(Last update: March 26, 2012)

The allocation of Master and Diploma Theses in the HWS 2012 takes place in coordination with the Chairs of Finance (Prof. Theissen), International Finance (Prof. Ruenzi), Banking (Prof. Weber). All relevant information concerning the theses allocation for the HWS 2012 can be found in the document “Vergabeverfahren und Zeitplan”.)

The topics for the Diploma and Master theses in the HWS 2012 will be announced at the beginning of the semester or on the blackboard at our Chair (L9, 1-2).

You can find the allocation of master thesis topics here. Please contact your advisor.

For a successful registration each student is required to fill out a priority list (Prioritätenformular). Detailed instructions will be available later. 

The submission of the priority list starts on Monday, August 6 and ends on Thursday, August 10 12:00 p.m.

Our chair offers two types of topics: case study and an empirical thesis. Working on a case study involves analysis of certain decisions of a corporation, e.g. in relation to IPOs, M&As or the issuance of (convertible) securities. Using different company valuation models (WACC, APV, etc) and performing event studies is often required. Good knowledge of (Corporate Finance) methods and Excel is usually sufficient.

Working on an empirical topic involves examining the decisions of a larger sample of companies. For the successful accomplishment of this type of work good statistical and econometrical knowledge as well as first experiences with a statistics software (e.g. STATA, SAS. etc) are required. Diploma theses from the FSS 2011 can be found as an example here.)

Each candidate for a Master or Diploma thesis at the Chair of Corporate Finance must present his topic during a seminar twice during the semester. The seminar is an integral component of the supervision at our Chair. It should be considered as a chance to get an early feedback on one’s work. Additionally, participants get the opportunity to discuss problems and particularly to receive guidance from Prof. Maug. The participation in the seminar is obligatory for all candidates.

The file „How to Write a Thesis“ explains the main points that have to be considered when writing a thesis at the Chair of Corporate Finance in order to achieve a good or very good result.

You have to upload an electronic version of your thesis and STATA Do-File to www.turnitin.com. Please follow the steps described here to set up your account and upload your file (thesis in Word format). The relevant Class ID in Turnitin is tba.

Please note that the page limit for a thesis at our Chair is from now on 60(!) DIN-A4 text pages. Exceeding the page limit (regardless of the reason) is not possible anymore.

In case of further questions please contact Evgenia Zhivotova per e-mail. Her contact details can be found here.