INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE THESISPROCESS
Acting as an opponent
School of Business and Administration, Kuopio26.10.2011
OPPONENT’S CHECKLIST
Beforehand
-study the report thoroughly by reading the material at least twice
-prepare comments, questions and arguments
-do random samples as to the references
Assess the work based on the criteria
(read the criteria well beforehand)
-the choice of the topic and attainment of the objectives
-the use of source material
-the choice and mastery of the methods
-the benefit of the study to the client and to others ( if possible)
Write an evaluation (300 words at the minimum) in two copies and give it to
-the seminar supervisor ( you will get the mark of “acting as an opponent”)
-the student, who will give it to his/her own thesis supervisor
During the session
-lead the discussion and control the use of time
-focus on the main issue (misspellings and other mistakes can be sorted out later)
-outline the discussion based on your observations about the thesis content
Questions
-Have I understood correctly…..
-I don’t quite understand that/ this point/question/problem; could you be morespecific…..
-What are the actual research questions, please explain them in your own
-words…..
-What is the research problem?
Questions based on arguments
-Could you please clarify the research problem?
-Why did you choose this question, please explain?
-Why do you think so?
Questions based on arguments
-Why do these arguments specifically support the finding?
-Do you have any background assumptions?
-How does this support your claims that the research question/research topic/
-method is good?
-Does this have anything to do with your argument?
Questions based on the meanings of the word
-Could you please explain what you mean by this concept?
-Give an example of the use of this word?
-Could this be an example of the use of the word?
Questions based on findings and conclusions
-How do the findings solve the research problem?
-What meaning do the findings have for the business line?
-What meaning do the conclusions have for the research in practice?
Challenging questions
-the latest research states that……, why was this ignored?
-explain the conflict between these two?
-the title does not correspond to the content, please explain
-this order would be better in view of the content…..
Conduct
-be polite to the student and the audience; remember how it feels to be a
-defendant
-listen to what the student says
-make sure that you both talk about the same issues
-stick to your plan
-keep the audience involved, explain your view to them as well
-evaluate realistically
-present your opinions openly
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