RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Writing and Presenting your

Professional Dissertation
DR. VO SANG XUAN HOANG

AGENDA
The Objectives of the Professional Dissertation
The Role of the Tutor
The Different Phases of the Dissertation Implementation
The Problem Statement and the Research methodology
The Copies to submit
The Structure and the Content of the Dissertation
The Format of the Dissertation
The Dissertation Defense

Writing and Presenting your Professional Dissertation 2015 1

 THE PROFESSIONAL DISSERTATION
Is the key element in the MBA student’s schooling;
Equivalent to 24 ECTS in the MBA Program (120 ECTS);
Shows the quality of the research carried out by the student,
depending on:
◦ Intensity of his/her work;
◦ The riguour of the analysis;
◦ How carefully the structure and the form have been made.

THE OBJECTIVES OF THE DISSERTATION

The Dissertation meets two main objectives:

To put into practice the academic knowledge you acquired at the CFVG
and to deepen it as you are implementing the research.
To learn a working methodology: time management for a long-term
work, research and production of information with a critical acumen,
documentation and collection of data focused on a specific problem.

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 THE DISSERTATION CONCEPT
A good dissertation will make a meaningful contribution to the field, but with
fairly specific or narrow topic area.
A dissertation is not a corporate report or an internship report.
A dissertation should:
◦ Summarize and integrate pertinent research and theory in its topics area.
◦ Make a contribution of knowledge to its topic. This can be accomplished in several ways,
such as conceptualizing an issue or problem in a useful manner, collecting new data
through quantitative or qualitative research, demonstrating the applicability of a research
method.
◦ Show how a topic is analyzed.

THE DIFFERENT PHASES OF THE DISSERTATION IMPLEMENTATION

Friday, 18 September 2015
Friday, 2 October 2015
Wednesday, 28 October 2015
Monday, 25 January 2016
22 to 29 February 2016
Monday, 4 April 2016
Wednesday, 15 June 2016
1 to 12 July 2016
Monday, 10 October 2016
31 October - 30 November 2016
- Introduction to the Professional Dissertation and the Registration
Form
- Submission of Registration Form (online)
- Final choice of the topic
- Definition of the major points of the problem statement
- Submit the paper of the “Proposal of the Research Topic”
- First contact with Tutor
- First handling of the information
- Research and analysis of the information
- Submit the “Intermediate Copy”
- Submit the “Final Copy” (Session 1)
- Defense before a jury (Session 1)
- Submit the “Final Copy” (Session 2)
- Defense before a jury (Session 2)

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 THE FINAL GRADE
Phases Events Deadline Weight

1 Proposal of the Research Topic 25 January 2016 Evaluation accounted for the
Methodology course
2 Intermediate Copy 4 April 2016 Accepted or not
3 Final Copy 15 June 2016 Accepted or not
Or
10 October 2016
4 Dissertation Defense 1-12 July 2016
• Written report Or 10
• Oral presentation 31 October to 5
• Answers to questions 30 November 2016 5
TOTAL 20
* A mark under 11/20 is not acceptable

THE ROLE OF THE TUTOR

The tutor, who was chosen for his expertise related to the topic of the
Dissertation,
Guides the student in his research and helps him getting useful contacts.
Contributes both to the content and to the form.
Evaluates the Intermediate Copy and the Final Copy the student has to submit.
His written evaluation on the Final Copy of the Dissertation is necessary to
allow the student to defend his/her Dissertation with the presence of a Board
of Examiners.

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 THE ROLE OF THE TUTOR (2)
The student has to contact his/her Tutor frequently in order to have the feedback on the quality
of the Dissertation. A calendar of meetings is necessary to help the student respect the main
deadlines of the Dissertation and avoid to modify his/her paper in the last minute.

The Tutor may also suggest the student to narrow down the scope of the research to make the
Dissertation more workable.

The most successful supervisor-student relationships are those in which the interaction of
research and learning is two-way, in which the student discovers and explores materials and
insights which are stimulating to the supervisor as well.

WRITING MBA DISSERTATION

The first thing to do is to identify a topic

Where do topics come from?

Can you brainstorm about research topics?

What is your topic about?

Why does it matter?

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 HOW TO GET STARTED?
Start with the existing literature (identify a gap; potential for extension or
replication)
Start with a theory
Start with a new industry phenomenon or a recent issue (current issues, news, etc.)
Start with local issues
Ask yourself three questions:
◦ Does it make sense?
◦ Does it matter?
◦ Can you (already) find the question in the literature or can you answer it through research?

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STATE YOUR PURPOSE

The paper adds conceptually to the current body of knowledge
It exposes a weakness in the current body of knowledge
It tests a new proposition and demonstrates a new way of applying the
body of knowledge
It adds empirically to the body of knowledge with new empirical evidence

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 "THE CRITICAL DIAMOND"
YOU

Your Field Your Subject

Your Portfolio

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USEFUL CRITERIA TO DESIGN A RESEARCH TOPIC

1/ Criterion of functional fields: Marketing, Operation & Supply Chain Management, Project
Management, Finance, Accounting, Management Information System, Human Resources
Management, Corporate Strategy, …
2/ Criterion of size and type of firms: SME-SOE, Multinational Firms, Joint-Venture, Production,
Services…
3/ Sector Criterion: Banking, Insurance, Consulting, Pharmaceutical Industry, Textile Industry,
Retailing, …
4/ Geographical Criterion: Local, national, regional, international, comparative studies….
5/ Criterion of “Decision timing”: Short-term (Operational Management, Sales, …) or Long-term
(Analysis and Strategic Developments,…
6/ Criterion “Breaking the news”: Quality Management, Environment Protection, New
Technologies…
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 MORE FREQUENTLY USED TECHNIQUES FOR
GENERATING AND REFINING RESEARCH IDEAS
RATIONAL THINKING CREATIVE THINKING
Examining your own strengths Keeping a notebook of ideas
and interests
Looking at past project titles Exploring personal preferences
using past projects
Discussion Relevance trees
Searching the literature Brainstorming
Scanning the media

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THE PROBLEM STATEMENT

The problem statement of a research dissertation indicates the problem that the
researcher aims at his work. From this problem statement, the student will come up
with the main question of his research: What will be studied in my work?
A problem statement must have a wide view, but on a field of very precise application.
A problem statement must not be limited to a description or a report of situation. It is
compulsory to analyze the information you have with a critical acumen.
In a research work, you have to show the clear problem from the beginning and to
justify it.

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 EXAMPLES OF RESEARCH IDEAS AND THEIR
DERIVED FOCUS RESEARCH QUESTIONS
RESEARCH IDEAS
Advertising and share prices
Job recruitment via the Internet
The use of aromas as a marketing
device
The use of Internet banking
GENERAL FOCUS RESEARCH QUESTIONS
How does the running of a TV advertising
campaign designed to boost the image of a
company affect its shared price?
How effective is recruiting for new staff via the
Internet in comparison with traditional
methods?
In what ways does the use of specific aromas in
supermarkets affect buyer behavior?
What effect has the growth of Internet banking
had upon the uses customers make of brand
facilities?

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THE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The methodology includes the methods used to
◦ solve the problem mentioned in the problem statement.
◦ reach the objectives of the research.

Making the methodology clear allows to assess the analysis

and results with clear references.

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 COPIES TO BE SUBMITTED:

THE PROPOSAL OF THE RESEARCH TOPIC

As for the form, the proposal will include:
A. The title (the most specific possible).
B. The objectives of the research:
- Introduction of the topic,
- Problem statement,
- Rationale of the research
- The working hypothesis of the research, (if already elaborated).
C. The scope and limitation of research study (what it includes and what it does not include)
D. The position of the research compared to the available knowledge and former works.
E. The relevance of the research.
F. The possible identification of specific problems and extra hypotheses that will be needed.
G. The research methodology: selected methods to solve the problem must be indicated with precise tasks and a
possible schedule
H. The sources of information: the bibliography and other sources of information.
The proposal has to be no more than five pages long. CFVG faculty will evaluate your Proposal of the research topic
and the grade will be the one of your Research Methodology course.
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COPIES TO BE SUBMITTED:

THE INTERMEDIATE COPY

It must include:
A. The definitive title of the Dissertation.
B. An introduction of the topic, with precise instructions about the problem statement and the methods
used to solve it. Concerning primary information, the means for collecting data, the kinds of information
providers, the making of guide-books of interviews and questionnaires must be specified. For secondary
information, the sources of information must be mentioned.
C. All these chapters, parts, sub-parts of the work should be academically included. For each chapter and
part, if you are not able to provide the final essay, you will briefly quote the main ideas which will be
developed.
D. The provisional conclusions, according to the results of analysis obtained at this stage.
E. The bibliography.
F. The appendices.

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 COPIES TO BE SUBMITTED:

THE FINAL COPY

The final copy will present all of your research results. It must include the following parts:
A. The standard cover page (cf. Guide of Professional Dissertation Implementation), the notification page.
B. The table of contents with numbered pages.
C. The list of charts, graphs presented in the copy, page numbering. A list of acronyms, abbreviations in the copy must also be
added.
D. Information on the company or on the environment the topic is about.
E. The introduction of the Dissertation, with the problem statement and methodological instructions.
F. The different parts of the Dissertation.
G. The conclusion is composed of a brief summary of the obtained results, a short thinking about these results, and the possible
extensions of the undertaken research.
H. The bibliography.
I. The table of contents of the appendices (the page numbering of the appendices follows the one in the Dissertation).
J. The appendices.
K. Glossaries and index if needed.
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STRUCTURE OF THE DISSERTATION

Introduction
Chapter I: Theoretical framework or Literature review
Chapter II: Methodology
Chapter III: Findings and Results Analysis
Chapter IV: Recommendations
Conclusion
Bibliography
Appendices
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 THE INTRODUCTION OF THE DISSERTATION (1)
Components of the Introduction of the Dissertation :
Background
Rationale of the Research
Problem Statement
Research Objectives
Scope of the Research
Previous research works
Limitations
Assumptions
Methodology of the Research
Structure of the Dissertation

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THE INTRODUCTION OF THE DISSERTATION (2)

Purpose : The Introduction section aims at answering the following questions:
1. What is the context of this problem? In what situation or environment can this
problem be observed? (Background)
2. Why is this research important? Why do we need to know this? Why does this
situation, method, model or piece of equipment need to be improved? (Rationale
of the research)
3. What is it we do not know? What is the gap in our knowledge this research will
fill? What needs to be improved? (Problem Statement)
4. What steps will the research take to try and fill this gap or improve the situation?
(Objectives of the Research)
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 THE INTRODUCTION OF THE DISSERTATION (3)
5. Is there any aspect of the problem the research will not discuss? Is the study
limited to a specific geographical area or to only certain aspects of the situation?
(Scope of the Research)
6. The position of the research compared to the available knowledge and former
works (Previous research works)
7. Is there any factor, condition or circumstance that prevents the researcher from
achieving all his/her objectives? (Limitations)
8. In considering his/her method, model, formulation or approach, does the
researcher take certain conditions, states, requirements for granted? Are there
certain fundamental conditions or states the researcher takes to be true?
(Assumptions)
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THE INTRODUCTION OF THE DISSERTATION (4)

Common problems:
Too much details, and too long
Repetition of words, phrases or ideas
Unclear problem definition
Poor organization

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 LITERATURE REVIEW (1)
The purpose: it should answer to the following questions:
1. What do we already know in the immediate area concerned?
2. What are the characteristics of the key concepts or the main factors or variables?
3. What are the relationships between these key concepts, factors or variables?
4. What are the existing theories?
5. What are the inconsistencies or other shortcomings in our knowledge and understanding?
6. What views need to be (further) tested?
7. What evidence is lacking, inconclusive, contradictory or too limited?
8. Why study (further) the research problem?
9. What contribution can the present study be expected to make?
10. What research design or methods seem unsatisfactory?
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LITERATURE REVIEW (2)

To write a good Literature Review:
Read with a purpose: emphasizing which ideas or information important
to your research; looking for the major concepts, conclusions, theories,
arguments, etc. that underlie the work, and similarities and differences
with closely related work.
Write with a purpose: aims to evaluate and show the relationships
between the work already done and between this work and your own.

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 LITERATURE REVIEW (3)
Common problems:
Trying to read everything
Reading but not writing
Not keeping bibliographic information
Not relevant to the topic
Using only one textbook
Try to copy and past theories from textbooks and Internet
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METHODOLOGY (1)
Purpose:
The method section aims to show your reader how you obtained
your results.
It answers to the questions:
1. What is your research design? Introduce the plan outlining the investigation
to be carried out once the research problem/question have been defined.
2. How was the data collected or generated?
3. How was it analyzed?

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 METHODOLOGY (2)
Why do we need to explain the method?
The method affects the results.
Often there are different methods that we can use to investigate a research problem.
The reader wants to know that the data was collected or generated in a way that is consistent
with accepted practice in the field of the study.
The research method must be appropriate to the objectives of the study.
The method should also discuss the problems that were anticipated and explain the steps taken
to prevent them from occuring.
It is useful in some cases for other researchers to replicate your methods.

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THE DIFFERENT RESEARCH STRATEGIES

The most research strategies used for MBA Professional Dissertation at CFVG are:
◦ Survey
◦ Case study

The other research strategies are:

◦ Experiment
◦ Action research
◦ Grounded theory
◦ Archival research
◦ Ethnography

Multiple methods choices – combining data collection techniques and analysis

procedures:
◦ Mono method (ex: qualitative or quantitative method)
◦ Mixed or multiple methods (ex: qualitative and quantitative methods)

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 METHODOLOGY (3)
Common problems:
Irrelevant details
Unecessary explanation of basic procedures: notice that the readers will be people
who have a level of expertise in the field.
Problem of blindness: ignore significant problems or pretend they did not occur. But
instead, recording how you overcame obstacles that you encounter when collecting
or generating data can form an interesting part of the method. It means you can also
give a rationale for certain decisions, plus a realistic view of using the methods you
chose.

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RESULTS (1)
Purpose: to present the results and make them meaningful to the reader. It includes:
Statement of results: the results are presented in a format that is accessible to the
reader (e.g. in a graph, table, diagram or written text). Raw data is usually put in an
appendix.
Explanatory text: all graphs, tables, diagrams and figures should be accompanied by
text that guides the reader’s attention to significant results. The text makes the
results meaningful by pointing out the most important results, highlighting significant
trends or relationships, and commenting on whether certain results were expected
or unexpected.

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 RESULTS (2)
Organization
The method of organization depends on the quantity and type of
results you obtain from your research.
There are two ways of organizing the results:
◦ Presenting all the results, then giving a discussion (in a different section).
◦ Presenting part of the results then giving a discussion, presenting another part
then give a discussion, etc.

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RESULTS (3)
Common problem
Text includes too much details that simply repeat data presented in graphs, tables,
etc. without making the result meaningful.
Solution
Only significant parts of information that are presented in graphs, tables, etc. are
pointed out.
References to the figure and to the appendix are generally put in parentheses, e.g.
« (see Appendix) » because this information is of secondary importance. Of primary
importance are the results themselves, so most of the sentences focus on them.

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 ANALYSIS (1)
Purpose: The discussion section is for comment on and explanation of the results. It includes:
Explanation of the results: the writer comments on whether or not the results were expected,
and presents explanations for the results, particularly for those that are unexpected or
unsatisfactory.
References to previous research: comparison of the results with those reported in the literature,
or use of the literature to support a claim, hypothesis or deduction.
Deduction: a claim or how the results can be applied more generally (a conclusion based on
reasoning from the results).
Hypothesis : a more general claim or possible conclusion arising from the results (which will be
proved or disapproved in later research).

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ANALYSIS (2)
Common problem: The discussion does not discuss – simply
supplies more details about the results obtained.
Solution: Remember that the discussion should explain the
results.

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 ANALYSIS (3)
If you are putting your discussion into a discussion section separated from the results, you may want to
provide a summary of the results to remind your reader of your main findings.
Put your results in context (e.g. by comparing them with previous research or with existing theory) in
order to explain them.
Give reasons to account for difference between your research and previous one or existing theory, or to
explain unexpected results.
Although there may be some repetition information in the results and discussion sections, it should be
kept to a minimum.
Remember too that the focus should be different: while you are simply presenting the results and making
them meaningful to your reader in the results section, in the discussion section, you are explaining them.

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CONCLUSION (1)
Purpose : to give a summary of
What was learned (usually comes first)
What remains to be learned (directions for future research)
The shortcoming of what was done (evaluation)
The benefits, advantages, applications, etc. of the research
(evaluation), and
Recommendations.

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 CONCLUSION (2)
Common problems
Too long: the conclusion should be short. It is often as little as 2.5% of an entire piece of published
research.
Too much detail: the emphasis in the conclusion section is on the implications, evaluations, etc. that
you make.
Failure to comment on larger, more significant issues: in conclusion it is to move from specific (your
research) back to general (your field, how your research will affect the world).
Failure to reveal the complexities of a conclusion or situation: not ignore negative aspect of your
research.
Lack of concise summary of what was learned: summary should be only a few sentences.
Failure to match the objectives of the research : do not forget to go back and rewrite your original
objectives if they have been changed while carrying out the research.

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FORMAT OF THE PROFESSIONAL DISSERTATION

All of the rules concerning the format of the copies to be submitted to
the CFVG must be strictly observed. These copies include
◦ The Proposal
◦ The Intermediate Copy
◦ The Final copy
These rules are clearly indicated in the Appendix II of the Guide of
Dissertation Implementation, on pages 15-17.

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 PUNCTUATION
Consult any standard grammar reference for rules of punctuation.
Take care with spacing before and after punctuation.
◦ There are no leading spaces before the comma, period, colon, semi-colon or question mark.
◦ There is always a space following these marks.
◦ Examples (Incorrect):
◦ When valuing a corporate bond ,we generally make two modifications to the bond valuation approach developed for
default-free bond .

When using parentheses, there is a space before the opening parenthesis and a space after the closing parenthesis
but no space between the beginning of the first word or the end of the last word inside the parentheses.
◦ Examples (Incorrect):
◦ Titman and Wessels ( 1988 ) made a summary of four possible types of backwards resulting from the use of measurable
proxies to represent unobservable theoretical attributes.

The terms ‘as follows’ or ‘the following’ require a colon (:) if followed directly by a list of items.

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DEVELOPING AN APPROPRIATE WRITING STYLE

Clarity and simplicity
◦ Write simple sentences
◦ Avoid jargon
◦ Beware of using large numbers of quotations from the literature
◦ Check you spelling and grammar
◦ Avoid common grammatical errors
Person, tense and gender
Preserving anonymity
The need for continual revision
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 NUMBERS
Do not begin a sentence with a number. A number must be written in words if it
begins a sentence. If this is not practical or awkward, rephrase the sentence so it
does not begin with a number.
◦ Incorrect example: 42 companies were approached.

It is commonly accepted style to write numbers less than ten in words.

Incorrect example: A total of 4 companies were approached.

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TABLES, FIGURES, AND EQUATIONS

Tables, figures and equations should be inserted into the text as close as possible to their first mention in the text.
Large tables or figures would appear on the following page.
Tables, figures and equations should be numbered to indicate the chapter and the sequence in the text.
When referring to a numbered table, figure or equation, use a capital letter.
Example
◦ Figure 3.4 (fourth figure in Chapter 3)
◦ Table 5.6 (sixth table in Chapter 5)
◦ Equation 2.1 (first equation in Chapter 2)

Tables are titled at the top, figures at the bottom. Each table or figure is given a title as well as a number. Titles may
be either title capitalization style or sentence capitalization style.
Abbreviations may be used for ‘Figure’ and ‘Equation’ if they are used consistently throughout the text. ‘Table’ is
not normally abbreviated. The complete word (Table, Figure, Equation) is preferred when starting a sentence.

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 ABBREVIATIONS
The international standard of abbreviations should be used throughout the text. See any
standard style manual to check on standard abbreviations.
When abbreviating the names of organizations or specific terms, write the full name or
term the first time it is used, followed by the abbreviation in parentheses.
In the text, do not abbreviate ordinary words such as ‘approximately’ or ‘versus’.
Do not use the ampersand (&) in place of ‘and’.
Do not use a slash (/) in place of ‘and’ or ‘or’.

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FOOTNOTES
A footnote is an explanatory note or comment at the bottom of a
page, referring to a specific part of the text on the page.

Footnotes can be useful for notes such as informing the reader of

currency exchange rates applied in the calculation.

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 PAGE NUMBERS
Pages before the Introduction (Title Page, Acknowledgment, Abstract, Table
of Contents, List of Tables, Figures and Illustrations and Lists of
Abbreviations are numbered with small Roman numerals (e.g. i, ii, iii, iv).

Starting with the first page of the introduction, number pages with Arabic
numerals consecutively through to the last page of the dissertation,
including any appendices. Place page numbers at the bottom center of each
page.

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ATTENDING TO DETAILS
The following short checklist could assist you:
Conform to the order and format of contents as laid down the school.
Be consistent with the hierarchy of your headings and sub-headings.
Be consistent in usage of terms, abbreviations, spelling, punctuation.
Think about the acknowledgements you have to make. It is not only your
supervisor who may have helped in some way. And, a very important point
is to consider the tone to adopt so you sound genuine.
Double check you have included all references mentioned in your text in
your bibliography or list of references and that all the details of this
documentation are correct.

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 WHAT DO I MUST REFERENCE? WHAT NOT?
What do I must reference?
◦ All work done by other researchers, and that you want to refer to in your own writing.
◦ Other writers’ words.
What do I not need to reference?
◦ General knowledge (that Barack Obama is the President of the USA);
◦ Information that is common knowledge in your field,
◦ Ideas that are definitely your own, and findings or insights from your own research.

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REFERENCES TO OTHER WRITINGS (1)

The quoted extracts must come in quotation marks in italic font and the accurate
reference must be at the end or at the bottom of page.
Ex: “Thus, while the Individualism and Collectivism findings demonstrate some degree of
inverse relationship across these cultures, Collectivism is not simply the mirror opposite of
Individualism. Clearly, there are important difference”. (Ralston et al., 1999: 668)
For an article taken from a magazine or a newspaper, the title of the article has to be
between quotation marks and the title of the periodical in italics or underlined.
Ex : RALSTON D.A., NGUYEN V.T., NAPIER N.K., (1999). « A Comparative Study of the Work
Values of North and South Vietnamese Managers », Journal of International Business Studies,
vol. 30, iss. 4, pp. 655-672.
For a chart or a graph, mention the source at the bottom of it.

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 REFERENCING ONLINE SOURCES
The in-text reference should follow the same format as for printed sources; however,
the bibliographic information on the references page will be different and generally
requires to include the type of resource plus when it was accessed, as well as the
URL for on-line sources.
Ex: American Council of Learned Societies (2000). "Fulbright Economics Teaching Program,
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam". Available online: http://www.acls.org/pub-list.htm.
(Downloaded: May 10, 2000).

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REFERENCES TO OTHER WRITINGS (2)

The bibliography must follow the same rules: name of the author, initials of the first
name, year of publication, title of the work in italics or underlined, publisher, number
of the edition.
Ex: YIN R.K., (1989), Case Study Research: Design and Methods, Newbury Park, CA, 2nd
edition.
The appendices are used to put documents collected during the research at the
disposal of the reader. These documents are not necessary to the understanding of
your work, but allow the one willing to go deeper in the knowledge of the topic or to
have more information

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 BIBLIOGRAPHIC DETAILS
JOURNAL
• Author(s) – surname, first
name initials
• Year of publication (in
parentheses)
• Title of article
• Title of journal (italic)
• Volume
• Part/issue
• Page numbers (preceded by p.
for page or ‘pp.’ for pages)
BOOK CHAPTER IN AN EDITED BOOK
• Author(s) – surname, first name • Author(s) – surname, first name initials
initials
• Year of publication (in • Year of publication (in parentheses)
parentheses)
• Title and subtitle of book (italic) • Title of chapter
• Edition • Author(s) of book –surname, first name
initials
• Place of publication • Title and subtitle of book (italic)
• Publisher • Edition
• Place of publication
• Publisher
• Page numbers of chapter

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PLAGIARISM
Definition: « Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else’s ideas or words as your own ». (The Little,
Brown Handbook, 1992: 578)
Why we do not plagiarize?
◦ It is misleading and perhaps dishonest to present the work of your colleagues as your own.
◦ It is unfair not to acknowledge your colleagues for the work they have done.
◦ Readers will be inclined to think that you are far more intelligent and creative than you actually are.
◦ Warning: Plagiarism is a serious academic offence and can result in penalties, including dismissal from an
academic institute.
How to avoid plagiarism? (cf. Lesler, James D. 1976. Writing Research Papers: A Complete Guide).
◦ Acknowledge borrowed material within the text by introducing the quotation or paraphase with the
name of the authority from whom it was taken.
◦ Enclose within quotation marks all quoted materials.
◦ Make certain that paraphrased materials is written in your own style and language. The simple
rearrangement of sentence patterns is unacceptable.

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 THE DISSERTATION DEFENSE (1)
The Board of Examiners of the Dissertation Defense will consist of at least three persons
among which one from the CFVG.
◦ If there is an English-speaking manager in the company in which the research was made, he/she may be invited to
the defense to express his/her point of view, but he/she won’t be allowed to participate in the deliberation in
which the mark is set.

Unless exceptional cases (confidential topic), the defense is open to the public.
The student has no more than 20 minutes to present his/her Dissertation.
This presentation is followed by questions asked by the members of the Board of
Examiners. The presentation must be clear, concise and illustrated with slides. A
maximum of 15 slides is recommended.

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THE DISSERTATION DEFENSE (2)

Content :
Dissertation Title
Agenda
Introduction, Problem Statement
Methodology of the Research
Results and Discussion: Main Findings
Recommendations
Conclusion
10 to 15 minutes

10 to 15 slides

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 REFERENCES
•BUI Thi Lan Huong, (2008). “Writing and Presenting Your Master Dissertation”, CFVG.
•CFVG, (2014). “Guide of Professional Dissertation Implementation – MBA Program, 22nd
intake 2013-2015”.
•DIMANCHE Frederic, (2008). “Synergy Faculty Seminar and Workshop”, 17-19 November
2008, CERAM/RULE/CFVG.
•SAUNDERS M., LEWIS P., THORNHILL A. (2009), Research methods for business students,
Pearson Education Limited, Fifth edition, UK.
•VUONG DUC Hoang Quan, (2003). “Research Methodology”, CFVG.

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