Open topics

The following topics are currently open for Bachelor’s and Master’s theses.

Overview

Careers in IT: A synthesis of prior research on career paths

Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Gerit Wagner

Summary: This thesis aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of existing research on career paths in Information Technology (IT), accompanied by a critical review of the methodologies employed in these studies. It will explore the evolution and nature of IT careers, the impact of technological advancements, and the role of education and organizational structures in shaping these career paths. The thesis will not only consolidate knowledge about the career trajectories and factors influencing them but also critically examine the research methodologies used in prior studies to assess their rigor, limitations, and implications. This critical review will help identify potential biases, gaps, and areas for improvement in IT career research, thereby providing a foundation for future inquiries.

Methods: Critical literature review methods

References

Aguinis, H., Ramani, R. S., & Alabduljader, N. (2023). Best-practice recommendations for producers, evaluators, and users of methodological literature reviews. Organizational Research Methods, 26(1), 46-76.

Idowu, A., & Elbanna, A. (2020). Digital platforms of work and the crafting of career path: the crowdworkers’ perspective. Information Systems Frontiers, 24, 441-457.

Joia, L. A., & Mangia, U. (2017). Career transition antecedents in the information technology area. Information Systems Journal, 27(1), 31-57.

Joseph, D., Boh, W. F., Ang, S., & Slaughter, S. A. (2012). The career paths less (or more) traveled: A sequence analysis of IT career histories, mobility patterns, and career success. MIS Quarterly, 36(2), 427-452.

Ethical challenges and regulatory responses in gig work: An analysis of emergent policy agendas

Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Gerit Wagner

Summary: The gig economy, characterized by short-term contracts and freelance work as opposed to permanent jobs, has transformed the labor market. This thesis aims to explore the ethical challenges inherent in gig work and analyze the regulatory responses aimed at addressing these issues. Students will investigate the precarious nature of gig work, including issues related to workers’ rights, employment benefits, and income stability. The research may also encompass the broader societal and economic implications of gig work, such as its impact on traditional employment and social security systems. Furthermore, this thesis will critically analyze emergent policy agendas and regulatory frameworks from various global contexts, assessing their effectiveness in safeguarding gig workers’ rights and promoting fair labor practices.

Methods: Scoping review and policy analysis

Expected outcomes: The thesis will provide a comprehensive comparative analysis of regulatory measures and policy agendas addressing the ethical challenges of gig work across different regions and countries. It will identify and articulate the common themes, strategies, and objectives present in these regulations, as well as highlight the significant differences in approach and focus that arise from varying economic, cultural, and political contexts. This comparison will allow for a deeper understanding of the effectiveness and limitations of different regulatory strategies, offering insights into best practices and lessons learned from various jurisdictions. Ultimately, the thesis will contribute to the development of more nuanced and effective policy frameworks for the gig economy, taking into account the diverse needs and circumstances of gig workers globally.

References

Arksey, H., & O’Malley, L. (2005). Scoping studies: towards a methodological framework. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 8(1), 19-32.

Deng, X., Joshi, K. D., & Galliers, R. D. (2016). The duality of empowerment and marginalization in microtask crowdsourcing. MIS Quarterly, 40(2), 279-302.

Graham, M., Woodcock, J., Heeks, R., Mungai, P., Van Belle, J. P., du Toit, D., & Silberman, S. M. (2020). The Fairwork Foundation: Strategies for improving platform work in a global context. Geoforum, 112, 100-103.

Myhill, K., Richards, J., & Sang, K. (2021). Job quality, fair work and gig work: the lived experience of gig workers. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 32(19), 4110-4135.

Translating research findings for online labor markets: A realist review

Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Gerit Wagner

Summary: Online labor markets, such as Upwork, Fiverr, and 99designs, are reshaping the nature of work, employment, and income generation across the globe. This thesis aims to perform a realist review of the literature focusing on the translation of research findings into practical and actionable strategies for various stakeholders in online labor markets, including workers, clients, platform providers, and policymakers. It will examine the contextual factors and mechanisms that influence the successful application of academic insights, exploring how these stakeholders can leverage research to optimize outcomes, enhance fair practices, and ensure sustainable growth of the labor market. The review will dissect the interplay between these stakeholders, understanding their roles, motivations, and the outcomes of their interactions in the digital labor ecosystem.

Methods: Realist Review

Expected outcomes: The thesis will provide a thorough analysis identifying strategies that effectively translate research into practice for all stakeholders involved in online labor markets. It will clarify the conditions and mechanisms that lead to successful outcomes for workers, such as improved job security and satisfaction; for clients, such as enhanced service quality and efficiency; for platform providers, including increased user engagement and market share; and for policymakers, involving the creation of more effective and equitable regulations. This comprehensive understanding will offer a framework for stakeholders to make informed decisions and implement evidence-based strategies. Additionally, it will pinpoint gaps and suggest future research directions to continually enhance the functioning and governance of online labor markets.

References

Barach, M. A., Golden, J. M., & Horton, J. J. (2020). Steering in online markets: the role of platform incentives and credibility. Management Science, 66(9), 4047-4070.

Horton, J. J. (2019). Buyer uncertainty about seller capacity: Causes, consequences, and a partial solution. Management Science, 65(8), 3518-3540.

Huang, N., Burtch, G., Hong, Y., & Pavlou, P. A. (2020). Unemployment and worker participation in the gig economy: Evidence from an online labor market. Information Systems Research, 31(2), 431-448.

Liang, C., Hong, Y., Gu, B., & Peng, J. (2018). Gender wage gap in online gig economy and gender differences in job preferences. In Proceedings of the 39th International Conference on Information Systems.

Pawson, R., Greenhalgh, T., Harvey, G., & Walshe, K. (2005). Realist review-a new method of systematic review designed for complex policy interventions. Journal of Health Services Research & Policy, 10(1), 21-34.

Exploring the role of micro-credentials for online labor markets: An organizing review

Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Gerit Wagner

Summary: In the evolving landscape of online labor markets, micro-credentials can be a crucial tool for workers to demonstrate their skills, knowledge, and competencies to potential clients. This thesis aims to conduct an organizing review of the existing literature on micro-credentials, focusing on their role in online labor markets. It will explore how these certifications are perceived and used by various stakeholders, including workers, clients, and platform providers. The review will investigate the impact of micro-credentials on employability, job performance, and market dynamics, examining how they contribute to the professional development of individuals and the overall functioning of digital work platforms.

Methods: Organizing Review

Expected outcomes: The thesis will provide a structured synthesis of the literature on micro-credentials, identifying key themes, trends, and gaps in the research. It will elucidate the role of micro-credentials in enhancing the transparency, trust, and efficiency of online labor markets, as well as their potential limitations and challenges. The work will offer insights into the best practices for designing, implementing, and recognizing micro-credentials, providing recommendations for workers, platform providers, and policymakers. By bringing clarity and organization to the diverse body of research on this topic, the thesis will contribute to a better understanding of how micro-credentials can be leveraged to improve outcomes for all stakeholders in online labor markets.

References

Ahmat, N. H. C., Bashir, M. A. A., Razali, A. R., & Kasolang, S. (2021). Micro-credentials in higher education institutions: Challenges and opportunities. Asian Journal of University Education, 17(3), 281-290.

Leidner, D. E. (2018). Review and theory symbiosis: An introspective retrospective. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 19(6), 1.

McGreal, R., & Olcott Jr, D. (2022). A strategic reset: micro-credentials for higher education leaders. Smart Learning Environments, 9(1), 9.

Working in diametrically opposed contexts: An exploratory study of commercial open-source developers

Thesis Advisor: Prof. Dr. Gerit Wagner

Summary: The rise of commercial open-source projects presents a unique juxtaposition of community-driven and commercially-driven development paradigms. This thesis seeks to explore the experiences of developers in these dual contexts, focusing particularly on the role of worker identity in navigating the tensions between open-source collaboration and commercial objectives. It aims to understand how developers reconcile their professional, personal, and community identities while working under the contrasting demands of open-source ethos and commercial profitability. The study will delve into how identity influences motivations, engagement, conflict management, and overall strategies in the commercial open-source environment.

Methods: Scoping review, covering academic and grey literature

Expected outcomes: The thesis will offer a detailed exploration of how commercial open-source developers perceive and manage their multifaceted identities in the face of divergent work paradigms. It will uncover the implications of these identity dynamics on collaboration, innovation, and conflict within open-source projects that have commercial aims. The work will highlight how identity shapes developers’ approaches to their work and interactions with the community and commercial entities. By elucidating these identity aspects, the thesis will provide deeper insights into the challenges and strategies of developers, contributing to more effective management and support structures in hybrid open-source models.

References

Alexy, O., Henkel, J., & Wallin, M. W. (2013). From closed to open: Job role changes, individual predispositions, and the adoption of commercial open source software development. Research Policy, 42(8), 1325-1340.

Andersen-Gott, M., Ghinea, G., & Bygstad, B. (2012). Why do commercial companies contribute to open source software?. International Journal of Information Management, 32(2), 106-117.

Henkel, J. (2009). Champions of revealing—the role of open source developers in commercial firms. Industrial and Corporate Change, 18(3), 435-471.

Shahrivar, S., Elahi, S., Hassanzadeh, A., & Montazer, G. (2018). A business model for commercial open source software: A systematic literature review. Information and Software Technology, 103, 202-214.