To enable the common allocation procedure, there is a fixed timline when it is possible to start writing a seminar paper and when to apply for topics. For a general timeline of this process please refer to this document. Note that the timeline cannot be changed due to individual requirements, e.g., due to time spent abroad or internships. As you can see in the document, it is possible to write the seminar and the master's thesis within one semester both in HWS and FSS.
You must have successfully completed at least one finance course (FIN 5XX) offered by one of the chairs of the Finance Area in order to participate. We typically can consider exam grades from the first exam date of the semester ending just before the start of the seminar. As most topics require to work empirically, some knowledge of statistics and econometrics is useful and participants should be motivated to undertake empirical work. We recommend students to undertake the CC502 course. You should write your seminar paper in English.
The allocation of topics is carried out jointly for the participating chairs. Once the application period starts, you will be required to fill out an online application form indicating your contact details, your grades in FIN 5XX courses as well as your preferences regarding the different topis offered. The assignment is competitive and based on the average grade of your FIN 5XX courses and your priority list from the application form.
It can happen that some students that apply in a given semester cannot be assigned a topic. If the number of applicants exceeds the number of available seminar slots, preference will be given to students with (in this order): higher semester counts, special program requirements and better average finance grades. Note that the probability that you will be assigned a topic will depend on your semester count, your grades as well as the number and characteristics of other applicants. There is generally no guarantee to be able to complete the MMM program within 4 semesters with the exact course combination of your choice.
Most of the topics in Finance require you to work empirically. If you apply for an empirical seminar topic at a chair of the Finance Area and your knowledge about STATA and financial databases is limited, you should also take the course FIN 604 – Stata in Finance that provides you with basic knowledge about programming with STATA and the use of financial databases. Please consult this website for more information. The tutorials typically take place around the start date of the writing phase.
In this course specific topics from the fields of “Corporate Finance” will be dealt with in depth. Students will have to work on the main topic of the seminar in some detail and write a term paper on a specific sub-topic that will be allocated to them. In the seminar, students will present their own paper, discuss another student's paper, and participate actively in the classroom discussions.
Students will learn how to independently work on a research paper. Thus, the seminar paper also serves as preparation for a master thesis. Furthermore, students learn how to present research results and how to contribute to scientific discussions. In an examplary seminar, students will present their own paper, discuss another student's paper, and participate actively in the classroom discussions.
The document How to Write a Seminar Thesis contains the formal guidelines for writing a semianr thesis at the chair of Corporate Finance as well as useful suggestions for the structure and content.
Date | Event | Additional Information |
29.11.2022 | Topics Announcement | See topics here. |
30.11.2022 | Topics Presentation | Chair of Corporate Finance presentation at 3 pm on Zoom ZOOM-Link: https://uni-mannheim.zoom.us/j/62648553435?pwd=SGJMQmdtTWQ1SmJuUkJ3ZHVQK2F0UT09#success |
01.12.2022 – 15.12.2022 | Online Application | Students should submit an online application form indicating their preferences. The corresponding link will be published on the website of the finance area. |
03.01.2023 | Topics Allocation Announcement and Starting Date | The allocation of topics will be published on the website of the finance area. The writing phase begins. |
28.02.2023 | Submission Deadline | The Turnitin information for the online submission will be provided here. |
06.03.2023 – 07.03.2023 | Seminar Presentations | Students present and discuss their work. |