Background
The Professional Graduate Program in Management and Controllership (CAPES 22001018071P7) is sponsored by the School of Economics, Management, Actuarial and Accounting Sciences (FEAAC) at the Federal University of Ceará (UFC). The program is registered with the Brazilian Federal Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education (CAPES) under the Basic Area: Management; the Evaluation Area: Public and Business Management, Accounting Sciences, and Tourism; and the Area of Concentration: Organizational Management.
Currently, the program is structured around three lines of research:
1) Accounting, Controllership and Finance – CCF;
2) Strategy and Sustainability – ES; and
3) Organizational Studies and People Management – EOGP.
The CCF line investigates the development of models and techniques, management and governance mechanisms, and tools to support planning and control processes, result measurement, and performance evaluation in decision-making.
The ES line examines models, processes, techniques, and systems related to diagnosis, identity, formulation, implementation, and evaluation – focusing on change processes, sustainability, and organizational competitiveness.
The EOGP line explores models, processes, techniques, and systems related to the strategic, conceptual, instrumental, behavioral, and psychosocial dimensions of organizational and people management.
Through studies focused on technological and applied research – particularly in public and private organizations and third-sector entities operating in Brazil’s Northeast and North regions – the program aims to foster sustainability and competitiveness. Collectively, these research lines position our Program as a potential reference center for Management and Controllership studies, contributing to the development of knowledge and technologies that enhance existing management models and practices.
Regarding FEAAC, the UFC academic unit that hosts the Professional Program, it offers six undergraduate programs (Economics, Management, Actuarial Science, Accounting, Secretariat Studies, and Finance), as well as two stricto sensu graduate programs:
- Economics (CAEN), with four programs (Academic Doctorate, Professional Doctorate, Academic Master’s, and Professional Master’s degrees);
- Management and Controllership (PPAC), with three programs (Doctorate, Academic Master’s, and Professional Master’s degrees).
Since its inception, the Program has played an important regional role, attracting students from various parts of Ceará’s countryside and neighboring states – especially Pará, Maranhão, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba, and Pernambuco – where stricto sensu graduate programs in Management and Controllership remain scarce. It is also worth noting that this gap exists at the national level, further underscoring the relevance of the CCF research line.
In accordance with CAPES guidelines for professional master’s programs in the field – and in response to points raised in both the 2017–2020 quadrennial evaluation and the APCN PROFESSIONAL 2022 proposal review 4 – the Professional Program has undertaken a series of improvements. These include actions in the following areas:
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a) Selection process;
b) Interaction with the market;
c) Faculty management;
d) Undergraduate These s;
e) Internal regulations;
f) Permanent faculty research projects; and
g) Program policy development.
a) Selection Process
Regardless of the number of vacancies announced in each call, the Program approves only those candidates who meet the established criteria, with particular emphasis on experience in professional activities, especially in administrative and managerial roles. This is made possible by the high number of applicants registered through UFC’s Academic Activities Management Information System (SIGAA).
In the curriculum evaluation stage, significant weight is assigned to scientific, bibliographic, and technical production, as well as participation in conferences and the possession of various certifications – carrying more relevance than lato sensu graduate programs, the Brazilian Academy of Management (ANPAD) test, or English proficiency scores.
The entire selection process is conducted remotely. To better align with the specific nature of a professional master’s degree, certain changes have been implemented – most notably the replacement of the Preliminary Research Project with a Research Intention Form (FIP), which consists of the following items (each with a maximum of 300 words):
- Contextualization of the topic, description of the problem, and objectives to be addressed in the Undergraduate Thesis (TCC);
- Methodological procedures to be employed in addressing the problem;
- Identification of how the TCC proposal will contribute to current organizational or market practices;
- Explanation of how the Professional Master’s Degree in Management and Controllership can meaningfully contribute to the success of the proposed project and/or improve the professional reality of the candidate.
It is also worth noting that, in all Program cohorts, 10% of available seats are reserved – at no cost – for socially prioritized groups, including both UFC faculty and technical-administrative staff, as well as members of the general public.
b) Interaction with the Market
Given the mission of a professional master’s program, market interaction is a central concern. PPAC has worked to expand its network of relationships with representative entities from various sectors in Ceará, as well as with well-established companies, aiming to attract new cohorts and create opportunities for applied research and studies.
The Program continues to strengthen partnerships with relevant organizations and entities in the local context, mapping potential areas of interest for the future launch of a Professional Doctorate program – as soon as CAPES requirements are met. This initiative is a key strategic priority for the next four years.
Another important aspect of this engagement with the market is the Program ’s effort to develop Technical and Technological Products (PTTs) in a range of formats, in response to demands for practical organizational solutions.
c) Management of the Faculty
During the 2021–2024 quadrennium, there were changes in the composition of the permanent faculty. Notably, three professors left their roles:
- Marcus Vinicius Veras Machado, who served during 2021–2022, stepped down due to his responsibilities as Vice Provost for Staff Management at UFC;
- Marcelle Colares Oliveira, who was active from 2021 to 2023, left the Program to dedicate herself fully to the Academic Graduate Program;
- Suzete Suzana Rocha Pitombeira, who served until the final year of the quadrennium, retired upon reaching 70 years of age, citing health reasons.
d) Master’s Theses
The master’s theses (TCCs) produced in the Professional Master’s Program aim to provide a technical-scientific analysis of relevant problems, generating applied knowledge. They consist of a research project designed and executed using the expertise developed throughout the Program.
Increasingly, these theses aim for practical applications and interventions within public, private, or third-sector organizations – allowing students to apply academic knowledge empirically, with the expectation of concrete results.
It is also important to highlight that the Program organizes three evaluation committees at different stages: project defense, qualif ying exam, and thesis defense. These committees include professionals of recognized expertise in their respective fields, with a mandatory doctoral degree. For defenses (with three members), external professors and PhD-holding professionals from other graduate programs are prioritized, fostering both academic quality and greater interaction with other institutions and sectors.
e) Internal Regulations
The Program’s Internal Regulations were revised and approved by the Collegiate on July 10, 2024, and are available at this link. Key updates include:
- Maintenance of the 24-month maximum program duration, with a reduction of possible extensions from 6 months to a maximum of 3 months, subject to Collegiate approval in specific cases;
- Acceptance of proficiency in any foreign language (not only English), with at least an intermediate or secondary reading level;
- Optional completion of a teaching internship, following criteria set forth in a separate regulation;
- Permission to submit the thesis in alternative formats, such as a collection of scientific articles, a technological product, or a technical performance report developed in partnership with an organization, as defined by the thesis Regulations – PPAC;
- Option to hold a closed thesis defense session in cases involving organizational confidentiality or intellectual property issues, with prior approval and proper documentation from UFC’s Coordinating Office for Technological Innovation;
- Possibility of writing the thesis in English, with a mandatory abstract in Portuguese.
f) Research and Extension Projects of Permanent Professors
Aligned with the Program’s research lines, courses, and each faculty member’s interests, the research and extension projects are characterized by their empirical nature and focus on solving organizational problems – consistent with the professional orientation of the Program.
Each permanent professor coordinates at least one project directly related to teaching and research activities within the Program, regardless of other affiliations. Professors are also encouraged to submit these projects to funding agencies.
g) Definition of the Program’s Policies
Throughout the 2021–2024 quadrennium, the Program worked to formalize and systematize its practices, moving away from isolated initiatives and minimizing inefficiencies that did not align with its Strategic Plan or findings from its Self-Assessment process.
As a result, the Program’s actions, procedures, and routines have increasingly been guided by institutionalized policies, ensuring coherence, transparency, and alignment with long-term objectives.
