Assessment of Master Thesis – Opponent
Study programme:International Economic Relations Field of study:International Trade
Academic year:2021/2022
Master Thesis Topic:Trading in agricultural commodities with the use of Organized Exchange principles Author’s name:Bc. Mykola Kovalenko
Ac. Consultant’s Name:doc. Ing. Josef Taušer, Ph.D.
Opponent:Ing. Radek Čajka, Ph.D.
Criterion Mark
(1–4)
1. Overall objective achievement 3
2. Logical structure 2
3. Using of literature, citations 3
4. Adequacy of methods used 3
5. Depth of analysis 3
6. Self-reliance of author 3
7. Formal requirements: text, graphs, tables 2
8. Language and stylistics 2
Comments and Questions:
This submitted diploma thesis deals with a topic of agricultural commodities trading on organized exchanges. It is important to note that the name of the thesis (in the document) differs slightly from the name in InSIS. This should not happen.
I couldn’t understand properly what the goal of the thesis was, since the author illustrates what the thesis deals with, what it focuses on and what the purpose is. Unfortunately, each of the discussion is a bit different and mainly in terms of the purpose not achieved. That is a weak point of the thesis. The extent of the thesis is acceptable, but on the lower limit.
Second chapter of the thesis doesn’t address properly the need for a relevant literature review. It is mostly about basic characteristics and definitions. Current demands are more ambitious. The third chapter doesn’t deliver what it promises (relevant trends). It mostly deals with stating different organized exchanges. Surprisingly, quite a lot of text is dedicated to the situation in the Czech Republic, which doesn’t set any trends in commodity trading. The case study on Iran is interesting, but doesn’t go into details. And the choice is a bit odd, when we again consider purpose of the thesis.
All in all, I consider this thesis to be below average, but still acceptable in case of a good defense.
I suggest the gradegood. Questions for the defense:
1. What are the global trends in commodity trading?
2. How about the modern technologies, how do they influence commodity trading? Are they different for situations of physical and non-physical trading?
Conclusion: The Master Thesis is recommended for the defence.
Suggested Grade: 3
Date: 06/09/2021 Ing. Radek Čajka, Ph.D.
Opponent
