Course Learning Objectives
The Master Project is a key component of the MSc Programmes in Management and is the last academic requirement that the participants in the different MSc Programmes in Management in Esade have to fulfill before they are conferred their degree.
A Master Thesis is a major research paper aimed at demonstrating the participant's research abilities. Participants choose the subject of their thesis and develop an original and individual work, formulating research questions and applying research theories and methodologies to provide a contribution to Management Science. This contribution can be a new perspective on an existing theory, the application of a theory in a real case or the solving of a research question through fieldwork.
More specifically, the learning objectives are:
- To effectively use research methods to collect and curate information that is useful in answering significant business questions
- To effectively communicate research results in both a written (thesis paper) and oral (defense) form
- To develop the discipline to work with autonomy
- To foster the ability to make managerial decisions based on rigorous evidence
- To understand the value, purpose, and methodologies of insightful research
CONTENT
1. Modalities of Master Thesis The MSc thesis can have three different modalities:
¿ Theoretical: based on an extended literature review and an original synthesis or a new perspective on a topic
¿ Empirical: based on original fieldwork conducted by participants using qualitative/quantitative methodologies
¿ Research Case Study: based on studying in depth a certain theme or issue in a single organization (or small number of organizations) |
2. Possible Components of your thesis The structure of your global business thesis will be determined by your research approach in consultation with your advisor/tutor and any other faculty readers. The outline below is for your information and is not meant necessarily to be used. This is simply one example for a possible structure for your thesis.
Title page (separate page)
Abstract (separate page)
Table of Contents or Index (separate page)
Table of Figures and Tables (separate page)
Introduction
Background of the Research and discussion of your global business topic
Discussion of the areas of the world and their role in addressing your global business topic
Discussion of the research approach, design, or methodology
Presentation of results of the research
Discussion of the results
Contribution to knowledge and to global business
Conclusion
Endnotes (separate section)
References Cited (separate section)
Tables (separate section)
Appendix (separate section)
The structure above may not be appropriate for all theses. Should you elect to use this structure, the section titles should be altered to best reflect you¿re the content of your thesis. You should also consider sub-sections within the main sections shown above.
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Methodology
Writing a Master Thesis Materials
A set of materials has been prepared to provide you with tools and resources to successfully plan and write your MSc Thesis. In particular it will help you to:
- Choose a right research question
- Structuring a Research Based Case or a Teaching case
- Providing useful tips to improve academic writing with special emphasis in conceptual MSc thesis
- Helping you to perform a successful literature search using academic databases
- Knowing the main research methodologies (either quantitative or qualitative) that you may use to answer your research question.
Your tutor
A tutor appointed by Esade will supervise your MSc thesis. The main objective of the tutor will be to provide you with the necessary guidance and feedback to ensure that you produce the best possible quality paper. In particular your tutor will be a member of the Board of Examiners that will grade your final paper, and he will also give you feedback and grade your Research Proposal, and your first draft.
