Benchmarking of thesis research: a case study

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the process of the thesis research in the industrial engineering related master's programmes in Chalmers University of Technology for benchmarking implementation in Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch (IAU-STB), taking into consideration the different conditions of two universities and respective countries of Sweden and Iran. Design/methodology/approach - In this research, case study strategy was employed. In total, 17 thesis reports from 2003 to 2006 and other related published/web-based documents were studied to explore the theses' execution procedure, research method and report organization. To gain primary data, some interviews were carried out. Qualitative research method, along with descriptive statistical method was used to illustrate structural points. Findings - The results of the study help to develop group work in thesis execution, to identify the role of qualitative strategy in industrial engineering research, and to adopt a flexible approach in organization of thesis report provided that some mandatory regulations are followed. In addition, it helps to build research-oriented inter disciplinary departments vs traditional education-oriented departments on the basis of the requirements of ongoing socio-economic processes in national economy. Research limitations/implications - The acquired knowledge has been partly adapted and adopted by departments of industrial engineering in IAU-STB. The main implication is the need to explore how the entire industrial engineering departments (IEDs) in Iranian universities can efficiently and effectively adapt and adopt such knowledge for thesis research. Practical implications - This work provides effective assistance for IEDs in Iranian universities embarking on their benchmarking journey on thesis research. Originality/value - This study represents a knowledge gap and offers practical help to IEDs in Iranian universities to leverage the skills and expertise of their faculty members together with the talents of their students and consequently to maintain and enhance their thesis research capability.