OPTIMIZATION OF MANAGEMENT IN GRADUATE WO RK RESEARCH

Research concerning the processes required for the ellaboration of Mas ter's theses and Doctoral dissertations is carried out in several coun tries, because a large number of students never finish the thesis or d issertation requirement. A study was done in Caracas (Venezuela) with the aim of identifying the factors associated with the ellaboration of theses and dissertations. Four main areas were discussed: proyect sup ervisor, researcher (student), relationship between them, and institut ional support system. A questionnaire was constructed based on these d imensions and categories, and applied to both project supervisors (pro fessors) and researchers (students). Results were analyzed based on fo ur scales (achievement, desirability, discrepancy, and consensous), in critical idexes and the resulting jerarky. The model has been applied in several academic institutions. Applications are suggested in order to obtain best results in the managerial process of research projects in graduate programs.