Master Thesis Strengthen Governance and Internal Controls Across Global Operations

Toyota Industries Europe (TIE) is the European holding company of Toyota Industries Corporations (TICO) based in Japan. TIE hosts business units such as Vanderlande Toyota Material Handling Europe andviastore.

TIE has more than 20000 employees. Our business units are primarilyoperatingin the material handling and intralogistics area. We havepresence in all major European markets. Although our business has its roots in Europe approximately 15% of our operations are conducted outside the continent with a primary focus on the United States and Asia. We are now building up the capability in TIE to support our business units to drive synergies andoptimizecorporate services improve corporate governance and build critical competence for the entire group.

About The Thesis

Our Internal audit team in Europe is launching an initiative to enhance transparency risk awareness and ethical business practices across our global operations.

While the company currently uses an Internal Control Questionnaire (ICQ) to assess internal controls we believe there is room to make this tool more effective in identifying key risks and opportunities for improvement.

This project offers a unique opportunity for students to work on a real-world business challenge collaborating with Global Internal Audit team in reviewing the current control environment and ICQ assessing how well existing controls address business risks and exploring new ways to improve the design relevance and impact of internal control processes.

We welcome creative analytical and forward-thinking students who want to contribute ideas that strengthen our companys governance enhance efficiency and promote ethical business practices.

Thesis Objectives

The main objective of this project is to strengthen the companys internal control and governance framework by assessing the current control environment and identifying opportunities for improvement across global entities.

More specifically the project aims to:

1. Assess the Current Control Environment Review how the Internal Control Questionnaire (ICQ) and related assessment processes are applied across the group.
2. Identify Improvement Opportunities: Explore enhancements that could make the ICQ more dynamic relevant and value-adding.
3. Develop Practical Recommendations: Propose initiatives or tools that could strengthen the companys control environment
4. Encourage Innovation and Fresh Thinking: Bring new perspectives to the Internal Audit function by exploring new ideas.

Your Contribution

By the end of the internship or thesis we expect you to deliver:

• Adiagnostic assessmentsummarizing key findings from the review of the control environment and ICQ including identified root causes gaps and improvement areas.
• Recommendations and improvement proposalsthat enhance the ICQs ability to capture key risks strengthen governance and support continuous improvement.
• A conceptual framework prototype or toolsuch as a redesigned questionnaire dashboard or model that promotes better visibility and proactive risk management.
• A shortpresentation or reportsummarizing how academic insights and innovative ideas can contribute to strengthening the companys internal control environment and governance framework.

Your Profile

We are looking for:

Active and motivated students from various disciplines who are eager to apply their knowledge to a real-world business challenge and contribute to both the company and society.

• Currently studying a Masters degree in Business Administration Accounting Finance Management Industrial Engineering IT/ Data Analytics or related fields.
• Interested in topics such as risk management fraud prevention process improvement governance or ethical business practices.
• Analytical structured and proactive with strong problem-solving skills.
• Curious to learn how large organizations manage risks controls and transparency across multiple entities.

What We Offer

• A unique opportunity to conduct your thesis with our TIE internal audit team in Europe working alongside experienced professionals who will guide and support you throughout your thesis
• Apply your academic knowledge in a real-world setting.
• Explore the internal audit profession within one of the worlds leading multinational enterprises.
• Build valuable experience and professional connections.
• Potentially open doors to future career opportunities at our company.
• Support and mentorship throughout the thesis process.

Practical Information

• Start date: January 2026
• Duration: 20 weeks (full-time)
• Location: Linköping / Mjölby Sweden
• Compensation: According to ToyotaIndustriesEuropes policy for thesis students.

Your Application

Send your application as soon as possible and no later than November 30th 2025. We review applications continuously so dont wait to apply. Were not looking for perfect. Were looking for curious courageous creative minds who want to MOVE the World with us.

Applications should include:

• CV
• A short personal letter
• Transcript of records

For more information about this thesis topic please contact Internal AuditorApinya Nilsson;

If you need help or have questions about your application please contact Recruitment Specialist Victoria Östryd Söderlind;

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