The student should be able to: - Understand the different stages of a research process in economics and management - Building a research question - Identify and synthesise literature to answer a research question - To write a research paper that puts into perspective the different elements of response provided by the literature by structuring them in a coherent way - Defending a research paper orally
The Research Methods in Economics and Management course aims to prepare students as effectively as possible for carrying out a research project of a certain scope.
The course includes the identification of a research question, preferably in a field related to the topic the student intends to address as part of the Master’s thesis.
Students will be expected to motivate their research question, identify and analyse relevant scientific literature, compare and put into perspective the contributions of the different references selected, and interpret this literature by relating it clearly and precisely to the research question. They will progressively develop an evidence-based answer to this question, justifying their choices and taking into account the limitations of the literature used.
They will present and defend their approach and their work orally throughout the different stages of the process.
In consultation with the course instructor and the teaching assistant, students must define and answer a research question, preferably in a field related to the topic they intend to address as part of their Master’s thesis. Students must therefore contact the academic advisor beforehand in order to be assigned a thesis supervisor and a thesis topic, even if the thesis is only included in their individual study programme in the following academic year.
The work is carried out progressively throughout the year. Intermediate deadlines and regular exchanges with the course instructor and/or teaching assistant provide support in defining the research question, searching for and analysing the literature, and progressively developing the answer to the research question.
The course format is primarily based on oral exchanges and presentations, supplemented by targeted written assignments. The precise arrangements, deadlines and instructions relating to the different stages are communicated via Webcampus.
Assessment is continuous and is based on the different stages of the work completed throughout the year, as well as on the final oral defence. It takes into account oral performance, the progression of the work, and the written assignments required.
The following criteria are taken into account in the assessment of the course:
1. Scientific approach: to what extent are the following conditions met?
the precision and relevance of the research question;
the relevance and coherence of the literature identified and used;
the ability to explain precisely the contributions of the literature and their relationship to the research question;
the rigour of the analysis and the coherence of the interpretation;
the ability to justify the choices made and to answer questions during oral discussions;
the originality and interest of the research question and of the proposed approach;
the progression of the work throughout the year, compliance with deadlines, and the incorporation of the different feedback received.
2. Written and oral communication:
are the required written assignments clear, concise, well structured and correctly written?
are the oral presentations and discussions clear and well structured?
does the oral defence demonstrate a good command of the topic and of the literature used?
do the written and oral productions demonstrate personal ownership of the work, including when artificial intelligence tools have been used?
plagiarism, as defined in the Regulations for Studies and Examinations, is considered fraud and may result in sanctions, with a minimum sanction of a grade of 0/20. The same grade of 0/20 will be awarded to a student who has not produced the work themselves.
| Training | Study programme | Block | Credits | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master in Management (Evenings and Weekends Schedule) | Finalité spécialisée | 1 | 6 | Yes |
| Master in Economics : General (Evenings and Weekends Schedule) | Finalité spécialisée | 1 | 6 | Yes |