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2025-2026 / GEST7114-1

Preparation for the final dissertation in management sciences

Duration

15h Th, 6h Pr

Number of credits

 Master in management, professional focus in general management (H.D.)3 crédits 

Lecturer

Nadia Steils

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

This course aims to raise students' awareness of the scientific approach and to prepare them for the development of their master's thesis. Students will learn about the stages of scientific research and will be introduced to reading and critically assessing scientific articles. They will learn how to evaluate the quality of and search for scientific articles, as well as to understand the notions of internal and external validity. Finally, they will also become familiar with the stages involved in developing their thesis and the different methodologies, namely:

  • Structuring and planning a thesis project

  • Writing a convincing literature review

  • Making informed theoretical and methodological choices

  • Presenting and discussing research findings

  • Developing critical thinking

  • Explaining and justifying one's choices

  • Strengthening writing and presentation skills

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course consists of:

  • theoretical sessions and in-class application activities,

  • digital resources (an interactive podcast-based learning path),

  • a portfolio for the development of the master's thesis topic,

  • individual coaching sessions.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Blended learning


Further information:

Lectures will be delivered both in person and online.

Individual meeting sessions will be organized via Teams.

Course materials and recommended or required readings

Written work / report

Continuous assessment


Further information:

Participation in the serious game and submission of a group report (5 students per group) - 70%

  • Students work in teams on the serious game during the final session of the course.

  • At the end of the game, each group submits a report.

Individual portfolio (30%)

  • Each student develops an individual portfolio, serving as preparation for their development plan.

  • The assessment of the portfolio focuses primarily on whether it is completed in accordance with the guidelines and submitted on time, rather than on the detailed content of the thesis project.

/!\ Completing the portfolio and participating in both components of the course (serious game and portfolio) are mandatory to pass the course.

Resit session

Students will be required to analyze an article, following the same approach as in the serious game. The work must be submitted individually (70%). The portfolio must also be completed (30%).

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

Contacts

Nadia Steils - Associate Professor of Marketing

nadia.steils@uliege.be

Association of one or more MOOCs