1. Selection of a relevant empirical or theoretical issue/ phenomenon to analyze-- contingent upon the approval of the tutor regarding the research question. 2. Connecting the respective question to the extant literature and existing theories in the field of sustainable development and global governance. 3. Elaborating a research design that allows an efficient and rigorous analysis of the issue/phenomenon that is subject to research. 4. Clearly defining and operationalizing the concepts; collecting and/or generating data. 5. Analyzing the data at hand and/or carrying out a theoretical analysis in close dialogue with the accumulated knowledge in the respective field. 6. Organizing the thesis clearly. 7. Writing the thesis, presenting the data, findings and arguments in an effective and rigorous way. 8. Defending the thesis before a designated jury and responding to the questions that might be raised by the members of the jury.