SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR’S REFERENCE

Program:	Master in Management (MIM)
Student:	Sergei Galustov
Title of thesis:	Determination of strategic role of investments into timber-transporting infrastructure for development of wood industry companies
	
Justification of the topic choice. Accuracy in defining the aim and objectives of the thesis. Justification of the topic choice; accuracy in defining the aim and tasks of the thesis; originality of the topic and the extent to which it was covered; alignment of the thesis’ topic, aim and objectives.
The paper is devoted to a practical and very interesting topic, it is quite original, innovative and interdisciplinary. The topic is justified in the introduction. The objectives generally cover the topic and the aim of the paper.
Structure and logic of the text flow. Logic of research; full scope of the thesis; alignment of thesis’ structural parts, i.e. theoretical and empirical parts.
The paper has three “traditional” chapters and the logic within the chapters is quite good. The theoretical and practical parts are balanced. The methodological part is shorter (could be longer).                                    
Quality of analytical approach and quality of offered solution to the research objectives. Adequacy of objectives coverage; ability to formulate and convey the research problem; ability to offer options for its solution; application of the latest trends in relevant research are for the set objectives.
The students is able to formulate the research problem, able to analyse it and solve it. 
Quality of data gathering and description. Quality of selecting research tools and methods; data validity adequacy; adequacy of used data for chosen research tools and methods; completeness and relevance of the list of references.
Data is quite modest, however the student conducted several in-depth interviews with industry (pulp and paper) experts.
Scientific aspect of the thesis. Independent scientific thinking in solving the set problem/objectives; the extent to which the student contributed to selecting and justifying the research model (conceptual  and/or quantitative), developing methodology/approach to set objectives.
Quite low scientific level of the thesis because the major focus was practical implementation. 
Practical/applied nature of research. Extent to which the theoretical background is related to the international or Russian managerial practice; development of applied recommendations; justification and interpretation of the empirical/applied results.
The paper has practical nature and this is probably its greatest advantage. Understanding of pratical problems is very high as well as the conclusions of the paper. 
Quality of thesis layout. Layout fulfils the requirements of the Regulations for master thesis preparation and defence, correct layout of tables, figures, references.
The paper generally matches the criteria for master dissertations. 
Originality of the text. All sources of match identified by the Safe Assign system follow the allowed cases, the paper does not contain any elements of plagiarism. 
The thesis text is original and does not contain elements of plagiarism


The Master thesis of Sergei Galustov meets the requirements for master thesis of Master in Management program thus the author of the thesis can be awarded the required degree.


03.06.2016
Associate Prof. Konstantin Krotov