Written assignments in general

Preparing assignments is an important part of the study. The objective is to develop one’s
ability to work independently with the problems of a given course. There are certain common
requirements to be met whether you are a 1 semester student of the Bachelor or part-time
studies, or indeed writing a Master’s Thesis.

The assignments must be well set out and argumentative. Depending on subject and personal
style there may be variations, but the following must be included:

Contents

1. Introduction

- Presentation of problem
- Delimitation of subject
- Formulation and/or discussion of the problem

2. Analysis approach and Objectives

- Description and discussion of the theories and methods considered appropriate to

apply to the chosen subject
- Formulation of an analysis approach
- Formulation of hypothesis, if any
- Operationalization problems, if any
- Defining the area of application

3. Actual analysis

4. Summary and conclusion

- Should include a critical discussion and assessment of the chosen method/approach

- Should include an actual summary of the main results of the analysis
- May conclude ”in general, what can be concluded from the analysis” in relation to the
subject (assessment of expediency)
- The points mentioned in item 2 should be discussed in relation to the results
- Can also put the general value or implication of the results into perspective.

Re Contents: It is essential that a clear and hierarchic table of contents is included. This is a
precondition for the student to write a well structured assignment and for the
 reader to follow or find – in case there are uncertainties - the connecting thread
in the assignment. Further, preparing the table of contents helps the student to
avoid possible shortcomings or to realize the need for argumentation.

Re 1: This part should include an introduction to the subject. The choice of subject
may be motivated or discussed, and the object of the assignment specified. A
tentative delimitation of the subject in space and time as well as an actual
academic problem formulation belongs here. You can of course modify or
specify this when you have made the analysis approach and formulated
possible hypotheses, see item 2.

Re 2: It is of course almost impossible to give guidelines for this part of the project.
Preparation/choice of analysis approach is by its very nature to be considered
in close connection with the subject/ problem at hand and on the basis of
literature studies and information obtained through contact to the supervisor.
This, however, should be based on use of method and awareness of the
approach selection process involved.

Re 3: Strictly speaking one can refer to item 2 above. It is important to be aware of

the ideal correlation between items 2 and 3. Naturally, the analysis under item
3 is made according to the appropriate guidelines. This does not mean,
however, that you cannot reconsider the analysis approach as you go along.
Finally, it is crucial that you are aware of the methodical requirements and aim
to meet them. This applies to both the formal requirements specified separately
and the real ones, i.e. the scientific ideals.

Re 4: Here everything must form a synthesis. Be aware that you actually do what
you have set out to do (i.e. that the questions raised in the problem formulation
are actually answered). Discuss critically the results within the framework of
the analysis. Then you are allowed to put the matter into perspective.

In general, the above should be included, but there may be variation as for presentation
depending on subject and personal style, and the relevance of particular item can vary. The
principal rule is that the above should be considered and in case a student wishes to depart
from it he or she should argue for this. Finally, the individual student must of course consider
the ordering and also the principles of disposition to follow. As mentioned, much is specific
to the subject.

As regards formalities it is, however, easier to give general instructions. However, there are
current standards that must be followed. Which one to choose is a matter of taste and partly
decided by academic conventions. All the same, here are some examples:
Brief specification of minimum requirements as to form regarding graded home assignments,
seminars and written reports:

(The following must be met if the minimum grade 02 or “passed” is to be obtained:

1. The length of an assignment cannot be determined in general; it will, however, appear from the
course description or similar. As a rule, the total number of pages determined is for one student
and are net, i.e. excluding enclosures and large tables etc. For large groups, this number is in
several instances multiplied by the square root of the total number of students in the group to
determine the approximate number of pages required. The method indicates that multi-person
assignments have to meet higher requirements both qualitatively and quantitatively.

2. Assignments must be written in a recommended layout: 1½ line spacing, font size

corresponding to 12 pkt. Times New Roman and margins (minimum) set at left: 3 cm, right: 2
cm, top: 2 cm and bottom: 1.5 cm, one page to contain app.2400 keystrokes
3. General formal requirements must be in accordance with Linderoth, H. & Bentzen, J.,
"Guidelines for Writing Empirical Papers in Descriptive Economics", (2nd ed.), internt
undervisningsmateriale, K nr 44, Handelshøjskolen i Aarhus, 2007.

4. Please note that lack of sources, missing references, incomplete footnotes, incoherent
table/figure headings are not accepted. Further, quotes must be clearly emphasized and
differentiated from the rest of the text.

5. As regards academic requirements the assignment is to reflect independent literature studies

beyond the course literature.

6. Assignments should be based on theoretical concepts, e.g. syllabus or other courses. If possible,
the analytical framework actually applied in the analysis should be clearly presented.

7. As a strict minimum the assignment should have a clear, systematic structure/table of contents
enabling a systematic organization of all sections etc.

8. The student should keep a critical view of both analysis methods and results. It is also importan
that, in principle, all assertions, results, etc. are well documented.

9. To this must be added the academic methodological requirements that are specific in relation to
the subject and to be specified in connection with supervision.

Literature:

Linderoth, H. & Bentzen, J., "Guidelines for Writing Empirical Papers in Descriptive Economics",
(2nd ed.), internt undervisningsmateriale, K nr 44, Handelshøjskolen i Aarhus, 2007.
Booth, W.C., Colomb, G.G., and Williams,J.M.,”The Craft of Research”, University of Chicago
Press, 2003 or later.