Learning outcomes

As regards the skills worked on, the dissertation mainly develops knowledge management, reasoning, scientific approach, communication and personal development. In some cases, it can also develop other skills such as acting as a socially responsible actor on the one hand, and innovating and undertaking on the other. To a lesser extent, the dissertation develops the other competences of the competence framework, namely acting in an international and multicultural context, working in a team and exercising team leadership.

Goals

The preparation of the dissertation is a key activity at the end of the 2nd cycle of study in the Master of Management programmes. The extensive research involved leads to a significant amount of writing. The completion and final presentation of the text represents a considerable effort, the extent of which is sometimes underestimated at the outset. Generally speaking, the main objective of the dissertation is to identify a problem, define one or more research questions, develop a methodological approach to answer them, apply a rigorous scientific approach and draw conclusions, solutions and recommendations.

Content

The content of a thesis varies from programme to programme and from specialisation to specialisation. In general, however, the following two conditions must be met for the completion of a Master's thesis 1° The dissertation must be based on a critical review of the theoretical knowledge and methods specific to the subject treated in the dissertation. The theoretical foundations of the work must be clearly presented and discussed. 2° The dissertation must include systematic empirical work aimed at producing original results. This work may consist, for example, of the collection or production of new data, the original exploitation of existing data or the application of an existing methodology to a new field. The methodology used must be clearly explained. The choice of the dissertation topic is made at the beginning of the second semester of the first year of the Master 120 or at the end of the first semester of the Master 60. The student may choose a subject from a list proposed by the academics or suggest a personal subject to a thesis director. Most dissertations are written in French. However, with the agreement of the dissertation director, the student may write it in English if he/she has the skills. The dissertation can be linked to a work placement. With some exceptions, the rule of a maximum of 80 pages, excluding annexes, is in force.

Assessment method

The dissertation is defended during an oral presentation before a jury, composed of the dissertation director, one or two rapporteurs, depending on the case, and possibly a chairman. The defence generally consists of 15-20 minutes of presentation, 15-20 minutes of questions and answers and, finally, 15-20 minutes of deliberation. The jury evaluates both the written and the oral defence on the basis of the following criteria • Scientific approach (Are the theoretical foundations adequate, sufficiently explained and rigorously developed? Are the techniques used well chosen and correctly implemented? Is the overall coherence of the work well achieved? Etc.) • Autonomy (How much autonomy did the student demonstrate throughout the work?) • Applicability (Is the brief relevant to the decision and application?) • Originality (How original is the student's approach?) • Form (Is the brief written in a clear, concise and pleasant manner? Are the different parts well articulated?) • Defence (Did the public defence change the assessment that could be made on the basis of the brief alone (clarity of presentation, mastery of the subject)? At the end of the oral defence, the jury sets an overall mark for the whole teaching unit. The dissertation director then gives feedback on the assessment to the student.

Sources, references and any support material

See Brochures/miscellaneous notes on writing a brief (BVE).

Language of instruction

Français