional development

included

Mainly descriptive.

Limited reflection on learning gained and

its link to future development. Limited

reference to relevant theory and limited

actions to professional development.

Some demonstration and evaluation of personal learning and

its benefit for the future. Some reference

to relevant theory.

Relevant SMART actions documented.

Good evaluation of personal learning and

its benefit for the future. Good reference to relevant

theory. Relevant SMART actions well

documented and linked to future

vision.

Very good evaluation of personal learning and its benefit for the future. Very good reference to relevant theory. Relevant SMART actions well documented and

linked to future vision

Critical evaluation of a real engagement with the reflective learning process

and its relevance for continuous professional development. Excellent reference to key theories.

Relevant SMART actions well documented and linked to the future career

communicating a real sense of progression into

the future.

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Referencing, Presentation, Communication & Appendix:

Academic referencing, both throughout the script and in the reference section using the Harvard style.

NB: a reference section was requested, NOT a bibliography.

General writing style i.e. academic style and adherence to required presentation.

Presentation of material, argument and structure

Three supervision meeting records are required. Marks will be deducted without them.

No referencing OR Poor or inconsistent

referencing throughout.

Lacking in academic style, has not

followed the requirements, and/or muddled

structure.

Some referencing, but patchy e.g. many

instances where references are

required.

Reference section may be attempted, but contains errors, and some may be

missing.

Style is generally poor, presentation needs improvement, and unclear structure.

Satisfactory referencing throughout, with some

errors or missing references; generally

sound.

Inconsistent style i.e.

some parts better than others and clear

structure

Good referencing, with the occasional

error or missing references.

Good academic style, presentation and clear and sensible

structure

Very good referencing throughout.

Very good academic style, presentation with a very clear

and sensible structure

Excellent, precise referencing throughout.

Excellent academic style and pristine presentation and structure (as laid out in

the requirements).

OVERALL DISSERTATION REPORT ASSESSMENT

1^st Assessor’s overall Comments:

2^nd Assessor’s overall Comments:

1^st Assessor: □ Fail

□ Sufficient

□ Satisfactory

□ Good

□ Very Good

□ Excellent

2^nd Assessor: □ Fail

□ Sufficient

□ Satisfactory

□ Good

□ Very Good

□ Excellent

Agreed Assessment by Both Assessors:

□ Fail

□ Sufficient

□ Satisfactory

□ Good

□ Very Good

□ Excellent

Signature: Signature:

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MIC Assessment Form – Defence (2)

Instructions for Supervisors: MIC Assessment Form – Defence

 During the defence, the performance of the student during final presentation, as well as what questions were asked by the supervisors and how the questions were answered by the student can be noted down, for assessment purposes.

 the 1st supervisor is responsible for filling in the assessment with the 2^nd supervisor and additional examiners.

 In addition, the first supervisor is responsible for submitting this form to Dania Fang [email protected] after the defence.

 Please ensure it is signed by both supervisors. In case of missing signatures, please attach relevant email correspondence that can verify the assessment.

GEERT HOFSTEDE CONSORTIUM MIC ASSESSMENT FORM

– DEFENSE –

Name of the Student:

Student Number:

Title of the Dissertation:

Date of the Defense:

Names of the Assessors: 1^st: Additional:

2^nd: Additional:

A. CORE COMPETENCIES Main competencies that need to be addressed during the defense

□ International orientation

□ Communicative capability

□ Analytical capability

□ Problem solving

□ Implementation

□ Reflective capability

□ Innovative capability

B. PRESENTATION

C. QUESTION & ANSWER 1. Q & A

Question:

Answer:

2. Q & A Question:

Answer:

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Answer:

OVERALL DEFENSE ASSESSMENT

□ Fail □ Sufficient □ Satisfactory □ Good □ Very Good □ Excellent Overall Comments:

Signature of the 1^stAssessor:

Additional Assessor:

Signature of the 2^nd Assessor:

Additional Assessor:

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MIC DISSERTATION PROJECT

– FINAL ASSESSMENT FORM (3) –

Master of International Communication

MIC Dissertation Project – Final Assessment Form (3)

Instructions for Supervisors: MIC Dissertation Project - Final Assessment Form

 Finalizing the entire dissertation project assessment; the 1^st supervisor is responsible for filling in this form with the 2^nd supervisor and additional examiners.

 In addition, the 1^st supervisor is responsible for submitting this form to Dania Fang [email protected].

 Please ensure it is signed by both supervisors. In case of missing signatures, please attach relevant email correspondence that can verify the assessment.

Final MIC Competencies Assessment

International &

intercultural orientation

□ Fail □ Sufficient □ Satisfactory □ Good □ Very Good □ Excellent

Communicative capability □ Fail □ Sufficient □ Satisfactory □ Good □ Very Good □ Excellent Analytical capability □ Fail □ Sufficient □ Satisfactory □ Good □ Very Good □ Excellent Problem solving capability □ Fail □ Sufficient □ Satisfactory □ Good □ Very Good □ Excellent Implementing capability □ Fail □ Sufficient □ Satisfactory □ Good □ Very Good □ Excellent Reflective capability □ Fail □ Sufficient □ Satisfactory □ Good □ Very Good □ Excellent Innovative capability □ Fail □ Sufficient □ Satisfactory □ Good □ Very Good □ Excellent

Final Results

Dissertation

□ Fail □ Sufficient □ Satisfactory □ Good □ Very Good □ Excellent

Defense

□ Fail □ Sufficient □ Satisfactory □ Good □ Very Good □ Excellent

Final

Assessment

□ Fail □ Sufficient □ Satisfactory □ Good □ Very Good □ Excellent

Final Grade:

(Please convert the above final assessment according to your respective national grading system)

University 1

University 2

Final Assessment Dissertation Project

Name of the Student:

Student Number:

Title of the Dissertation:

Date:

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Signatures

University of the First Supervisor University of the Second Supervisor

1

^st

Assessor 2

^nd

Assessor

Additional Assessor Additional Assessor

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Appendix 6. Procedures for the MIC Dissertation Process

1. The MIC Dissertation project is a client-driven supervised learning process. In order to graduate, students complete a dissertation. The general requirements for the dissertation are described in the MIC Course Outlines, and include the following:

a. The topic of the dissertation involves a complex communication problem within an international

& intercultural context

b. The assessment of the dissertation includes three aspects:

i. Dissertation proposal ii. Dissertation Report

iii. Presentation of the Dissertation Report (defence)

2. The student completes one dissertation which will be submitted to both universities for which the student intends to graduate

3. Students can start with their dissertation when they receive “permission to start developing the dissertation”

4. A MIC-student receives “permission to start” if:

a. The student completed the first semester b. The dissertation topic of the student is approved 5. MIC-students have to request “permission to start”.

6. After granting the student “permission to start”, students are informed about their supervisors:

a. Every student with “permission to start” has a first supervisor (“1^st Supervisor”). The first supervisor is the first contact of the student during the dissertation process. The first supervisor is a faculty member of one of the two universities for which the student intends to graduate. The first supervisor assesses the dissertation according to the guidelines of his or her university.

b. Each dissertation is assessed as well by a second supervisor (“2^nd Supervisor”). The second supervisor is a faculty member of the other university for which the student intends to graduate.

The second supervisor assesses the dissertation according to the guidelines of his or her university.

7. Each consortium partner provides the consortium chair with a list of available supervisors, and their field of specialization.

8. Obligations of the first supervisor (“1^st Supervisor”).:

a. First contact person for the student during the Dissertation Process. The student is responsible for initiating contact with the supervisor

b. Providing professional guidance to the student during the dissertation process. Professional guidance involves at least:

i. Feedback with the student on the draft Dissertation proposal

ii. Feedback with the student on logical framework (problem statement and research questions), literature review and methodology, on request of the student

iii. Feedback on the draft dissertation

iv. Feedback on a topic to be specified by the student, on request of the student c. Assessment of the Dissertation proposal.

Master International Communication