Accessing Free Credible MBA Theses in Finance and Accounting

Are you in search of a credible and reliable example of an MBA thesis in finance or accounting, but you’re on a budget? Fortunately, there are several avenues to explore for obtaining free or affordable examples. This guide will walk you through the process and highlight some of the key resources available to you.

Exploring Your University's Resources

The first and most logical place to start your search is your own university's publishing service. Most universities have a dedicated service for publishing theses and dissertations written by their graduates. These resources are often extensive and include a wide variety of studies in finance and accounting. To access these, you may need to pay a small fee, which is typically nominal and well worth the investment.

Here are the steps you can follow:

Search your university's online repository or publication service for previously published theses in your area of interest. Use keywords such as "MBA Thesis," "Finance Thesis," and "Accounting Thesis." Contact the university's library or publishing service directly to inquire about accessing these resources. They will guide you through the process and help you find the specific theses you need. Ensure that the theses you access have been peer-reviewed or otherwise verified for reliability. Universities usually have stringent quality control measures in place to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the published work.

Utilizing Inter-Library Loans

If your university does not have the desired theses in its collection, consider using the inter-library loan service. This service allows you to borrow materials from other libraries within your region. Follow these steps for accessing theses through inter-library loan:

Contact your university library and request an inter-library loan for a specific thesis. Provide the library with the title and author of the thesis you are interested in. The library will coordinate with other institutions to borrow the thesis on your behalf. This process may take a few days to a week, so plan accordingly. You will receive the thesis in a digital format or as a physical copy, depending on the availability and your library's preferences.

Scouring Academic Databases and Websites

In addition to your university's resources, there are several academic databases and websites where you can find free or open access MBA theses in finance and accounting. Some popular options include:

RePEc (Research Papers in Economics): A vast repository of academic papers, including many theses and dissertations, in economics, finance, and related fields. OAIster: A union catalog of open access scholarly resources. It’s useful for finding theses and dissertations from various institutions. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global: Although not all theses are open, ProQuest offers a large collection of theses and dissertations, with some available for free.

Considering Online Forums and Student Networks

Finally, consider reaching out to fellow students, alumni, or professional networks. These communities can be invaluable for sharing resources and insights. Here are some steps to take:

Join relevant online forums and groups, such as LinkedIn groups, Facebook groups, or academic forums dedicated to finance or accounting. Engage with the community by posing your request. You might be surprised by the number of members who are willing to share their experiences and document libraries. Consider creating a shared document or repository where members can upload and share the theses they have. This collaborative approach can significantly expand your resources.

Conclusion

By leveraging the resources available at your university, utilizing inter-library loans, exploring academic databases, and engaging with online communities, you can access a wide range of credible and reliable MBA theses in finance and accounting. While some resources may require a small fee, the investment is often well worth the time and effort saved in terms of finding high-quality examples for your own studies.

Keywords: MBA thesis, finance, accounting