SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR’S REFERENCE

Program:	Master in Management (MIM)
Student:	Elizaveta Kuznetsova
Title of thesis:	TRANSFORMATION OF LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT IN CONTEXT OF DELOPING ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
	
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 topic of the paper is quite traditional, but very important at the same time. The author tried to make the thesis as original as it possible and to my point of view has achieved this goal. The aim, objectives are well-defined in the introduction and later covered in the text and in the conclusion. 
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. All of them well-balances and logic of the paper flows from the first chapter till the conclusions. It is well-structured and well written. 
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 author used quite comprehensive approach for analysis and was able to reach the goals if the paper and make valuable conclusions. 
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 qualitative, but it is aligned with the goals and the author explained why she use this kind of data and analysis. The data (interviews, etc.) itself is of a good quality. 
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.
Scientific level is as high as it possible for the given topic, data and aim. 
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.
Regardless the academic focus of the paper, the author did quite interesting observations and practical recommendations that make the paper very useful and balanced. 
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 matches all 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 Elizaveta Kuznetsova meets the requirements for master thesis of Master in Management program thus the author of the thesis can be awarded the required degree.


04.06.2016
Associate Prof. Konstantin Krotov