Assessment of Bachelor Thesis – Opponent
Study programme:International Economic Relations Field of study:International Business
Academic year:2021/2022
Bachelor Thesis Topic:The effect of Dieselgate on German automotive industry Author’s name:Albert Silaev
Ac. Consultant’s Name:Ing. Eva Křenková, Ph.D.
Opponent:Ing. Iveta Černá, Ph.D.
Criterion Mark
(1–4)
1. Overall objective achievement 4
2. Logical structure 3
3. Using of literature, citations 4
4. Adequacy of methods used 4
5. Depth of analysis 3
6. Self-reliance of author 3
7. Formal requirements: text, graphs, tables 4
8. Language and stylistics 2
Comments and Questions:
The topic that the author selected remains up-to-date. Yet I consider the goal of the thesis too ambitious (“…to evaluate whether the “dieselgate” scandal stimulated the sales and development of electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles whilst depicting how dieselgate affected the production strategy of
Volkswagen“). Its fulfilment very likely requires the regression analysis, for there many control variables that might have contributed to the spread of electromobility and such (EU policy, emissions trading, evolution of oil prices, …). The chapter dedicated to the strategy of Volkswagen that is expected to embody the core of thesis, is too short.
The format of the thesis is unsatisfactory – numbering of pages is missing, many figures and charts are just copy-and-paste from the source etc. The sources of Fig. 1, 2.5, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, and 3.6 are not indicated at all. The citation style is inappropriate. The conclusion is merely half a page long and does not include a straightforward answer to the question implicitly incorporated into the thesis objective.
All in all, the current format of the thesis gives the impression that it was written in a rush. It should have been given more time and care before it had been actually submitted.
I recommend good or fail depending on the thesis defence.
- What you consider your own personal value added to the topic and why?
- Is the electromobility genuinely ”green” vis-à-vis diesel engines and viable to expand throughout the whole EU?
Conclusion: The Bachelor Thesis is recommended for the defence.
Suggested Grade: 3
Date: 01/09/2021 Ing. Iveta Černá, Ph.D.
Opponent
