Theses and Research Projects
Please make sure that you have read our guidelines before applying for a topic.
Requirements
If you want to write a bachelor thesis with us
Attendance and successful completion of the class "Introduction to Value Chain Economics (WI00108)" is required. This class is offered in both summer and winter semesters.
If you want to write a master thesis with us
Attendance and successful completion of at least one of our classes "Food Economics", "Value Chain Economics" or one of our "Advanced seminars" is strongly recommended. Alternatively, students need to provide evidence of having acquired some knowledge in the thesis' topic through other coursework, internships etc.
For topics related to agricultural and environmental policy, it is advisable to attend at least one of the courses "Environmental and Natural Resource Economics", "Agrar- und Agrarumweltpolitik" or "International Commodity Markets and Trade Policy."
If you want to write a Research project with us: including Project Studies (TUM-BWL) and Interdisciplinary Project (IDP)
We are open to supervise discipline-specific and interdisciplinary projects and welcome students from all backgrounds (e.g., food technology, ecology, medicine, nutrition, IT, engineering; agriculture; sustainable resource management etc.). Attendance and successful completion of one of the classes "Food Economics", "Value Chain Economics" or one of the "Advanced seminars" offered by the chair is recommended. Alternatively, students need to provide evidence of having acquired some knowledge in the research project's topic through other coursework, internships etc. For Project Studies (TUM-BWL) and Interdisciplinary Project (IDP), see also: https://www.ep.mgt.tum.de/en/ep/teaching/idp-project-studies-theses/
Application
We supervise theses related to our current projects and research areas. These include: Food labels; Certifications; Private Governance Initiatives in the Agro-Food Sector; Origin-based labels and regional food; Geographical Indications; Consumer food behavior; Food information and education; Nutritional value of food; Unfair trading practices; Transparency in agro-food supply chains; Regional and global agro-food value chains; Alternative and sustainable agro-food value chains; Sustainable technology adoption by SMEs; Smallholder access to high-quality food markets; Agricultural policy; Environmental policy related to agriculture; International trade in agriculture.
To apply for a research project, bachelor or master thesis, please email Prof. Menapace at luisa.menapace@tum.de briefly explaining your interests. Please also attach, your CV and the transcript of records. For topics related to agricultural and environmental policy, please contact Dr. Thilo Glebe at thilo.glebe@tum.de.
Current Thesis Topics
Growing Conditions for Quinoa: A Review (and Data Collection) for Land Suitability Analysis (Bachelor: working with literature, Master: compiling data and creating a conceptual framework)
Abstract: . The student will conduct a literature review about the optimal growing conditions for quinoa, including temperature, precipitation, soil types, and nutrient requirements. This review and data will serve as the basis for the development of suitability criteria and thresholds, providing essential inputs for land suitability models and mapping.
Mapping the Climatic Suitability for Quinoa Cultivation in Germany (Bachelor, experience with GIS tools recommended; multiple topics possible)
Abstract: The student will use geospatial analysis tools to analyse climatic data (temperature, precipitation, soil types) to determine the most suitable regions in Germany for quinoa cultivation.
Incorporating Externalities in Agricultural Cost-Benefit Analysis: A Framework for Positive and Negative Impacts(Systematic Literature Review)
Abstract: This thesis will explore methods for including both positive (e.g., carbon sequestration, ecosystem services) and negative (e.g., pollution, soil degradation) externalities in agricultural cost-benefit analyses. The student will review existing literature and develop a framework that quantifies these externalities for more comprehensive evaluations.