Diploma/Master Thesis FSS2012
(Last update: March 26, 2012)
Theses allocation
The allocation of Master and Diploma Theses in the summer semester 2012 takes place in coordination with the Chairs of Finance (Prof. Theissen), International Finance (Prof. Ruenzi), Banking (Prof. Weber), and Corporate Governance (Prof. Schmid). All relevant information concerning the theses allocation for the summer semester 2012 can be found in the document "Vergabeverfahren und Zeitplan".
Here you can find a list of students (matriculation numbers) we received an application from. In case you submitted your application but cannot find your student number in this list, please contact Ulrich Seubert (seubert@bank.bwl.uni-mannheim.de).
Topics
The topics for the Diploma and Master theses in the summer semester 2012 can be found here.
For a successful registration each student is required to fill out a priority list (Prioritätenformular).
The submission of the priority list is conducted online via an application form which is available here. You must fill out the from until Friday, March 9, 12:00.
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 winter semester 2010 can be found as an example here.)
Timetable
| Date | Event | Place |
| February 17, 2012 | Announcement of topics for the Master and Diploma theses | Blackboard of the chair and on the Homepage |
| February 22, 2012 | Introduction to the topics | L 7, 3-5, Raum 457/458 |
| 13:45-14:30: LS Theissen | ||
| 14:30-15:15: LS Ruenzi | ||
| 15:15-16:00: LS Maug | ||
| 16:00-17:15: LS Weber | ||
| Until March 9, 2012 | Submission of priority lists | online |
| March 21, 2012 | Theses allocation | |
| March 21-27, 2012 | Registration period | chair Maug |
| March 27, 2012 | Beginning of work on thesis | |
| July 27, 2012 | Submission of the Master and Diploma theses | chair Maug (until 12:00) |
Diploma seminars
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.
Reference note on writing a Master and Diploma Thesis
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.
Contact person
In case of further questions please contact Evgenia Zhivotova per e-mail. Please address your questions in English. The contact details of Ms. Zhivotova can be found here.



