A thesis is much more than the final step of a degree programme. At its best, it offers an opportunity to explore a real development challenge, strengthen professional expertise, and create tangible value for working life. At NYAB, theses are carried out in close connection with practical projects, giving students the opportunity to work on topics that truly matter.
One example is the thesis completed by Jenni Autio, a Site Manager at NYAB, which focused on developing quality awareness in infrastructure projects. The work was supervised by Enna Ruonala, Site Engineer at NYAB, and the topic was developed based on the company’s needs.
A work-life-oriented topic inspired by everyday challenges
The idea for the thesis emerged from Jenni’s day-to-day work. It was important for her to choose a topic that was genuinely relevant to her daily responsibilities.
“I wanted to do a work-life-oriented thesis with a clear connection to practical work,” Jenni says.
The chosen topic was quality, a key factor in both construction and the successful delivery of infrastructure projects. Through her experience in project work, Jenni became interested in how quality could be strengthened in practice and how quality-related deviations could be prevented before they occur.
From NYAB’s perspective, the topic was equally important. According to Enna, quality development is directly linked to the company’s goal of delivering high-quality work and providing the best possible service to its customers.
“Jenni had strong practical experience in project work and a genuine interest in quality development. Bringing her perspective into our quality improvement efforts was highly valuable for us.”
Supporting learning and business development
The primary objective of the thesis was to improve quality awareness and increase understanding of what quality means in project execution. It also examined how a shared understanding of quality can be extended across the entire delivery chain, including subcontractors.
The topic is particularly relevant in the construction industry, where digitalisation, measurement data, machine control systems and information management have further increased the importance of quality. Today, quality is no longer limited to inspecting the final outcome. It is visible throughout every stage of a project, from planning and execution to documentation and handover.
At NYAB, the goal of thesis projects is to find solutions to real development needs.
“The idea was that the thesis would become more than just a report. We wanted it to create a framework that could be utilised in the future as well,” Enna explains.
Collaboration plays a key role
Although a thesis is ultimately an independent project, collaboration is essential to its success. According to Jenni, the most challenging part of the process was narrowing down the scope of the topic.
“Quality is such a broad subject that finding the right perspective required time and a lot of discussion.”
The supervisor’s role was primarily to act as a sounding board and help turn a broad topic into a manageable and focused project.
“I wanted to support the process by helping to define the scope and ensuring that the work remained practical while still meeting the academic requirements of a thesis,” Enna says.
The collaboration was supported by their previous experience of working together on projects. Open dialogue, a straightforward feedback culture and mutual trust helped the work progress smoothly throughout the process.
Results that create lasting value
The completed thesis provided NYAB with a structured framework for developing quality awareness and a foundation for future training materials. One of its key messages is that quality development is not a one-off initiative but an integral part of everyday work and collaboration.
The results can be utilised, for example, in internal training and in the further development of quality management practices for future projects. At the same time, the work supports continued development in areas such as digital information management, the use of measurement data, and digital twins.
An opportunity to make an impact while studying
Both Jenni and Enna encourage students to take on work-life-oriented thesis projects. They offer an opportunity to deepen expertise, solve real development challenges and make a tangible contribution to an organisation.
Jenni’s most important piece of advice for students is to plan the topic carefully.
“Define the scope clearly, create a realistic schedule and choose a topic that genuinely interests you.”
According to Enna, thesis projects also provide companies with an opportunity to explore development needs in depth while supporting the professional growth of the student carrying out the work.
At NYAB, theses are seen as a way to connect studies and working life in a manner that benefits everyone involved. At their best, they generate new perspectives, practical development ideas and expertise that continue to deliver value long after the thesis has been completed.