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At university, writing a dissertation and defending it at the end of the course is an unavoidable ritual of passage. Previously less accustomed to this exercise, more and more students in business or management schools are now required to submit this work at the end of their studies. Let's take a look together at the pedagogical interests of the Master's thesis, its construction and the principles to be respected in order to produce a quality work.

Why write a Master's thesis?

Fundamentally different from internship reports in their approach, but less demanding than PhD thesis, Master's thesis offer you the opportunity to carry out a research project at the end of your studies. This experience is an opportunity to take a step back and conduct in-depth reflection by adopting a scientific approach. Mentioned on your CV, the subject of a thesis is proof that you have acquired solid expertise on a specific subject. For the jury, this exercise enables them to assess the analytical capacity and critical thinking of future graduates.

The main steps to prepare your Master thesis

Defining your subject and problematic

The first step, and perhaps the most delicate, is to choose a subject that is both relevant to your training and linked to your professional project. Next, you need to think about a problem that can be addressed in terms of issues and perspectives.

 

Drawing up a plan for your dissertation

If your problematic is sufficiently well-developed, you will not have too much difficulty in constructing a coherent plan. Generally, the first part of your dissertation is devoted to a review of the literature at your disposal, and the second to fieldwork: qualitative research, interviews with clients, consumers, experts, professionals, etc.

 

Conducting the field study

The field study is the empirical part of the dissertation and consists of collecting quantitative or qualitative data to be used. To carry it out, you must apply a scientific methodology and stick to it. This is probably the part of the exercise where you will have the least guidance, but if you are organised and diligent, you should be fine.

 

Moving on to writing the dissertation

The last stage before the defence is the writing. All you have to do is articulate your ideas in a coherent way that respects the initial plan, although a few adjustments are often essential. Be rigorous, precise and show that you have mastered the exercise by respecting the methodology, always justifying your statements with bibliographical references. Once this stage has been completed, all you have to do is prepare your defence.

Good practices for writing a Master thesis

Respect the methodology

In the course of your higher education, there will be no exercise that really resembles the writing of a dissertation. You will need to learn a new methodology to produce a legitimate piece of work. Your thinking must be focused on a specific subject and contribute to the growth of knowledge by enrichment, confirmation or refutation. Don't be afraid if these terms are not yet familiar to you because most of the time, and this is the case at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ, you will first take courses in research methodology which will allow you to adopt the right approach.

 

Consult your supervisor/tutor at every stage

Generally, thesis directors or tutors are assigned to students at the beginning of the year. Their role is to help you at every stage, from the start of your research project to the final defence before the jury. Their experience will be particularly useful when choosing your topic, defining your problem and establishing your plan. Check in regularly throughout your course.

 

Organising your timetable

Between the last few weeks of your course, the end-of-study internship and the prospect of getting your first job, the end of your course promises to be busy. However, in some schools, such as ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ, all students in the Programme Grande Ecole MSc or MBA programmes are required to write and defend a thesis. It is therefore essential to devote a significant part of your time to your dissertation and not to wait until the last month before the deadline to get serious about it.

 

Careful writing

 

There is no need to use figures of speech or to write too convolutedly, get straight to the point. Each sentence should serve your purpose and give strength to your demonstration. Remember to cite your sources, provide details at the bottom of the page and balance the different parts of your brief. Write your introduction at the very end of the exercise and, above all, proofread it!