Portfolio-based thesis
On this page you will find more information about the portfolio-based thesis and its practices.
What is a portfolio-based thesis?
- The student systematically collects project or other assignments completed at different stages of their studies on a chosen theme into a single whole.
- Allows the student to deepen their knowledge in a subject area of personal interest
- A portfolio thesis also requires the formulation of objectives and the use of research-based development methods appropriate to the topic.
- Theoretical background and practice are combined in a sustained manner
- The thesis portfolio may include various materials such as videos, images, text, links, etc.
Features of a portfolio-based thesis
- Work on a portfolio thesis can be started as soon as sufficient knowledge and skills to carry out the work have been achieved
- The thesis gives the student the opportunity to address and examine their chosen theme from different perspectives across several projects
- The work consists of outputs produced at different stages of the studies that form a coherent whole (the outputs do not have to be written, but they must be possible to document). If the portfolio is public, a link is provided. Otherwise, screenshots can be used, for example.
- A written report is produced for the work
- Emphasizes an investigative and developmental approach, interest in the chosen subject area, goal orientation and planning, the ability to manage the whole, and the ability to commit to long-term work
Principles
- A portfolio thesis is well suited to real projects that produce something concrete and that is useful both to the author of the thesis and to the client (for example, Laurea projects can be utilized)
- You can start brainstorming the thesis early in your studies. This way, sub-outputs produced in different courses can already directly address the thesis topic
- The earlier you decide on a portfolio-type thesis topic, the easier it is to complete the thesis itself and its related parts
- Studies in research-based development methods support assembling the portfolio thesis
Requirements
- The student has a clear theme around which the entire thesis is built
- The thesis supervisor or thesis coordinator approves the topic
- A topic analysis is conducted in the same way as in other theses. It also includes a preliminary schedule plan.
- The student ensures that agreements with clients are in order. Likewise, it must be agreed upon if team work is used in the portfolio thesis.
- The student is familiar with the thesis instructions, Laurea’s citation practices and research ethics procedures. They know how to apply them in their own work.
Structure
The structure of the portfolio thesis report can, for example, be as follows:
Introduction
The introduction presents the background of the chosen theme and justifies the need. In addition, it can describe the author’s interest and starting points for the chosen theme. The introduction states the objective of the work.
Theoretical background of the chosen theme
Presents the theoretical background that binds the chosen theme and outputs together: what is already known about the theme, i.e., reviewing and utilizing research, reviews and recommendations.
Presentation of portfolio outputs
Describes the outputs as well as the planning, implementation and evaluation processes related to each output. Describes the research and development methods used. Also describes how the outputs are linked to the theoretical background and working life.
Conclusions and reflection on the outputs
In the conclusions and reflection, the author critically considers and evaluates the portfolio thesis as a whole, the development trajectory, usability and future plans. The reflection also describes the client’s feedback on the outputs and critically examines the author’s own learning.
Topics
- Can be very varied, e.g., in Business Administration
- Entrepreneurship -> starting your own business
- Improving organizational communication
- Internationalization of a company
- Electronic financial management
- Service design
- Others, for example:
- Health promotion
- Utilization of wellbeing technology
- Promoting information security
- Tourism marketing in small businesses
- To be agreed with the supervisor/thesis coordinator
Contracts in order
- It is important to note that a portfolio thesis may include tasks given by different clients
- If outputs produced as group work are used in the thesis, permission must be obtained from all team members to use that work in the portfolio thesis
Plagiarism check
- The actual written report is normally submitted to Urkund
- The student is responsible for ensuring that no plagiarism occurs
What a portfolio-type thesis is not
- Relying solely on previous accomplishments
- Pure practice without a theoretical basis
- Without a research or development objective
- Without an investigative approach