Diary-format thesis (PONT)
An alternative to the traditional thesis is the diary-format thesis, commonly known as PONT.
The diary-format thesis is suitable for
- for a student working in professional roles within their field whose work involves development
- for a student starting a new job or new kinds of tasks in their field
- for project work or internships where the scope and content of the work contribution meet PONT requirements (hours and development)
- as part of developing one’s own business
- PONT is usually carried out during a semester (approx. 15 weeks) in diary form according to a fixed schedule
Requirements
For the thesis student
- Commitment to a 15-week schedule (planning-implementation-publication)
- Keeping diary reporting on an 8-week cycle – weekly reporting with plans and analyses for the supervisor to read weekly
- A desire to develop one’s work and competence and to build a theoretical foundation for it
For the employer
- Allows writing about work tasks and publishing the diary-format thesis (Theseus open or access-restricted collection)
For the work tasks
- Includes development
- Provides opportunities for e.g. development projects or the creation of new operating models and for building the theoretical foundation
Practical implementation
Starting the diary-format thesis
- Submission of the topic analysis
- With the employer (agreement with the client)
- Start by creating the thesis template, for example in the student’s OneDrive or Canvas (edit access for the supervisor and second reader) & edit according to the supervisor’s feedback
- Planning the introduction, scheduling and current-state analysis
- Planning the objectives and themes of the diary-format thesis
- Participating in the planning seminar: presenting the introduction and current-state analysis
Weekly reporting for the diary-format thesis
- Weekly plan, daily reports and week analysis for the supervisor’s comments weekly
- Building the theoretical foundation according to identified needs and plans
Writing the summary and reflection
- Analysis of the diary reporting
- Description of the output
Publication-phase actions
- Presenting the thesis and performing an opposition on another thesis
- Maturity test
- Evaluation discussion
- Publication in Theseus according to the thesis process
Structure of the PONT
1 Introduction
Background of the PONT and the rationale for carrying it out. Presentation of the client and the objectives of the work. The theoretical foundation and key concepts of the work.
2. Current-state analysis
Analysis of the current work and one’s competence. Description of stakeholders, required interaction skills and the development needed. Setting concrete objectives.
3. Diary reporting
Description of the method, ethics and reliability. 8-week reporting: weekly plan, daily reports and week analyses, and building the theoretical foundation based on identified needs.
4. Summary and reflection
Summarizing the diary phase and evaluating the achievement of objectives. Describe and attach the concrete output to the thesis. Reflect on your development during the work and the benefits to the employer.