Research Design and Thesis Preparation

mlsmm2201  2025-2026  Mons

Research Design and Thesis Preparation
The version you’re consulting is not final. This course description may change. The final version will be published on 1st June.
2.00 credits
30.0 h + 30.0 h
Q1
Teacher(s)
Language
Main themes
This seminar is intended to help students to carry out their dissertation in better conditions. For this, it aims to give keys to
  1. define their subject of memory
  2. carry out a bibliographic research at scientific level
  3. deepen some methods specific to the field of management
  4. learn to self-correct their writing style
  5. master their oral expression in front of an audience
Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

1 Competencies
Given the « competencies referential » linked to the LSM Master in Management and in Business Engineering, this course mainly develops the following competencies:
  • 2.3 Articulate the acquired knowledge from different areas of management.
  • 2.4 Activate and apply the acquired knowledge accordingly to solve a problem.
  • 3. Analyze and resolve problems in multidisciplinary and complex management situations using a scientific and systematic approach
  • 3.1 Conduct a clear, structured, analytical reasoning by applying, and eventually adapting, scientifically based conceptual frameworks and models, to define and analyze a problem.3.2 Collect, select and analyze relevant information using rigorous, advanced and appropriate methods.
  • 3.3 Consider problems using a systemic and holistic approach: recognize the different aspects of the situation and their interactions in a dynamic process.
  • 3.4 Perceptively synthesize the essential elements of a situation, demonstrating a certain conceptual distance, to diagnose and identify pertinent conclusions.
  • 8. Communicate, converse effectively and convincingly with the stakeholders.
  • 8.1 Express a clear and structured message, both orally and in writing in their mother tongue, in English and ideally, in a third language, adapted to the audience and using context specific communication standards.
  • 8.2 Interact and discuss effectively and respectfully with diverse stakeholders (supervisors, peers, colleagues, clients... ) in face-to­face and group contexts, using both verbal and nonverbal communication skills: demonstrate the ability to listen, empathize, be assertive, provide and accept constructive criticism.
  • 9. Display self-knowledge and independence, able to adapt quickly to new situations and involve positively.
  • 9.1 Independent self-starter: set priorities, anticipate and plan work activities within time constraints, rigorous, structured and thorough, even in changing, uncertain environments or crisis.
  • 9.2 Self-awareness and self-control: be aware of and manage their own emotions, able to be objective about their work and behaviour, and recognize their own strengths and weaknesses, accept them and use them in a professional manner.
  • 9.3 Self-motivation: be capable of creating a project in line with their own values and aspirations, confident and motivated in managing the implementation of the project, and persevere in difficult situations.
  • 9.4 Quick study, lifelong learner: quickly and independently assimilate new information and skills needed to evolve in their professional environment, learn from successes and errors in the spirit of lifelong learning.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to:
  1. Clearly delineate the scope and objectives of their thesis.
  2. Locate and utilize relevant scientific literature.
  3. Justify the methodology for data collection and analysis.
  4. Draft the introduction of their thesis.
 
Content
At the end of the ‘Séminaire d’accompagnement du mémoire’, you will be able to:
1. Delineate clearly what your thesis should be,
2. Find and use relevant scientific literature,
3. Justify your methodology to find and analyse data,
4. Draft the introduction of your thesis.
Teaching methods
You are about to embark on the adventure of writing your thesis. Welcome aboard! 
The Moodle site of the seminar is your tool. It is a companion that will help you start your work efficiently. It will facilitate your way through the preparation of the thesis, which should also facilitate your supervisor’s work! You will progress step by step through the seminar at your own pace, with the support of forums where you can raise questions and you will get answers from your teachers. In addition, there will be three follow-up sessions at the different steps. In these sessions, you will meet the teachers, learn more, and get answers to your questions.
Evaluation methods
Each of the four steps in the seminar includes one assignment.
Only the last one will be graded, but you must pass the other ones (in steps 1, 2 and 3) to get access to the last one.
Criteria and conditions at each step are precisely explained on Moodle.
Other information
The Moodle site is in English, but the forum at each step, as well as the follow-up sessions, leave space for discussions either in French or in English.
This course is similar to "LLSMD2094 - Seminar d'accompagnement du mémoire" for students located in the LLN teaching site
Online resources
The Moodle site of the seminar provides all information and leads you, step by step, from the beginning to the final assessment.
Go to https://moodle.uclouvain.be/course/view.php?id=9590.
Bibliography
CRESWELL, John W. (2012). Educational Research. Planning, Conducting, Quantitative and Qualitative Research. 4th Edition, Pearson.
GAVARD-PERRET, Marie-Laure, GOTTELAND, David, HAON, Christophe, & JOLIBERT, Alain (2012). Méthodologie de la Recherche - Réussir son mémoire ou sa thèse en sciences gestion. 2° édition. Pearson.
SAUNDERS, Mark N.K., LEWIS, Philip, & THORNHILL, Adrian (2015). Research Methods for Business Students, 7th Edition, Prentice Hall.
THIÉTARD, Raymond-Alain (2014). Méthode de recherche en management. 4° Ed. Dunod.
Faculty or entity


Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Learning outcomes
Master [120] in Management

Master [120] : Business Engineering

Master [120] in Management (with work-linked-training)