Sustainability Aspects in ICT Engineering Thesis Works

Abstract: An evaluation of thesis reports performed by students from the degree programme Computer Engineering, TIDAB, that was made by UKÄ, The Swedish Higher Education Authority, showed that there was a lack of consideration of environmental and sustainability aspects in the thesis reports, leading to many students not meeting the criteria in the degree objectives regarding this aspect. The purpose of this bachelor thesis is to improve students’ ability in considering the important aspects of sustainability in their thesis works, by providing them with guidelines which they can follow and implement during their thesis work that will enable them to reach the level ‘Very High Quality’. A literature study was performed thoroughly in conjunction with reviewing previous thesis reports and conducting expert interviews as an approach to find a solution to the problem. The outcome of the analysis was three methods that was developed, which the students can use as guidelines in their thesis work. A set of guidelines, a table with skill sets and the SEMAT Essence Kernel card for sustainable development was the resulting methods that will help the students to at minimum accomplish the criteria for ‘High Quality’ on the objective "Demonstrate an understanding of technology capabilities and limitations, its role in society and people’s responsibility for its use, including social and economic aspects, environmental and safety aspects" when the methods are followed.