MASTERS THESIS

STUDENT GUIDE
2011 2012 ACADEMIC YEAR 2011-2012

Update : September 2011

The purpose of this guide is to help students in their final academic year through the process of identifying a subject for a Masters Thesis, conducting research, writing the dissertation, choosing a committee and defending the thesis. Rather than a specialized disciplinary approach, this guide gives prescriptive advice on matters of form, structure, policy and academic integrity.

INDEX
THESIS FORMAT AND STRUCTURE THE THESIS LENGTH THE THESIS PROPOSAL: CHOOSING THE SUBJECT THE THESIS CONTENT - ABSTRACT THE THESIS INTRODUCTION THE THESIS CONTENT - LITERATURE REVIEW THE THESIS CONTENT - BODY THE THESIS CONCLUSION THE THESIS CONTENT - NOTES AND BIBLIOGRAPHIES THE THESIS CONTENT - ANNEXES RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES THE ORAL DEFENSE ROLE OF THESIS TUTOR STEPS IN WRITING YOUR THESIS INTERMEDIARY DOCUMENT TYPICAL THESIS PROBLEMS: DONT LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU GRADING IMPORTANT DEADLINES BUSINESS MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES IMPORTANT DEADLINES FINANCIAL ECONOMICS PROGRAMMES 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 6 7 8 8 9 10 12 12 12 13 14 15

THESIS FORMAT AND STRUCTURE

The master thesis should be written in English if you are enrolled in an Msc BM programmes. Grande Ecole students in Msc BM programmes may write in French and defend their thesis in French, but the language of your written and oral work is directly related to your thesis directors language capabilities and could limit access to faculty and delay the process. We recommend for Grande Ecole students enrolled in the Msc BM programmes to do a written thesis in English and an oral defense in English to address a larger audience. In this case, you should include in the written report an abstract in French of about 1000 words highlighting the major pieces of the work. Students who are enrolled in the Msc FE Programmes have to write in English and defend their thesis in English. (These conditions are mandatory for all students) From this new academic year, students who are registered in MSc Finance will have to write and defend a Research Paper (instead of Master Thesis). The Research Seminar will explain what is expected from you. Format A4 paper 12 font, double spaced (we recommend Times Roman) Each new chapter starts on a new page Sub-titles can be put in bold 14 2 cm margins on left, top and bottom. 3cm on the left margin for binding Paginate after the title page Give chapter headings Use parenthetical notes in the text which refer to your bibliography (Cf. Notes and Bibliography) Provide graphs when possible to simplify ideas, number them and give them titles Indicate sources of all images, graphs, etc. directly under that insert Structure Title Page (title, name, date, programme, name of thesis tutor, EDHEC logo) and the sentence EDHEC Business School does not express approval or disapproval concerning the opinions given in this paper which are the sole responsibility of the author. Abstract Table of Contents Abbreviations Used List of illustrations, graphs etc. (these should be numbered throughout the thesis) Preface, Statement of problem part 1, literature Review, theoretical framework, Hypothesis part 2 description of Methodology used, Analyzing, Interpreting and Reporting Basic Research Results, recommendations and proposed solutions Conclusions

Bibliography (divided into sections of books, articles, and miscelleaneous. Within each section, list titles in alphabetical order by the last name of the author) Appendices

THE THESIS LENGTH

You should estimate a length between 40 and 60 pages, bibliography and appendices not included depending on the nature and depth of the approved topic. You will probably need around 6-9 months in parallel with you studies to conduct this project.

THE THESIS PROPOSAL: CHOOSING THE SUBJECT

The subject of your thesis must be in the area of management sciences and necessarily related to your MSc or double diploma programme. It can be connected to an internship that you performed, to a sector that you are interested in, or to a problem that you would like to think about solving.

A thesis should not be: A summary of other peoples books and articles A description of problems in companies A report on internship experiences A collection of web based thoughts on business A topic unrelated to business

The objective of a thesis is to set forth an hypothesis on established thinking, provide examples or counter-examples of previous research, propose new avenues of methodology, provide benchmarks, comparisons, or describe a problem and give new insights to solving it. You might want to imagine your proposal as a question that you will answer in the course of your research (the French refer to this as a problmatique).

Anticipate the impact that the title of your proposal will have on your CV one day. Choose an environment which allows you to give evidence of academic familiarity with a field. Your proposal should be around 5-10 pages and provide a statement of the problem you will be investigating, mention the main books and articles that already address that question, indicate what you will add to that research which is new and draw up a hypothesis for the conclusions which may be drawn. Your proposal must have a title and the title must include key words

THE THESIS CONTENT - ABSTRACT

An abstract condenses the contents of an article, book, or series of works by describing what is accomplished, the methods used to reach those objectives and important elements about the content. An abstract is generally short (about 100 words).

An abstract should: Be brief, but include the essentials State the aims announced and objectives met in the text Describe the methodology, scope, epistemological stance and overall focus of the work

An abstract should not: Contain your personal comments Direct attention to details obscuring a larger focus Misquote the authors overall intent

THE THESIS INTRODUCTION

The thesis introduction is to contain the following components: The context of your thesis topic The reasons for choosing this particular thesis topic The research question and the aims of your master thesis The tasks, which you have to complete in order to attain the aims of the thesis A little bit of a background data, which describes the history of the topic development

Let us also mention that the thesis introduction has the following functions: The thesis introduction has to attract the readers to get acquainted with the entire thesis dissertation The thesis introduction has to make the readers understand what the thesis document is about The thesis introduction allows you to explain why you consider your thesis topic to be important The thesis introduction has to be printed on a separate page. It does not have to be either too long or too short The thesis introduction plays a very important role, so you should try to prepare a good thesis introduction in order to increase the quality of the entire thesis paper.
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THE THESIS CONTENT - LITERATURE REVIEW

A good research practice entails abstracting the important books and articles that you read as you learn about a new subject. Abstracting enables you to remember the essential points about your reading without having to consult them a second time. By grouping abstracts, one can easily construct a Literature Review. A Literature Review gives a documented state of the art description of notable published research on a given subject. It allows the reader to understand the main questions that professionals, professors and consultants are researching, indicating some of the areas of further research and the methodologies that are utilized in giving results. It should suggest how data are connected and respect a broad chronological framework. A literature review contains the most recent and most important works on a given subject and should include sources in at least one other language. The length of a literature review will vary depending on the topic, but 5,000 words are common.

THE THESIS CONTENT - BODY

An exploration of the main hypothesis (what you think youll find) and the main theories and evidence youll be using to explore that hypothesis Complete description of methodology thinking and research methods used for collecting and analysing empirical data The investigation based on reading, on empirical study, observation, questionnaire etc. Description of context, time frame, qualitative/quantitative analysis Discussion of data and possible flaws in analysis Recommendations and proposed solutions Conclusions

THE THESIS CONCLUSION

Wrap it all up here. Tell us what all these things mean. Tell us who needs to know this information. Provide inferences, insights, new approaches and observations. Set forth more questions. Be a devils advocate and ask so what?

THE THESIS CONTENT - NOTES AND BIBLIOGRAPHIES

It only takes a few minutes to document your sources, but you must establish the good study practice of writing the publication details down when you are in the library or on-line. Follow the general guidelines below which should cover your needs for most quotations.

There are two ways to document a source in a written academic or professional paper. The first is by using notes embedded in the text i.e., parenthetical notes with the authors last name and the publication date (Wood, 1999) and the other is providing full publication details listed in a bibliography at the end of the paper. Embedded notes in a text should appear as close to the reference as possible. The bibliography should be organized at the end of the paper in alphabetical order by the authors last name.

Quoting a book/article The author and the date should appear directly in your text when you are speaking about his/her work. You can then direct the reader to the source of your thinking by indicating the publication details in a footnote or an endnote. Follow the indicated punctuation exactly. Example of a note embedded in the text: Other authors have called attention to this discrepancy (Brandt, 2002). Example of an endnote/footnote or a bibliographical item: (Periodical) Brandt, O. (2002). Kloster Beer Clusters. Social Scientist and Business Studies, 22, 4-9. (Book) Brandt, O & Simon, D. (2003). Beer to Sell. Michigan, Foam Publishers.

Quoting a website Turner, C. (date of publication). Title of web article/work. (Title of periodical if relevant). Retrieved month, date, year from http://webaddress.

For professional publications and final thesis, consult The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (2001), 5th edition (or later). See www.apastyle.org.

THE THESIS CONTENT - ANNEXES

This part contains important data such as graphs, statistics, questionnaires, quotations, pictures, short articles etc. You can invite the reader to consult these sections by referring to Annex 1, Annex 2 etc. in the body of your text.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES
Research can be conducted for several purposes and depending on the objective, a researcher will modify the methodologies used to obtain, organize, test, criticize, or interpret new information. Some broad descriptions of research types are listed below, but most research projects, whether informational or hypothetical, combine different methodologies. This list is not exhaustive, nor does it incite the reader to make exclusive use of one type of research. Academic research tends to focus on published theories which provide frameworks for understanding complex processes. Research in this area will require careful documentary analysis of what has been published and a rigorous literature review which will point to the need for more theoretical study. A basis for the new theory is often postulated or old theory is tested with new information. Sometimes the research will call for additional practical testing or a modification of the theoretical framework. Quantitative research purports to demonstrate the answer to a question by gathering numerical data assembled from a set source of reliable parameters (whose number must be explained and contexted). By allowing the figures to speak about a given set of data, the researcher can then interpret them, propose new theories, revise old theories or formulate a new hypothesis.

Methodologies include data base, statistical inference, tests, and analysis, econometrics, models, contingency tables, segmentation, etc. Qualitative research identifies a research sample which intends to give in-depth information relevant to all related questions. Its exemplarity nevertheless calls attention to its own limitations all the

while identifying the limitations of the choice. By investigating the singular or small sample, it strives to obtain broader generalizations which can be extended to a larger set of parameters. Field research includes market research, linguistic samplings, customer satisfaction surveys, observation in situ, interviews, questionnaires and any information drawn from practice, professional and experiential realms. Methodologies commonly include interviews, questionnaires, observations, group panels and consumer behavior descriptions.

Critical analysis focuses on established frameworks, theories and sets about identifying flaws, company methodologies and then taking an epistemological stance. It is concerned with methods, theories, and the interpretation of data and often takes a global philosophical perspective on the process and aims of research.

THE ORAL DEFENSE AND THE ASSESSOR

When your thesis advisor agrees that your written report is acceptable and is worth at least the grade of 10/20, you can set the date for your oral defense. You are responsible for ascertaining the committees availability (you, your thesis advisor and a second professor called an assessor) and setting the date and time, booking the room (on-line registration on blackboard and setting up the material that you need in the room).

The oral defence cannot be scheduled by visioconference nor via Skype. Our Campus in Singapore and London are mainly research center and cannot be used as Master Thesis defense center. The oral defence must take place in the campus you were based on.

The jury for the oral defence comprises two members: the thesis supervisor and the assessor whose presence is compulsory. Thesis supervisors are not allowed to carry on an oral defence without an assessor.

Students must find their assessor and should contact: At firts, a company representative, Or, an EDHEC alumni (who graduated at least 3 years earlier), Finally, an EDHEC professor (a list is available on Blackboard).

When the assessor is not an EDHEC professor, the thesis supervisor must approve the choice of assessor. She/he may ask for a CV or resume of the proposed assessor or check with EDHEC administration the EDHEC alumnis name and year of graduation.

Please note that students may never have any family member participating in formal evaluations regardless of their company or academic status.

All thesis defence are public, but the final deliberation regarding grades is held only between the thesis supervisor and assessor.

Checklist for preparedness for the defense I am familiar with all the research that has been conducted in my area and have provided a comprehensive review of that literature in my bibliography and my notes. I have a clear understanding of the methodology I used and can describe and defend every area of my research and conclusions. All of my borrowed information has been properly quoted and set out in a clear bibliography I have had positive feedback from my tutor and at least one informed outside reader. I have sent an electronic copy to (depending on your campus) memoire.edhecnice@edhec.edu (do not send if your thesis is confidential) memoire.edheclille@edhec.edu (do not send if your thesis is confidential) memoire.edhecparis@edhec.edu ((do not send if your thesis is confidential) I have submitted my thesis to the anti plagiarism system URKUND. I have booked a room for the oral defense via blackboard I have informed everyone of the date, place and time I have printed and binded 2 copies of my thesis for the due date. Please note that the oral defense is an exam. Therefore, you must show a proof of identity to the committee. The oral defense is a 30 minute oral presentation on your findings. Your expos will be followed with 20 minutes of questions by the committee, a short deliberation and an oral presentation of grades for the oral (30%), written work (50%) and process grade (20%).

ROLE OF THESIS SUPERVISOR

During all the master thesis process, students are supported by academic supervisors. The role of the supervisor is to help students define their research projects and carry out their research for the masters thesis. They ensure a personal follow-up of the students work and they coach them to overcome potential difficulties. They help you to analyze your research materials (articles, surveys, books, etc.). they approve the choice of your assessor. You should make the first contact with your supervisor. Send a short description of your topic, suggest a work schedule indicating the frequency of contacts, and your professional objectives.

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 The supervisor ensures the rigor of reasoning and methods, coaches students to reaching the height of their own critical analysis, oversees the compilation of a valid and recent bibliography compilation, gives advice on matters of form. You should pay careful attention to all guidelines set forth by your tutor.

The ideal thesis supervisor is available, supportive, knowledgeable about the content and familiar with publication and research formats and types. He/she does not have to be an expert in your particular subject, but is usually an expert in the larger subject area. Many EDHEC professors have expertise in several areas of management.

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STEPS IN WRITING YOUR THESIS

Generally speaking, you should expect to submit your work to your supervisor in at least six phases during the writing period:

Phase 1

General description of your interests, possible hypothesis, topic, methodology,

preliminary research, questions you are seeking to answer etc. Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4 Phase 5 Phase 6 Outline of research topics with a list of important books and articles Reading, taking notes and writing; additional research Sample chapter with complete notes and preliminary conclusions Revisions, annexes, bibliography Final Dissertation from A to Z for preliminary approval to defend

INTERMEDIARY DOCUMENT
For students following an Msc programme and taking a methodology course in research, an intermediary research document represents the first step in your master thesis process. It is mandatory and will be included in the grades for the research course. A grade evaluating the process of exchange, procedure and development of the thesis for Msc students, double diploma candidates and Grande Ecole students is part of the final grade for the Master Thesis. Generally a preliminary document makes a statement of problem (problmatique), a research question (See above Thesis introduction) and a possible hypothesis.

TYPICAL THESIS PROBLEMS: DONT LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU

The thesis subject area is too vast or too narrow The thesis area is too old The thesis area has little interest for corporations, businesses or development The research requires foreign language skills you dont have The research requires field research that you dont have the financial support to conduct The research requires data that you dont have access to The proposal is descriptive rather than prescriptive There is no operational evidence in your defense There is no theoretical evidence in your defense

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You have failed to provide sufficient recognition of outside sources and present as your ideas someone elses intellectual property (breach of academic integrity). You have copied or imitated large sections of someone elses work (plagiarism or breach of intellectual copyright). You write without using an outline and you havent read the basic books and articles

GRADING
The grade for the Master Thesis will be based on: 20% : Process grade (will take into consideration your implication, regularity of work and contacts with your thesis supervisor) 50% : Final written document grade 30% : Oral presentation grade

PLEASE NOTE THAT PLAGIARISM RESULTS IN AN AUTOMATIC ZERO AND DISCIPLINARY ACTION. EDHEC HAS AN ELECTRONIC PLAGIARISM CHECKER WHICH WILL BE USED TO EVALUATE YOUR WORK. BE WARNED WHAT IS PLAGIARISM? Directly copying sentences, phrases or paragraphs from any source, especially if you do not quote the sources, but sometimes even if you do if quotations are too frequent. Borrowing phrases, catch words, or the pattern of someone elses text whether or not you quote the sources. Drawing conclusions based on the explanations given in someone elses text if the source is not properly quoted. Formulating opinions as your own that belong to someone else especially if the source is not quoted. Taking someones ideas and presenting them as if they were your own. Using published information without referring to the source. Downloading images, logos, cartoons etc. without quoting the source and the context in which you saw it used. Using text, image and music without copyright authorisation and without properly giving credit to the original source

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IMPORTANT DEADLINES - BUSINESS MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES

This calendar applies to all students enrolled in all the MSc BM Programmes. The deadlines are all final to receive a diploma by March 2013. Any missed deadline will bring about a late diploma. MSc BM : Entry September 2011 Thesis Deadlines Oct Nov. 2011 Research Seminar 15 hours on methodology, formulating a proposal, abstracts, conducting research and company consulting. November 2011 November 19th : Thesis Proposal Due. Go to blackboard site www.netedhec.com, choose the file Mmoire GE MSc - Master Thesis 2011 2012 look in the Announcements, click on External Links and choose Questionnaire. You can then register with a hypothetical title and key words. Nov./Dec.15th Thesis Advisor assigned to students by faculty 2011 commission. January 2012 Deadline January 28th: If you are enrolled in a research methodology course in an Msc programme hand in a hard copy of your Intermediary Document. (Research question + first literature review + in progress bibliography + preliminary conclusions). For Grande Ecole students working internationally and double diploma candidates, you should remit an intermediary document to your supervisor on your agreed schedule. April 2012 Exams from 17th to 20th April included May 2012 Master thesis Period : Students planning to move abroad at the end of their courses (China, Asia, etc). should make sure to defend their thesis before May 31st 2012. Grande Ecole students who have validated their international and work experience requirements should also take this opportunity to defend their thesis before May 31st 2012. AND/OR Internship period : 3 months mini - 6 months max May - December Internship period and Thesis defense. In order to ensure the availability of rooms, 2012 professors, assessors and overall fluidity of your thesis defence, we highly recommend that students plan to defend their work before October. December 2012 December 31st 2012 Last and ultimate deadline to complete Oral End of Internship Defense: December 16th 2012 Period This date is provided for exceptional circumstances Student status expires and should not be considered an automatic recourse. January 2013 Final Jury March 2013 DIPLOMA CEREMONY

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IMPORTANT DEADLINES : FINANCIAL ECONOMICS PROGRAMMES

This calendar applies to all students enrolled in all the MSc Programmes. The deadlines are all final to receive a diploma by March 2013. Any missed deadline will bring about a late diploma. MSc FE : Entry September 2011 Thesis Deadlines 1st semester 2011 Research Methodologies 6 hours especially for students registered in MSc Finance Programme January 2012 Research Seminar 15 hours on methodology, formulating a proposal, abstracts, conducting research and company consulting. 25 February 2012 Go to blackboard site www.netedhec.com, choose the file Mmoire GE MSc - Master Thesis 2011 2012 look in the Announcements, click on External Links and choose Questionnaire. You can then register with a hypothetical title and key words. March 2012 Thesis Advisor assigned to students by faculty commission. May 2012 Exams 7 to 12 May included May 2011 Master thesis Period : for students who are planning to move abroad at the end of their courses (China, Asia, etc), it is highly recommended to defend their thesis before May 31st 2012. Grande Ecole students who have validated their international and work experience requirements should also take this opportunity to defend their thesis before May 31st 2012. AND/OR Internship period : 3 months mini - 6 months max May - December Internship period and Thesis defense. In order to ensure the availability of rooms, 2012 professors, assessors and overall fluidity of your thesis defence, we highly recommend that students plan to defend their work before October. December 2012 December 31st 2012 Last and ultimate deadline to complete Oral End of Internship Defense: December 17th 2012 Period This date is provided for exceptional circumstances Student status expires and should not be considered an automatic recourse. January 2013 Final Jury March 2013 DIPLOMA CEREMONY

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