Capstone Activity
At the end of every professional MBA, students have to complete a capstone activity that can take various forms. In the case of the Global Business MBA, that activity is a 6-credit integrative project. To find out more about this capstone activity, refer to the outline for the course titled MNG-6525 Competing in a Global Arena : an Integrative Project. Competing in a Global Arena: An Integrative Project.
Each of the following elements must be determined with the professor leading the activity:
- objectives;
- content;
- methods;
- steps to complete the project;
- time frame;
- supervision.
However, you must think about the issue you want to examine more closely beforehand.
No. It is more of a supervised course in which you are required to find an organization with which to carry out a consultancy mandate in connection with international activities. This project is an opportunity for you to apply the knowledge you have gained, in addition to sharing your specific skill set with the organization you have selected.
Submitting a proposal to the professor and, subsequently, to the organization you have targeted, that includes:
- an assessment of the internal and external environments;
- an analysis of the potential strategies (actions and their implementation);
- the formulation of realistic and applicable recommendations;
- the development of practical means to implement your recommendations.
To achieve this, you will have to discuss regularly with the professor in order to start on a solid footing and make sure your integrative project progresses adequately.
If such a mandate cannot be carried out as part of the capstone activity, undertaking a corporate internship related to international issues may be an option under exceptional circumstances. The internship must first be approved by the professor before your official enrolment in the course titled MNG-6525 Competing in a Global Arena: An Integrative Project at least 1 month before the start of the semester. You would also be responsible for all of the steps involved in planning and carrying out such an internship.
No, the FSA ULaval professor leading the course will take care of approving and supervising your integrative project.
The professor’s role and responsibilities consist of:
- guiding you in the definition of a problem and establishing a methodology;
- approving your project;
- helping you resolve any difficulties inherent to your project;
- supervising your written work;
- evaluating your final report.
The report usually contains the following sections:
- Definition of the problem;
- Review of literature;
- Description of the methodology;
- Analysis of the results;
- Recommendations/conclusion;
- Bibliography.
It is usually 30 to 50 pages in length (Times New Roman 12; line spacing 1.5), based on the number of credits for the capstone activity (6, 9 or 12 credits).
You can enrol in the capstone activity once you have accumulated 24 credits (including the course titled MNG-6059 Dynamics of Global Strategy). The capstone activity is offered in all 3 semesters (fall, winter and summer).
If you need any assistance during the enrolment period, please use the Système d’inscription par assistance (assisted enrolment system – available in French only). We will process your enrolment as soon as possible.
The professor leading the activity will contact you before the start of the semester.
This activity takes 4 to 7 months to complete on average. If you hold a study permit, you may benefit from an additional semester by enrolling in the course titled TRE-6810 Poursuite de la maîtrise. This option will allow you to keep your status as a full-time student for immigration purposes.
The number of credits for the capstone activity determines how deeply you must address the problem. Generally speaking, the analysis and drafting of the report should take 270 hours to complete for a 6-credit activity.
The course titled MNG-6525 Competing in a Global Arena: An Integrative Project is demanding and requires a significant commitment on your part. We therefore recommend that you limit your other activities. Please keep in mind that passing the capstone activity within a reasonable period of time is essential for you to receive your Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.
No, this activity must be completed individually.
Ideally, yes. The professor will schedule 1 or 2 meetings with you in person at FSA ULaval. You are also required to attend at least 2 in-person group sessions at FSA ULaval. For exceptional reasons, the professor may authorize remote supervision. In all cases, regular discussions between you and the professor are essential to the success of your integrative project.
- 5%: exercises 1 to 4;
- 15%: the professor’s assessment of your progression in the project;
- 80%: the integration report (45 to 90 pages, depending on the type of project).
The final letter grade is set in accordance with a grading scale available on the course site in monPortail.
You will have to show a high level of analysis as well as your ability to use your knowledge and skills to issue recommendations as well as practical means by which they can be implemented. In addition to consistently demonstrating your engagement throughout the integrative project, you must meet a deadline so as not to compromise your graduation.
The 7 integration report categories
Based on your objectives, expertise and choice of organization, you may draft your integration report based on the following 7 generic and adjustable models, with the professor’s approval:
- full organizational strategic diagnosis & analysis;
- full strategic international M&A/market analysis plan;
- strategic international expansion plan & implementation;
- thematic organizational strategic diagnosis & analysis;
- public/non-profit organizational diagnosis & analysis;
- startup pre-feasibility/feasibility analysis;
- applied dissertation on an international theme.