May and June 2026 DBA Vivas

Our sincere congratulations to Anh Tuan NGUYEN Intake 2022, for successfully defending on May 4, 2026 his dissertation thesis dedicated to the theme

"Three Essays on Dynamics of Corporate Disclosure Narrative"

Anh Tuan Nguyen's dissertation explores how large language models (LLMs), combined with traditional textual analysis methods, can deepen our understanding of how firm performance and leadership changes shape corporate disclosure narratives. By analyzing corporate disclosures and management communications, the research demonstrates how LLMs can generate actionable business insights while connecting data science, strategic management, and decision-making in organizations. The dissertation comprises 3 papers; Paper 1 was presented at EURAM 2025 and Paper 3 at DRUID 2026.

Heartfelt thanks to:

Supervisor: Prof. Maggie-qiuzhu MEI, GEM Alpine Business School

Internal reviewer: Prof. Rachel Qi TANG , GEM Alpine Business School

External reviewer: Prof. Jojo JACOB, RENNES School of Business

Our sincere congratulations to John HOLMES Intake 2019, for successfully defending on May 11, 2026 his dissertation thesis dedicated to the theme

"Wired for Success: Women’s Perspectives"

This qualitative study examines the career supports that led 11 licensed female electricians into a nontraditional trade. Using Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) as a framework, findings reveal that financial independence and stability were stronger motivators than traditional models suggest. Digital and virtual resources increasingly supplement in-person mentoring, and the participants' diversity highlights the need to integrate Intersectionality into SCCT. The research offers practical insights for career counselors, educators, and employers seeking to increase women's representation in the skilled trades.

Heartfelt thanks to:

Supervisors: Prof. Anne ANTONI GRAVELLE, GEM Alpine Business School & Prof. Mark SMITH, EM LYON Business School

Internal reviewer: Prof. Heather CONNOLLY, GEM Alpine Business School

External reviewer: Prof. Marie-Rachel JACOB, EM LYON Business School

Our sincere congratulations to Elise MISSE Intake 2021, for successfully defending on June 23, 2026 her dissertation thesis dedicated to the theme

"Employee-Manager Relationships and Burnout: Perceptions Through Visual and Verbal Narratives"

This doctorate examines how managerial behaviors shape employees’ experiences of burnout. Through nine months of fieldwork, involving 50 interviews and 200 visual narratives, it shows that managers can simultaneously act as protectors and stressors. However, negative behaviours overshadow positive ones. This research not only sheds light on the duality of managerial influence but also calls for actionable change to foster healthier workplaces for all. Thank you to all the participants who bravely opened their hearts to share their personal stories. 

Here, one participant described feeling "imprisined" by their manager, saying “I always felt in danger and scared. I became very depressed and empty, and I started struggling in many areas of my life, not only at work. Because of this manager, I would come home with no energy to speak to my boyfriend. I would just sit in the bath, feeling sad....” 

Heartfelt thanks to:

Supervisor: Prof. Stéphanie GAUTTIER, GEM Alpine Business School & Prof. Vassili JOANNIDES DE LAUTOUR, CEO SAPHEOS

Internal reviewer: Prof. Pauline FATIEN DIOCHON, GEM Alpine Business School

External reviewer: Prof. Lotta HARJU, EM LYON Business School