For Students

Master's theses submission and adjudication

Below are the procedures and processes for the submission and adjudication of master's theses.

(1) "Research on System Design and Management" credits

  • Grades will be awarded on the basis of the presentation at the Examination of master's thesis (Final Presentation), the master's thesis itself, and the overall research.

(2) Primary and secondary advisors

  • The research supervisor is the primary thesis advisor.
  • Secondary advisors will be determined and communicated to you after filing the title application (in mid-December for students scheduled to graduate in March; in mid-June for students scheduled to graduate in September). Complete your master's thesis as instructed by your primary advisor and with the advice and guidance of your secondary advisors.

(3) Master's thesis title application

  • Submit your title application during the specified period (in early December for students scheduled to graduate in March; in early June for students scheduled to graduate in September). At that time, also apply for the desired degree.
  • Students desiring to change titles should apply during the specified title alteration period (in late January for students scheduled to graduate in March; in late July for students scheduled to graduate in September).

Application Form for Master's Thesis Title
Application Form for Master's Thesis Title Alterations

(4) Writing and submission of master's thesis

  • Submit your master's thesis over the e-learning system.
  • Submissions should be in PDF format. The e-learning system will accept files up to 200 MB in size. However, to reduce the load on the system, students planning to upload files larger than 20 MB must consult in advance with the SDM Office.
  • The structure of the master's thesis is: cover, Japanese abstract, English abstract (format attached to this document; 1 page each), and body (no specific formatting requirements). Submit all of it as a single PDF file. Submission of multiple PDF files in a ZIP archive is unacceptable.
  • If writing in English, the structure is: cover, English abstract (format attached to this document; 1 page) and body.
  • Consult with your primary advisor (research supervisor) on the format of the body.
  • Consult with your primary advisor (research supervisor) and secondary advisors on the content.
  • Color submissions are allowed, but ensure that the printing will still be clear and legible in monochrome.
  • Submission deadlines are strictly enforced. In principle, no late submissions will be accepted.
  • No changes will be allowed to files after the submission deadline. Any changes will be treated as extensions, even if they are made in error.

Master's thesis cover and abstract format
Self-checklist for master's thesis submissions

(5) Examination of master's thesis

  • Presentations shall be a total of 30 minutes; 12 minutes for the presentation and 18 minutes for the Q&A session. The SDM Office will inform you of the schedule separately.
  • To shorten the time between presentations, each laboratory is required to create a folder on the desktop of the PC (Windows) provided at the examination and place the presentation materials for all of its presenters in that folder in advance (provide a separate computer if using a Mac).
  • Confirm that PowerPoint files and video or other software function prior to the presentation.
  • Presentation times are strictly enforced. Computer problems and time between presenters will be counted towards your allotted time.

(6) Presentation assessment standards

(2nd year master's course) Grading criteria for the Examination of Master's Thesis for the MA degree

1. Overview of the research program

  • Does the research plan involve a substantially important and challenging real-world problem?
  • Is the student cognizant of the key extant research literature on the particular theme of interest?
  • Is the student aware of the kind of past solutions proposed and their efficacy for the particular theme or problem of interest?
  • Does the student have an overview of the theme of interest, comprehending the position and significance of the particular research topic within the broader research agenda?

2. Originality/creativity

  • Does the theme, methods, or hypothesis of the student’s research interest demonstrate originality or creativity?
  • Does the approach and engagement with the research question demonstrate originality or creativity?
  • Did the student generate and analyze new data or new empirical material?

3. Framing the research question/ hypothesis

  • How appropriately is the research question framed? Is the formation and development of the hypothesis consistent?
  • How realistic and suitable is the research question (in terms of the research theme), how coherent and logically consistent is the hypothesis, and is the field of investigation appropriate for the research question?

4. Clarity of the conclusion/ quality of empirical investigation

  • Are the research results valid, reproducible, and clear in terms of scope and applicability?
  • Has the student adequately identified the achievements of this research and areas requiring further investigation?
  • Is the empirical investigation adequate and valid to support the conclusions of the research? Are the research conclusions effective and adoptable?

5. Presentation quality

  • Was the presentation persuasive and comprehensible to a lay listener?
  • Was the presentation developed in an easily comprehended manner?
  • Is the proposed solution following the basic framework of SDM research?

(7) Submissions and re-screening after the Examination of master's thesis

  • Follow the instructions of the examination regarding theses revisions and second re-screening, etc.
  • All candidates are required to submit the following to the e-learning system by the designated deadlines.

Master's thesis Consent Form

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