- To understand the scientific approach in management sciences
- To explore and become familiar with the various research methodologies in management and be able to identify which one(s) are appropriate for a given research question.
- To explore and become familiar with the various fields of research in management,
- Be able to frame a research problem, formulate a research question, draw on a literature review and a theoretical framework, structure a dissertation and write in an academic style.
- Understand the principles of scientific integrity and use research support tools, including artificial intelligence, in an ethical and responsible manner.
The aim of the seminar on the scientific method is to prepare students for writing their dissertation by equipping them with the best ‘tools’ to see it through to completion. It is organised as a series of self-study modules that follow the key stages of a management research project.
Part 1 – Foundations of the scientific method
- The thesis process at UNamur and collaboration with your supervisor
- What is science? (an introduction to the world of research, epistemology, the peer-review process)
- What types of reasoning are used in research? (inductive, deductive, abductive)
- How to write in a scientific style?
- How to structure your dissertation and read a scientific article?
Part 2 – Introduction and background
- How to frame your research question and write your introduction?
- How to conduct a literature review?
- What tools can help me with my dissertation? (reference management, literature search, AI, etc.)
Part 3 – Methodology
- How to apply quantitative methodologies?
- How to apply qualitative methodologies?
- How to apply design science methodologies?
- How to apply literature review methodologies?
Part 4 – Discussion and communication of research
- How to write the discussion section? (validity, limitations, future research, contribution)
- How to present your research? (oral presentation, poster)
Part 5 – Research integrity and ethics
- What is scientific integrity? (Open Science, reproducibility, the DORA charter, etc.)
- How to use AI ethically in your research? (presentation of the charter)
Face-to-face sessions: two sessions organised by the BUMP complement the online course (‘How to conduct a literature review?’ and ‘What tools can help me with my dissertation?’).
The seminar is based on self-directed learning: students follow, at their own pace and via the Webcampus platform, a series of short video modules accompanied by compulsory reading. This reading material includes, in particular, examples of articles from leading journals in the various management disciplines, with the aim of familiarising students with the diversity of research fields and methodologies. An in-person kick-off session outlines the structure and practical arrangements of the seminar. The online programme is supplemented by two in-person sessions organised in collaboration with the Moretus Plantin University Library (BUMP), devoted respectively to conducting a literature review and to tools to assist with writing the dissertation.
Assessment takes the form of a compulsory individual test for all students, held at the end of the seminar in the form of a multiple-choice questionnaire (students must bring their own laptops).
The test covers the content of the video clips and compulsory reading and is designed to assess students’ understanding of the basic concepts of the scientific method.
- Video clips and compulsory reading material available on Webcampus.
- A selection of articles from leading journals in the various management disciplines.
| Training | Study programme | Block | Credits | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master in Management | Standard | 1 | 1 | Yes |
| Master in Management, Professional focus in Digital Enterprise Transformation | Standard | 1 | 2 | Yes |
| Master in Business Engineering | Finalité spécialisée en data science | 1 | 1 | Yes |
| Master in Business Engineering | Finalité spécialisée en Sustainable & Digital Management | 1 | 1 | Yes |
| Master in Management | Finalité spécialisée | 1 | 1 | Yes |