To register for a bachelor thesis with our institute, you must:

• Be an advanced or graduate student of Responsible Management of Information Systems

• Have successfully completed the Research Seminar and be familiar with academic writing practices

We expect students to have reviewed the following:

• Recker, J. (2012). Scientific Research in Information Systems. Springer.

• Peffers et al. (2008). A Design Science Research Methodology. JMIS, 24(3).

• Kitchenham et al. (2010). Systematic Reviews in SE. Information & Software Technology, 52(8).

• Lagendijk, A. (2008). Survival Guide for Scientists.

• LeBrocq, A. JAIS Style Guide: [AIS link]

• Supervisor-specific reading list (to be communicated individually)

Step 1: Submit Application

Send a single PDF file to mis@wu.ac.at with the following filename format:
<last-name>_<student-ID>_<topic1>_<topic2>_<topic3>.pdf
Example: mustermensch_h12345678_5_4_3

The file must include:

1. Motivation Letter (one paragraph per topic you're applying for)

2. Curriculum Vitae

3. Transcript of Records (Sammelzeugnis)

Step 2: Topic Assignment

Topics are posted each semester on the website of the institute. Students can apply for them or propose their own topic based on the research interests of the potential supervisor. Topics are assigned based on the student's interest and the student’s background.

After the topic assignment, you must submit at least 3 pages (max 10-page/depending on supervisor) research proposal, using the official LaTeX template. It should include:

1. Title

2. Motivation and research question

3. Summary of background literature and state of the art

4. Proposed method

5. Thesis outline

6. Preliminary references

7. Work plan with milestones

 

Only after successful evaluation of the proposal will supervision continue.

• You must manage communication proactively.

• After every consultation, send a short summary of the discussion points and agreed-upon next steps.

• Between meetings, email progress updates and inform your supervisor about delays early.

Use the official LaTeX template provided by the institute.

Length:

• Max. 40-60 pages (depending on supervisor) main text for bachelor theses (excluding cover page, TOC, references, appendices)

• Max. 80-100 pages (depending on supervisor) main text for master theses (excluding cover page, TOC, references, appendices)

Submission (3 parts):

1. Plagiarism Check: Submit via the myWU system

2. Digital Submission to Supervisor: Single ZIP file including LaTeX source files and final PDF

 

Formal Elements:

• Use the official WU cover page

• Submit a “List of Aids Used” (Verzeichnis der Hilfsmittel), declaring all tools, literature, and assistance used

Bachelor theses final presentation is not mandatory but can be requested by the supervisor. If the supervisor requests, present your work in a 20-minute oral presentation. You will receive final feedback at this meeting.

Master theses final presentation is always required and is a 20-minute oral presentation, after which final feedback will be received to be incorporated before the final submission of the thesis.

Content Criteria

• Clarity and relevance of research question

• Scientific rigor and validity of methods

• Depth and accuracy of literature coverage

• Relevance and interpretation of results

• Independent contribution and analytical insight

Formal Criteria

• Logical structure and organization

• Language use, grammar, and academic style

• Proper referencing and citation format

• Visual quality of figures and tables

• Use of correct formatting and templates

Process Criteria

• Timely and consistent progress

• Proactive project and time management

• Engagement in consultations and revisions

All evaluation criteria are weighted based on the nature of the thesis and topic. For full WU policies, see: https://www.wu.ac.at/studierende/mein-studium/bachelor/wirtschafts-und-sozialwissenschaften/bachelorarbeit/

WU requires students to submit a declaration listing all aids used during the writing process. This ensures compliance with academic integrity standards.

The “List of Aids Used” (Verzeichnis der Hilfsmittel) must:

• Include all books, articles, software, online sources, and personal assistance

• Be formatted clearly and attached to the end of your thesis (before the appendix)

• Be submitted using the official WU format

AI use should be used only for menial tasks, not research tasks (to improve language, coding, graphics,..) to increase the quality. The individual rules should be discussed with the supervisor.

More info: https://www.wu.ac.at/en/students/my-program/bachelors-student-guide/bachelors-student-guide-german-taught-programs/courses-and-exams/list-of-aids-used

Failure to provide this declaration may result in formal rejection of the thesis.

Each academic year, we select one thesis for our Best Bachelor and Master Thesis Award. The winner will be nominated for the TALENTA Award of our department.

WU final thesis guidelines

• WISO: Bachelor Thesis - Wirtschafts- und Sozialwissenschaften - Bachelor's Programs

• BBE: Bachelor's Thesis - Business and Economics - Bachelor's Programs

List of aids used guide:

• List of aids used - Courses, Exams & Written Papers - Bachelor's Student Guide: German-Taught Programs

TALENTA Award:

• Talenta - Grants and Scholarships - Bachelor's Student Guide: German-Taught Programs