VYTAUTAS MAGNUS UNIVERSITY
Faculty of Economics and Management
MBA DEGREE DIPLOMA PAPER REQUIREMENTS
KAUNAS
CONTENTS
Diploma Paper Objectives………………………………………………………….p.3
Diploma Paper Structure…………………………………………………………..p.3
Contents and Requirements for Diploma Paper Parts…………………………….p.4
General Requirements for Diploma PaperText……………………………………p.6
Diploma Paper Submission for Defence and Procedure of Defence………………p.7
ANNEXES
Annex 1…………………………………………………………………….p.9
Annex 2…………………………………………………………………….p.10
Annex 3…………………………………………………………………….p.11
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DIPLOMA PAPER OBJECTIVES
The Diploma Paper to be completed by each participant is a key element of the MBA.
It is developed in close relationship with the business community.
The general objective of the Diploma Paper is to build on current managerial or
economic theory and methodology in order to solve a specific or generic
management problem faced by a company, an industry, a region or an institution.
The specific objectives are:
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To help the participant to establish relationship between the concepts
studied during the courses and their managerial problems;
To develop reflection, a broader view of problems, take some distance
from professional life;
To develop both written and oral skills in presenting the results of their
research.
MBA Diploma Paper (DP) is a written document in which the main statements and
results of an individual scientific research in the final stage of MBA studies are
presented. The problem of the research should be typical of existing objects or groups
of objects within an economy and should bear elements of innovation. 1
The author of the Diploma Paper must demonstrate his/her abilities to adapt
theoretical knowledge to the economic, management or financial problems of specific
enterprises, to draw conclusions and generalizations, to forecast possible solutions and
motivate the implementation of the projected solutions. These goals should be
reflected in the three main structural chapters of the diploma paper:
I. Theoretical problem analysis. In this part of the Diploma Paper the author
discloses his ability to analyse academic publications and define the problem under
research, as well as to select its methods and techniques of research.
II. Situational analysis. In this part of the Diploma Paper the author
demonstrates his/her ability to adapt the methods and techniques of research to a
specific object.
III. Projected solutions reveal the author’s ability to formulate projected
solutions and to plan their implementation.
DIPLOMA PAPER STRUCTURE:
Title Page
Contents
Santrauka/Abstract
Glossary of Terms
Introduction
I. Theoretical Analysis
II. Field Analysis
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It means that an MBA diploma paper should not be limited by the analysis of some specific
economic, managerial or financial problem within an organization. Rather, an example of a specific
organization can be used by the graduate student to demonstrate his/her ability to adapt the
methodology and techniques of a broader problem solution for practical purposes.
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III. Projected Solutions
Main Results and Conclusions
References
Annexes
CONTENTS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR DIPLOMA PAPER SPECIFIC
PARTS
Santrauka (Abstract). (1 page). It contains the bibliographic discription of the DP
presented, as well as a highly condensed contents and results of the Paper. The
abstract should be presented in a language different from the language of the DP; if
the Diploma Paper is written in English, the abstract should be written in Lithuanian.
The abstract/ Santrauka should contain the following information:
 Name and surname of the author
 Complete title of the Diploma Paper
 The DP advisor’s name and surname, scientific degree and academic
title;
 The place and year of DP preparation and defence ;
 The number of pages, tables, pictures, charts and annexes;
 The brief contents of the DP (220-250 print signs).
The glossary of terms (2-3 pages). In this part, the main concepts are defined and
presented in the alphabetic order. The definitions may be formulated by the author or
cited from other authors (in that case the citation should have the source of reference
and the author’s name indicated).
Introduction (2-3 pages) is the opening part of the DP, it reveals the significance of
the dilemma and introduces the methodology of research and three main parts of the
Paper. The Introduction should contain the following information:
 The significance of the chosen problem and the need for its research;
 The framework (practical and theoretical) of the problem, the scope of
its research as reflected in scientific literature;
 The object of research;
 The pursued goals and problems to be solved;
 The logic (sequence) of research in presenting the three main parts of
the DP;
 Methods and techniques of research and references.
Theoretical Analysis of the Problem (10-20 pages). This is a theoretical part of the
Diploma Paper, the first one of the three main parts. The title of this part should be
formulated in the way reflecting the object of the research and the goal pursued. In
this part, based on investigations of Lithuanian and foreign researchers, the theoretical
analysis of the problem in focus is presented. As a result, the problem is defined from
the author’s point of view and his opinion on the scope of research published by the
other authors on that particular problem is presented. Also, in the theoretical part of
the Diploma Paper the best applicable research methods, as suggested in scientific
literature, are presented and the author’s position is clarified as to the logic of research
and methods to be used to solve the DP problem.
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Basic elements of the theoretical part of the Diploma Paper:
 A clearly formulated and grounded theoretical problem;
 Investigation of the scope of the published theoretical research related to the
problem in question;
 Evaluation of applicability of theoretical research methods proposed in the
scientific publications to solve the DP problem;
 Argumentation of the logic and methods to be applied in the DP research .
Field analysis (15 -25 pages). It is the analytical part of the Diploma paper, the
second one of the three main parts. The title of this part should reflect the object of
investigation and the goal pursued. The analytical part of the MBA Diploma Paper
should demonstrate how the specific objects of research come under the theoretical
problem as described in Part I and why they have to seek its solution. That is why the
investigation of the problem is significant not only in theoretical, but also in practical
aspect and may be applied to the specific DP object. Thus it is crucial to demonstrate
how and why the problem is important for the chosen sphere of investigation, for the
company/s or their specific type or group.
In the analytical part of the MBA Diploma Paper the author will carry out the
analysis of the problem by applying the research methodology and steps suggested in
Part I within the framework of the specific object (company/s) under research. In this
part it is important to show what data was used for analysis, what methodology was
used to obtain the data (whether those were statistic data, questionnaires, polls or
other), what time period the data refers to. The estimated data and the results should
be presented in tables or graphic charts. Initial data of analysis should be presented in
annexes, while the analytical part should contain generalizations or references to the
annexes.
Basic elements of the analytical part of the Diploma Paper:
 A clear formulation of the problem under investigation and its argumentation;
 The choice of analytical methods and proof of their applicability within the
chosen field of research;
 Analysis of data and methods of their collection;
 Presentation and evaluation of the results of analysis (including positive
aspects, shortcomings and motives for inevitable changes).
Projected Solutions (20 –25 pages). The projected solutions part is the last of the
three main parts of the Diploma Paper. The title of this part should reflect the object
of investigation and the goal pursued. In this part, on the basis of the performed
analysis, as well as theoretical analysis and their conclusions, specific DP problem
solutions must be projected and presented. Alternative solutions of the problem
investigation should be discussed. Thus, an MBA Diploma Paper should not be
limited by proposals of generalized nature; the author should rather focus on specific
solutions and plans or programmes of their implementation. When applicable, the
actual performance indicators should be compared with the ones proposed in the
projected solutions of DP.
This part has to reflect the author’s position, while all the proposals and
recommendations should be focused to the object of the DP research.
Basic elements for the Projected Solutions part of the Diploma Paper:
 Demonstration of the applicability of the selected appropriate theoretical
methods to solve the specific DP problem;
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Projection of programme or plan or measures of DP problem solutions
and their implementation for the object selected;
Presentation of results of use of the quantitative methods (where
applicable) to demonstrate the best choice solutions.
Main Results and Conclusions (2-3 pages). In this part, the main results and
authentic generalizations are presented in a concise form. It should confirm that the
author has achieved the goals formulated in the Introduction and has solved the
specific DP problem.
The conclusions should reflect all the three main parts of the Diploma Paper, i.e. they
should reflect
 generalizations of the theoretical analysis;
 basic results of the field analysis, with emphasis on need for change;
 main projected solutions;
 novelty of the achieved results;
 applicability(limitations) of the achieved results;
 prospects and directions of further research of the problem.
References is presented according to the requirements as cited in Annex 3. There
should be no less than 15 sources – books and articles (textbooks or teaching aids are
not treated as scientific literature). The referencee are included into the list and
numbered according to their citation or reference sequence in the Paper. Every
publication listed should have reference in the main part of the Diploma Paper. The
requirements for the presentation of references in the list are given in Annex 3 of this
document.
Annexes should supply the statistical data, visual supplements, primary research data
and intermediary results, etc. The annexes are numbered according to the sequence of
references in the main text. Every annex should have its number and a reference to it
in the main text of the Diploma Paper. The number and volume of annexes is not
limited and is not counted in the total number of DP pages as presented in
Santrauka/Abstract of the Diploma Paper.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DIPLOMA PAPER TEXT
The Diploma Paper is written in English. The minimal length of the Diploma Paper is
approx. 60 computer pages, the maximum length is 75 pages.
General requirements for the DP text. DP text should be grammatically correct,
without mistakes and precisely formatted. The Diploma Project must be word
processed:
 page format must be 210x297 mm (A4 size),
 margins 25 mm on all sides of the page.
 All through the text, tables and pictures the font size is 12
(it can be different in tables and graphs).
 Paragraph, line spacing – “1.5 lines” (in tables and graphs
“single” or at least 12 pt).
 The pages are single-sided.
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The headlines of Chapters and Annexes are printed in bold
capital letters, while subdivisions/paragraphs are typed in
small bold print.
The font of the headlines can be larger than that of the text.
Recommended fonts: “Times New Roman” or Times LT”.
The intervals between the lines of a headline should not be
larger than 2 spaces.
The pages should be numbered (except the Title Page and
the Contents, which are not numbered but must be included
into the total number of pages).
In the body text, references to Charts, Tables and Pictures are compulsory. Charts,
Tables and Pictures should have a uniform numbering all through the Diploma Paper.
All Charts, Tables and Pictures should be named. They should be formatted according
to the requirements cited in Annex 2 of this document.
Title Page should be presented as given in the Annex 1.
The titles of the three main parts of the Diploma Paper should reflect the specific
contents of each part, i.e. the theoretical aspect of the problem, its field analysis,
projected solutions and the goals pursued.
Contents should contain the titles of the main parts, subtitles and sub-subtitles within
the parts, indicating the opening page number.
The three main diploma paper parts are numbered in such a sequence:
I.
II.
III.
Theoretical Analysis of the Problem.
Field Analysis.
Projected Solutions.
DIPLOMA PAPER SUBMISSION FOR DEFENCE AND PROCEDURE OF
DEFENCE
The Diploma Paper (two copies) should be handed in to the Manager at VMU two
weeks before the defense date. One copy should be handed in personally to the VMU
Diploma Paper Advisor. This deadline is compulsory. The Diploma Paper Advisor
confirms by his signature the eligibility/suitability of the Diploma Paper for public
discussion. In case Diploma Paper Advisor is convinced about the inferior quality of
the provided paper, the Diploma paper should not be defended.
The date of the defence of Diploma Paper and the composition of the Qualification
Panel (Jury) is set by the VMU Academic Council. They are confirmed by VMU
Rector’s Office, which grants the degree of (Executive) Master in Business
Administration.
The procedure of the defence of the Diploma Paper includes oral presentation of
major ideas and findings of the research, answers to the questions from the members
of Qualification Panel (Jury), oral response to questions and comments by the
Diploma Paper Advisor; answers to questions and comments of Official Readers
(Opponents) presented in written, as well as an open discussion. The presenter is
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invited to present his/her Diploma Paper in a concise way: the problem defined in the
paper, methodology of research, results of empirical investigation, major findings and
proposed solutions, as well as conclusions should be presented to the Panel and the
Audience in 10-15 minutes. The author of the Diploma Paper may become familiar
with the written statements of the Advisor and the Official Reader before the defence.
The Diploma Paper is graded taking into account the following criteria:
 Relevance of the whole paper to the topic and a major problem defined in the
Diploma Paper;
 Originality of the Diploma Paper, use of relevant theory;
 Practicability/applicability of the Diploma Paper, feasibility of proposed
solutions and conclusions;
 Adequacy to the major requirements for a Diploma Paper, as related to the
structure, layout, text;
 Ability of the author of the Diploma Paper to show the key aspects of the
produced research and its major advantages, to answer the questions and to
participate in the discussion with the members of the Jury during the
presentation.
The final grade for the Diploma paper is based on the quality of the on-going work
completed during the DP session, the written document and the oral presentation. It
reflects the collective opinion of the members of the Jury, taking into account the
overall impression of the written Paper document, the defence, the opinion of the
Diploma Paper Advisor and Official Reader (Opponent) presented to the Jury in the
written form.
The Diploma Paper is a public document. The defense of the Diploma paper is open
for audience. A copy of the Diploma Paper is kept at VMU and can be consulted by
academics and students. In case the Diploma Paper contains elements of confidential
character, the author of the paper can ask for full confidentiality. In the case when
Confidentiality Request is handed in along with the Diploma Paper two weeks before
the defense date, the defense is held in a closed meeting of the Qualification Panel
(Jury).
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Annex 1
VYTAUTAS MAGNUS UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT
AUTHOR’S NAME, SURNAME
TITLE OF THE MBA DIPLOMA PAPER
MBA Diploma Paper
Advisor:………………………………………………
(degree, academic position) name, surname)
Defended:……………………………………………..
Dean of the Faculty (signature, date)
Kaunas, Year
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Annex 2
Requirements for presentation of tables and charts in the DP Text
Example of the table presentation in the text:
Table 1.
FDI per capita in candidate countries,
1998-2000 (Euros)
1998
Bulgaria (BG)
Cyprus (CY)
Czech Republic (CZ)
Estonia (EE)
Hungary (HU)
Latvia (LV)
Lithuania (LT)
Poland (PL)
Romania (RO)
Slovakia (SK)
Slovenia (SI)
138
2,378
1,074
1,061
1,541
542
392
333
178
295
941
1999
256
2,860
1,357
1,052
1,654
825
511
485
220
366
532
2000
239
:
2,213
1,980
1,790
943
683
671
317
1,000
1348
Source: European Commission. Regular Reports from the Commission on progress towards Accession of
candidate countries, 2001.
Example of the figure/chart presentation in the text:
100000
90000
80000
70000
60000
50000
40000
30000
20000
10000
0
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
Figure 5. Growth of the number of computers in Lithuania in 1989-1995.
Source: Lithuanian Department of Statistics,1996.
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Annex 3
Requirements for References
References to Books:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Davies, H. (1991). Managerial Economics for Business, Management and
Accounting. London: Pitman.
Kotabe, M. and Helsen, K. (1998). Global Marketing Management. New York:
John Wiley & Sons.
Thompson, A.A., Jr. (1993). Economics of the Firm: Theory and Practice.
Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall International.
Sasser, W. E. et al. (1982). Cases in Operations Management. Homewood, Ill.:
Richard D. Irwin
References to Articles:
5. Baker, G.P. (1992). Beatrice: A Study in the Creation and Destruction of
Value // Journal of Finance, July.
6. Douglas, S.P. and Craig, C.S. (1982). Information for International Marketing
Decisions // Handbook of International Business.- Edited by I.Walter and
T.Murray. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
7. Marcom, J., Jr. (1991). Moment of Truth // Forbes, 8 July.
8. Megginson, W.L., Nash, R.C. and Radenborgh, M. van (1996). The Record on
Privatization // Journal of Applied Corporate Finance, Spring.
References to Internet Sources:
9. Hume D. A Treatise of Human Nature: Being An Attempt to Introduce the
Method of Reasoning into Moral subjects.
<http://socserv2.socsci.mcmaster.ca/~econ/ugcm/3ll3/hume/treat.html>, 1
March 1999.
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Annex 2
Requirements for presentation of tables and charts in the DP Text
Example of the table presentation in the text:
Table 1.
FDI per capita in candidate countries,
1998-2000 (Euros)
1998
Bulgaria (BG)
Cyprus (CY)
Czech Republic (CZ)
Estonia (EE)
Hungary (HU)
Latvia (LV)
Lithuania (LT)
Malta (MT)
Poland (PL)
Romania (RO)
Slovakia (SK)
Slovenia (SI)
Turkey (TR)
138
2,378
1,074
1,061
1,541
542
392
305
333
178
295
941
89
1999
256
2,860
1,357
1,052
1,654
825
511
3,465
485
220
366
532
104
2000
239
:
2,213
1,980
1,790
943
683
:
671
317
1,000
1348
:
Source: European Commission. Regular Reports from the Commission on progress towards Accession of
candidate countries, 2001.
Example of the chart/figure presentation in the text:
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