Designing and Managing Research Projects

llsma2010  2026-2027  Louvain-la-Neuve

Designing and Managing Research Projects
The version you’re consulting is not final. This course description may change. The final version will be published on 1st June.
5.00 credits
15.0 h
Q2
Language
English
Prerequisites
N/A
Main themes
This course introduces students to the essential stages of the research project lifecycle, from problem identification to project execution. It emphasizes how to formulate clear research questions, define objectives and hypotheses, and anchor them within theoretical frameworks.
Students will learn to design rigorous research protocols, select appropriate methodological approaches, and plan resources, timelines and milestones effectively. The course also covers project management tools - such as Gantt charts, risk assessment frameworks, and contingency planning, as well as good practices for collaboration, supervision and progress monitoring.
By the end of the seminar, students will be able to prepare a structured research plan, design a research project aligned with academic standards, and present their proposal with confidence and clarity.
Learning outcomes

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

1
  • Understand and explain the key stages of a research project lifecycle, from ideation to dissemination.
  • Formulate clear, relevant and researchable questions grounded in theory.
  • Identify gaps in literature and define coherent objectives and hypotheses.
  • Design a structured research protocol and select appropriate methodological approaches.
  • Plan resources, timelines, and milestones using standard project management tools.
  • Assess risks and develop contingency strategies to ensure project feasibility.
  • Work effectively within supervision and collaboration dynamics.
  • Apply principles of responsible, ethical, and sustainable research planning.
  • Prepare and produce all the required materials to complete a doctoral admission application or a doctoral scholarship submission
Contribution of the teaching unit to the LSM Learning Outcomes framework of the program:
  • Knowledge and reasoning
  • Scientific and systematic approach
  • Personal and professional development.
 
Content
This course has four main objectives:
  1. Framing a Research Problem
    • Identifying gaps in the literature
    • Defining research objectives and hypotheses
    • Aligning research questions with theoretical frameworks
    • Positioning a research project within an existing body of knowledge
  2. Structuring a Research Project
    • Designing a research protocol
    • Choosing qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methodologies
    • Constructing variables and defining data needs
    • Planning data collection and analysis strategies
  3. Project Management Tools
    • Develop Gantt charts, milestones, and deliverables
    • Resource allocation and timeline planning
    • Risk assessment and contingency planning
    • Collaboration and supervision dynamics
  4. Writing a doctoral admission file
    • Gather and produce all the required materials to complete a doctoral admission application or a doctoral scholarship submission.
Teaching methods
This course uses a combination of teaching methods:
  • Lectures and guided discussions
  • Case studies and practical exercises
  • Group work and peer feedback
  • Workshops on writing, planning, and pitching
  • Interactive sessions on project management tools
Evaluation methods
Students are assessed on a continuous basis, including:
  1. Group activities: reading, analyzing, presenting and discussing scientific articles and research projects;
  2. Individual assignments: developing a robust research project and preparing a detailed research plan.
  3. Oral presentation: pitching a doctoral research project.
  4. Class participation.
By the end of this seminar, students will be able to:
  • Prepare a structured and coherent research plan.
  • Write a research project aligned with academic standards.
  • Pitch their doctoral research proposal effectively.
Important note: By submitting an assignment for evaluation, students affirm that (i) the work accurately reflects the verified facts—particularly when generative AI tools are used, which must be explicitly acknowledged—and (ii) all requirements, including those related to transparency and documentation, have been fully met.
Failure to respect these commitments, whether intentionally or through negligence, constitutes a violation of academic integrity and will be treated as academic misconduct.
Online resources
All teaching materials are available on Moodle, including:
  • PowerPoint slides and/or screencasts
  • Scientific articles
  • Case studies
  • Templates for research plans, Gantt charts, and project management tools
Bibliography
A reading list will be provided on Moodle.
Faculty or entity
> CLSM


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

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Learning outcomes
Master [120] in Management
GEST2M
5