Exploration in the Difficulties to Develop the Thesis Using the Design Thinking Methodology

Abstract

Considering the problem of how to do the thesis at the National University of San Agustín de Arequipa in Peru (2019), the main difficulties of undergraduate and graduate students from the Faculty of Administration were explored through the design thinking methodology and possible solutions were analyzed. Using the semi-structured interview technique and following the stages of empathizing, defining, devising, prototyping and evaluating. We used tables and word cloud through Excel and the qualitative research software Nvivo for the results. In the stage of empathizing, 10 graduates students were interviewed about their main difficulties. In the stage of ideation and prototype, a physical community was proposed through exchange activities between graduate students; discussing research topics according to research agenda and regarding the virtual community through social networks in order to interact with advisors, graduate and undergraduate students. In the evaluation stage as first feedback to 8 graduate students, they suggest applying a pilot test of the community and they see the idea as feasible.