Duration
Methods for Rigorous Research in Management and Economics : 24h Th
Master Thesis and Internship: Regulations and Procedures : 6h Th
Number of credits
Lecturer
Methods for Rigorous Research in Management and Economics : Frédéric Dufays, Jérome Schoenmaeckers
Master Thesis and Internship: Regulations and Procedures : Frédéric Dufays, Jérome Schoenmaeckers
Coordinator
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
All year long, with partial in January
If a student fails an examination during the first term:
- They are permitted to resit the assessed subject during the second term (May-June);
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
Methods for Rigorous Research in Management and Economics
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of the scientific method as a systematic approach to knowledge production. Emphasis is placed on the formulation of research questions, literature search and review, research design, qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, and the interpretation of empirical findings. Students will critically examine the criteria that distinguish scientific inquiry from other modes of thought, as well as the epistemological and ethical foundations of research. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the basic conceptual and methodological tools necessary to evaluate scientific claims and to apply rigorous reasoning within diverse academic and professional contexts.
Master Thesis and Internship: Regulations and Procedures
The content covered as part of this one-credit course will familiarize you with the rules and requirements governing the master's thesis and internship.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
Methods for Rigorous Research in Management and Economics
At the end of the course, the student will be able to:
- develop a research question and/or problem situation,
- find appropriate scientific literature,
- articulate a literature review,
- choose and justify research methods to answer the research question,
- navigate through the basic legal and ethical requirements to ensure scientific integrity (including an appropriate use of AI tools).
Furthermore, the student will understand:
- how to write a research or project thesis at HEC Liège,
- how to apply for and conduct an internship in the framework of their curriculum at HEC Liège.
Master Thesis and Internship: Regulations and Procedures
Administrative requirements relating to the master's thesis and internships, guidance on how to prepare a CV, and various opportunities to meet potential employers and internship providers.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Methods for Rigorous Research in Management and Economics
This course is taught in English and includes interaction moments. Therefore, a good command of English is required
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Methods for Rigorous Research in Management and Economics
Mixed method:
- face-to-face (introduction, qualitative/quantitative methods, etc.)
- flipped classroom with video clips and question-and-answer sessions (mainly in the first semester, as some students are on Erasmus)
Master Thesis and Internship: Regulations and Procedures
This will consist of an in-person session during which the Vice-Dean for Academic Affairs will present the requirements for master's theses (both project-based and research-based) and internships. The Alumni team will also be present to provide advice on finding an internship.
In addition to this in-person session, activities organized by Campus Recruitment will be available, and you will be required to participate in at least one of them.
Other optional activities include:
- Trip to Luxembourg - A one-day visit to two or three companies in Luxembourg, including meetings with recruiters and business professionals, presentations of career opportunities and company premises, and activities related to corporate values. Participants may potentially receive an internship or job offer following the event.
- EY Company of the Year - Presentation of the Company of the Year in Brussels. We generally invite students who are members of an OIC or actively involved in the School to meet participating companies during the evening. This provides an initial networking opportunity.
- Rallye Ostbelgien - TBC - Visits to companies located in Belgium's German-speaking Community, generally followed by drinks and a networking evening. This activity is particularly suitable for students who are comfortable speaking German and wish to find an internship and develop their professional network in the region.
- Journées de l'économie in Lyon - Attendance at the economics conference held in Lyon in November, particularly intended for economics students.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Methods for Rigorous Research in Management and Economics
Blended learning
Master Thesis and Internship: Regulations and Procedures
Face-to-face course
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Methods for Rigorous Research in Management and Economics
Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus
Master Thesis and Internship: Regulations and Procedures
Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus
Methods for Rigorous Research in Management and Economics
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
written exam
Continuous assessment
Further information:
Written work / report
Continuous assessment
Further information:
The final evaluation is composed of two elements:
1. Submission of 2-page literature review, based on min. 10 peer-reviewed references
2. Open-book written examination.
More details on the expectations for these documents are available on eCampus.
Throughout the course, some quizzes are provided on eCampus. These quizzes have a formative aim and do not count for the final grade. Deadlines to take these quizzes are indicative to help students keeping a right pace in their learning. But delay to take them has no impact at all.
Master Thesis and Internship: Regulations and Procedures
Continuous assessment
Further information:
To earn the five credits, students must attend at least one event organized by Campus Recruitment and submit their master's thesis topic and supervisor's name via myThIn. These are mandatory requirements for receiving a grade in the Scientific Methods course.
Work placement(s)
Methods for Rigorous Research in Management and Economics
None
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
Methods for Rigorous Research in Management and Economics
This course is taught jointly with GEST7105 Scientific Methods in Management.
Successful completion of this course is a prerequisite for registering the Master thesis in one's learning programme for the following academic year.
All classes will be recorded but only the classes during the Fall semester (Q1) will be made available online directly. The classes of the Spring semester (Q2) will be made available during the summer, after the June exam session. The whole course will remain available on eCampus until the end of the following academic year as a toolbox to help you in the process of writing your master thesis.
Contacts
Methods for Rigorous Research in Management and Economics
Frédéric Dufays, frederic.dufays@uliege.be
Jérôme Schoenmaecekrs, jerome.schoenmaeckers@uliege.be