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Department of Business Administration Chair of Business Economics with a Focus on Personnel Economics and the Economics of (Vocational) Education

BA-/MA-Theses

If you are interested in writing a BA or MA thesis at the chair, please read carefully Thesis guideline (PDF, 117 KB) which provides information on how to apply.

At the moment, we have the following thesis topics available:

1. Occupational Choice in Switzerland

For this topic, you will take part in the preparations of one of our research projects or analyze already collected data, depending on your skills and preferences. These projects take place in the field and through online surveys. Tasks might include coding, conducting, and analyzing a survey among a sample of adolescents in Switzerland, as well as field work.

Current project themes include:

  • Stereotypes in occupational choice
  • The role of parents in children's career decisions
  • Social skills
  • Health and care professions

These projects are conducted via field studies and online surveys.

Possible tasks:

  • Coding, conducting, and analyzing a survey among a sample of adolescents in Switzerland
  • Field work

Required skills:

  • Good programming skills
  • Preferably proficiency in German (basic German is acceptable)

2. Demand Forecasting Using Machine Learning and Panel Data Methods

This topic involves working with detailed sales data from a large restaurant chain. The goal is to investigate and compare methods from the recent machine learning literature to forecast demand shifts over the day (ideally at an hourly level).

Your tasks may include:

  • Understanding the structure of large-scale panel data
  • Selecting and implementing forecasting models
  • Comparing machine learning models performance hourly and daily level

The specific methods and depth of analysis can be adapted to whether this is a Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis.

Required skills:

  • Advanced knowledge of econometrics
  • Completion of an introductory machine learning course
  • Strong programming skills

3. Teamwork and Productivity in Sales Contexts

For this topic, you will use sales data and survey data from a firm to examine whether team composition influences total productivity.

Opportunities include:

  • Defining your own research questions
  • Developing an empirical strategy
  • Conducting data analysis with real-world firm data

Required skills:

  • At least beginner (ideally advanced) knowledge of econometrics
  • Good programming skills