The Bachelor's Thesis is carried out in the final year of the degree, and it is an indispensable requirement in order to earn the Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Management. By carrying out the thesis, the student puts into practice the knowledge acquired in the coursework phase of the degree. The reflection in a practical manner of the skills and abilities that have been developed in the previous years is one of its main goals. In a general manner, the thesis must empower the student for the search, management, organization and interpretation of relevant data in the areas of economics and business. It must also allow them to make judgments that include reflection on relevant social, scientific, technological or ethical issues which facilitate the development of critical thinking as well as logical and creative judgment.

In carrying out the thesis, the student takes the final step in his or her insertion into the job market or into higher studies. To that end, the student will count on the assistance of a professor-adviser who will guide him or her throughout the course. With an original paper the student has to prove that he or she is able to tackle a complex topic in a rigorous, synthetic manner. The student will have the opportunity to submit and defend his or her thesis in front of a committee of professors.

In the thesis the student puts into practice the knowledge acquired in the different subjects he or she has taken in the degree. The student will carry out research related to any of the topics studied in the degree which will be in line with the research and study lines of the School of Economics and Business. The different areas and/or specific projects will be announced on the Virtual Campus UCVnet so that students can choose on which area or areas they will write their thesis along with the directors available in each area. The students will be able to propose alternative topics as long as they are approved by the professor in charge of coordinating the subject.

Examples of Bachelor's Thesis (among others):

Research papers such as the behavior of consumers in relation to a specific product or general market studies of a product or of countries, markets and financing instruments or others that can be proposed and accepted by the academic commission in charge of the Bachelor's Thesis.

Students may develop projects focusing on the Creation of a Business (business plan) or business expansion such as international expansion, vertical integration, mergers or acquisition and integration of organizations.

The proposals of Bachelor's Thesis can be related to the elaboration of projects related to the organizations where the student carries out the practicum with prior authorization from the business and being supervised by an adviser from the business and an adviser chosen from the teaching staff that teaches the degree.

The relationship between the director and the student is based on mutual trust, understanding and empathy. Following the director’s guidance, the student is responsible for adequately reflecting the knowledge, methods and tools acquired during the degree and will be assessed on them. In order to facilitate the flow of work, the following basic functions are included.

The student’s responsibilities are to:

• Adequately elaborate on the topic that is being studied
• Define the work roles (in the case of teams)
• Apply the most appropriate methodology as a function of the topic being studied
• Search for and review the relevant sources of information for the thesis including the subjects assimilated throughout the degree
• According to the type of study, to carry out the field work, surveys, market research, financial analysis as well as economic and empirical research.
• Attend and participate in the work sessions with the adviser
• Make any changes the adviser deems appropriate
• Write and review the written report
• Submit and defend the thesis orally

The adviser’s functions are to:

• Define the topic of study and the goals of the thesis
• Provide guidance on the methodology
• Point students to the main sources of information
• Facilitate conflict resolution
• Keep a record of attendance and participation in the work sessions
• Follow up on the fulfillment of the programmed goals
• Validate that the thesis meets the minimum requirements to be defended.
• Write a report on the students' work which may be assessed by the committee according to the assessment criteria for the thesis
• Attend the oral defense of the thesis.
• Participate as a committee member in the defense of other theses.

The coordinator of the subject will be responsible for:

• Providing information regarding deadlines and requirements
• Coordinating workshops with the orientation service in the event that they are necessary
• Organization of the committees and defense sessions
• Guide students on possible topics for the thesis

The elaboration of the thesis is subject, in any case, to the general UCV regulations thereof.

As a result of the work undertaken, the student will craft a written document by way of a report of the work done in the thesis. It will be published on the Virtual Campus with the director’s approval.

The adviser will write a report assessing the students' work that may be assessed by the committee according to the assessment system for the thesis. In this report, the director will confirm that the thesis has been done under his or her supervision along with the assessment of active participation in the three work sessions.

Once completed, the thesis will have to be submitted and defended in a public presentation before a committee of professors. The thesis commission will assign the committee members by selecting teaching staff with teaching in the degree. When the circumstances so require, the committee may be constituted by professionals with experience in the field of study of the thesis.

Students will have 10 minutes to carry out a presentation with the aid of the materials they deem appropriate. They will have to present the goals, methodology, results, content and conclusions of their thesis. They will later answer questions that may be posed by the Committee members. After the presentation, the committee will have 5 minutes to ask questions or to request clarifications and make comments and suggestions.

Students will have five additional minutes to make appropriate clarifications to the committee. The committee will take into consideration both the written document and the presentation made by the student according to the assessment criteria in the teaching guide for the Bachelor’s Thesis.

Submission of Bachelor’s Thesis