Bachelor's Theses

At our chair, Bachelor's theses can be written in various research areas (in particular strategic management, strategic innovation management, digital transformation, strategic sustainability management, and strategic success factors of young companies). We are always open to your own suggestions for topics that do not fall within one of the research focus areas (e.g. in the field of strategic HR management). Bachelor theses can be written in both German or English.
 
If you are interested in writing a Bachelor's thesis at our chair, please apply via our online form.
 

  • Topic Suggestions

    Below is a list of potential topics for your Bachelor's thesis. The list is not exhaustive and is intended as a guide to possible topics. You are welcome to submit your own topic suggestions.

    Strategic Manegement

    1. “Exploring the Role of Strategic Leadership During Economic Uncertainty”
    This thesis investigates how strategic leadership can effectively guide organizations through periods of significant economic uncertainty. It focuses on how leaders adjust their strategic approaches to mitigate risks and leverage opportunities during financial downturns. The work explores the importance of resilience and adaptability in maintaining organizational stability and securing a competitive advantage under fluctuating economic conditions. The thesis will synthesize leaders’ strategic approaches and their effectiveness in crisis management, drawing upon leadership and organizational behavior theories, such as the Behavioral Theory of the Firm (e.g., Cyert & March, 1963).
     
    Keywords: Strategic Leadership, Economic Uncertainty, Organizational Resilience
     
     
    2. “Analyzing the Impact of Corporate Culture on Strategy Implementation: A Systematic Literature Review”
    This systematic literature review aims to dissect the intricate relationship between corporate culture and the implementation of strategic initiatives. It will examine how an organization’s cultural values, norms, and behaviors influence the success or failure of strategic execution, focusing on how cultural alignment affects employee engagement, operational effectiveness, and strategic outcomes. The review will cover diverse organizational settings, providing a comprehensive analysis and exploring the alignment between internal culture and external strategic demands.
     
    Keywords: Corporate Culture, Strategy Implementation, Organizational Alignment
     
     
    3. “The Interplay of Female Leadership and Social Capital in Business”
    As women take on more leadership roles, the interplay between female leadership and social capital in business has become a critical area of study. This thesis will delve into how female leaders influence and utilize social capital within organizations. By applying social capital theory (e.g., Nahapiet and Ghoshal, 1998), the research will investigate the strategies and mechanisms female leaders use to strengthen organizational networks and relationships. The study will analyze how these efforts affect business success and impact the corporate culture.
     
    Keywords: Social Capital, Female Leadership, Corporate Culture
     
     
    4. “Leadership and Contradictory Demands: A Systematic Literature Review”
    Organizations face competing demands in terms of achieving both innovation and efficiency, exploitation and exploration, or eco-friendliness and financial performance. These types of tensions are conceptualized in the literature as paradoxes. Top managers play an important role in managing such paradoxical tensions (e.g. Neerijnen and Tempelaar 2022). The thesis investigates in a systematic literature review based on paradox theory how top management perceives, navigates and overcomes such tensions.
     
    Keywords: Paradox, Tensions, Contradictions, Top management, Leadership
     
     
    Strategic Sustainability Management
     
    5. "Sustainability practices in the German automotive industry: A Comparative Study”
    This study examines the implementation and effectiveness of sustainability practices in the German automotive industry. It analyzes how the industry integrates sustainable approaches into its business strategies to promote environmental sustainability while supporting economic goals. The analysis includes topics such as evaluating emission reduction strategies, optimizing resource use, and implementing circular economy principles. Theories and concepts of corporate social responsibility, such as the triple bottom line (e.g. Elkington, 1997), serve as a theoretical framework to analyze the balance between economic, social, and environmental responsibilities.
     
    Keywords: German Automotive Industry, Corporate Social Responsibility
     
     
    6. “Green Innovation and Corporate Performance: A Systematic Literature Review”
    This literature review assesses the impact of green innovation on corporate performance across various industries. It explores how the integration of sustainable technologies and practices not only promotes environmental responsibility but also creates new business opportunities. The review will delve into the role of green innovations in product development and supply chain optimization, and their effects on organizational sustainability and governance. By synthesizing findings from existing literature, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the trends and broader impacts of green innovation on corporate performance.
     
    Keywords: Green Technology, Green Innovation, Corporate Social Responsibility
     
     
    7. “The Impact of AI Adoption on Sustainability Performance: A Systematic Literature Review” 
    This bachelor's thesis examines whether AI technologies can be used to achieve economic sustainability goals. The aim of this systematic literature review is to analyze the opportunities and challenges of integrating artificial intelligence to enhance corporate sustainability performance. By synthesizing findings from existing literature, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of AI adoption in firms and the broader impacts of AI adoption on sustainability performance variables.
     
    Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability, Corporate Social Responsibility
     
     
    8. “The Influence of Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) on Performance: A Systematic Literature Review”
    This thesis examines the role of the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) in improving sustainability performance in firms. While some researchers argue that CSOs improve environmental outcomes, research has shown mixed results, suggesting that CSO appointments can sometimes be more symbolic than substantive (Aguilera et al., 2021). By synthesizing findings from existing literature, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of CSOs on various sustainability performance metrics and the overall effectiveness of corporate sustainability strategies.
     
    Keywords: Chief Sustainability Officer, Top Management Teams, Sustainability Performance
     
     
    Digital Transformation
     
    9. “The Impact of AI Adoption on Employee Satisfaction and Workflow Efficiency”
    This thesis evaluates the implications of adopting artificial intelligence (AI) technologies on workflow efficiency and employee satisfaction within various organizational settings. It explores how AI tools may enhance decision-making capabilities, and overall operational effectiveness, while also assessing the impact on employee roles, job satisfaction, and organizational culture. The potential challenges and transformations brought by AI integration will be critically examined to explore their effects on workforce dynamics. The analysis may draw on human capital or strategic management theories, for instance, the Resource-Based View of the Firm (e.g., Barney, 1991).
     
    Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Employee Satisfaction, Organizational Change
     
     
    10. “Leadership Dynamics in Driving Digital Transformation”
    This research focuses on technology leadership roles such as Chief Information Officers (CIOs), Chief Technology Officers (CTOs), and Chief Digital Officers (CDOs) in orchestrating digital transformation within organizations. It investigates how these senior executives leverage technological advancements to reshape business models, enhance customer experiences, and improve operational efficiencies. The thesis will examine the challenges and successes of digital transformation initiatives, considering the strategic importance of technology leadership. Analysis in this area can leverage perspectives from organizational and strategic management theories, particularly the Upper Echelons Theory (e.g., Hambrick and Mason, 1984).
     
    Keywords: Digital Transformation, Technology Leadership, Innovation Management
     
     
    Strategic Innovation Management
     
    11. “Innovation management in medium-sized companies in Germany”
    This comprehensive study is dedicated to the opportunities and challenges of innovation management for SMEs in Germany. It analyzes how these companies can secure their competitiveness in dynamic markets by designing innovative processes, introducing new technologies, and promoting an innovation-friendly corporate culture. For this, innovation management is viewed based on strategic management theories, such as the Dynamic Capabilities Theory (e.g. Teece, 1997).
     
    Keywords: Innovation Management, Middle Class, Dynamic Capabilities
     
     
    12. “The Role of Startups in Promoting Disruptive Innovations in the Tech Industry”
    This thesis explores how startups act as catalysts for disruptive innovations within the technology industry, examining their role in upending traditional business models and introducing novel solutions that significantly alter market dynamics. It considers how startups leverage their agility and innovative capacities to break into and transform established markets. Research in entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly in Disruptive Innovation Theory (e.g., Christensen, 1997), can be utilized to examine these dynamics.
     
    Keywords: Startups, Disruptive Innovation, Tech Industry
     
     
    13. “Age Diversity in Top Management Teams: Balancing Experience and Fresh Perspectives for Innovation”
    With the growing trend of an aging society, age diversity within top management teams (TMT) is set to evolve significantly. This thesis aims to investigate the impact of age diversity on strategic decision-making within TMTs. It will delve into how the balance between the experience of older team members and the fresh perspectives of younger members influences their decision-making processes. The study will also examine how communication and collaboration on strategic decisions are affected, employing the attention-based view to provide a comprehensive analysis.
     
    Keywords: Top Management Teams, Diversity, Silver Society
     
     
    Strategic Success Factors of Young Ventures
     
    14. “Critical Success Factors for Young Ventures in Emerging Markets”
    This thesis identifies and analyzes the critical success factors that enable young ventures to thrive in emerging markets. It focuses on understanding the strategic, operational, and environmental challenges these young ventures face and how they navigate such complexities to achieve success. Key factors such as market understanding, local consumer behavior, and adaptive business models are examined. This research area lends itself to insights from strategic entrepreneurship, drawing on theories such as Effectuation Theory (e.g., Sarasvathy, 2001).
     
    Keywords: Startups, Emerging Markets, Success Factors
     
     
    15. “The Impact of Founding Team Composition on Startup Success”
    This research delves into how the diversity in skills, experiences, and backgrounds of founding team members impacts the strategic trajectories and success of startups. It examines the critical role of team composition in fostering innovation, driving growth, and navigating competitive environments. Analysis in this area will draw upon perspectives from human resource management theories, such as the Human Capital Theory (e.g., Becker, 1964).
     
    Keywords: Founding Teams, Startup Success, Team Composition

  • Bachelor's Thesis with Practical Partners

    If you have relevant contacts to companies, there is a possibility of preparing a practice-related Bachelor’s thesis. In this case, it is necessary to apply via our online form at the chair at an early stage so that arrangements can be made with the company involved. Candidates must provide the chair with the contact details of a specific contact person at the company and ensure that all data used is fully made available to the supervising employee and the head of the chair. It is advisable to discuss a topic with the company and then submit it as a topic proposal to the chair. The final topic will be determined by the chair, possibly in consultation with the specified contact person. In terms of examination law, the practical partner has no say in the evaluation of the work. Contractual agreements between students and companies are also irrelevant in terms of examination law and are the sole responsibility of the students.

  • Application & Registration

    Registration at the Chair

    Please make sure to apply via our online form to our chair before registering with the Examinations Office.

    The application periods can be found in the following overview:

    Once you have received a confirmation from our department, you may register your Bachelor's thesis with the Examinations Office. Registration is possible online via FlexNow as well as by submitting a form directly to the Examinations Office. The current registration periods are available on the Examination Office's website.
    After that, a supervisor will be assigned to you. In your first supervision meeting, you will discuss your topic in more detail. Before you can officially begin your thesis, you must complete the candidate section of the guide card and submit it to your supervisor. The corresponding form is available for download from the Examinations Office.

    An overview of the full application process up to the thesis collection date can be found here:

  • Formal Requirements

    Theses can be written in English or German. You can find more detailed explanations on the formal requirements for theses on our download page.

  • Issuance of the Topic

    Topics for Bachelor's theses can be submitted digitally or - by prior arrangement - directly to your supervisor. The 8-week processing period begins when the topic is issued. If the Bachelor's thesis is completed during the course of study (i.e. less than 168 ECTS credits have been completed in the degree program when the topic is issued), the processing period can be extended to 12 weeks at the student's request. The corresponding application for an extension of the processing period can be found here. Public holidays during the processing period are counted as credit accordingly. Nevertheless, the submission date is decisive for the allocation to the respective quarter, regardless of any public holidays credited. Please take this into account when calculating your desired submission date. You can find the online calculator for calculating your processing period here.

    If you need to extend the processing time, for example, due to illness, please inform your supervisor and submit an official application directly to the Examinations Office.

  • Final Submission

    The thesis must be submitted digitally no later than the last day of the processing period. At the end of the document, please include the consent form for the plagiarism check (download from PAM).

    Faculty 04 provides an application, the Thesis Uploader, which must be used for submission. After uploading your thesis, please notify us by sending a brief email to uf@wiwi.uni-muenster.de. Additionally, consult with your supervisor to determine if a printed copy of your thesis is needed.

    A brief guide and FAQ can be found here.