MSc Aerospace management
Beyhan Busra, a 2025 graduate of the MSc Aerospace Management at TBS Education, was awarded by the SIRIUS Chair as part of the SIRIUS Awards, which recognize each year master’s theses contributing to a better understanding and development of the aerospace sector. Supported by major industry players such as Airbus Defence and Space, the CNES and Thales Alenia Space, this distinction highlights both academic excellence and the impact of research in space management. Her thesis, focused on systems thinking applied to decision-making in the aerospace industry, reflects these ambitions. She is now working at Airbus as a Sales Operations professional. She looks back on her journey and the key lessons drawn from her research.
“My name is Beyhan, and I graduated from the MSc Aerospace Management at TBS Education. Today, I work at Airbus in Sales Operations, a position I took on right after completing my degree.
My background is quite unconventional. Before joining this master’s program, I completed several degrees, including studies in philosophy, Chinese language and literature and in international trade. I also had the opportunity to complete my master’s degree through a work-study program at Airbus Defence and Space, in procurement, which strongly influenced both my career direction and the topic of my thesis.
Very soon, I will be moving back to China, to Beijing, as part of a VIE program, still within the same field. [I am currently in Beijing, China, pursuing a VIE program still within the same field]. It’s a natural continuation of a path shaped by both international exposure and the aerospace industry.”
My main motivation was to specialize and give a clear direction to my academic and professional path. At that stage, it felt important to identify a field in which I could build my future career.
Aerospace came quite naturally. It’s a field I’ve always been drawn to and genuinely curious about. Joining this program was also a way for me to enter the industry and give myself the opportunity to work in a field I truly enjoy.
When I explored the program on the TBS Education website, I was particularly interested in the broad, big-picture view it offered of the market. I wanted to expand my knowledge and better understand the key dynamics of the sector. That perspective helped me structure my understanding and build a solid framework. Today, in my job, this overall vision is a real reference point for me.
“My thesis focuses on how systems thinking can improve decision-making in the space industry, particularly in procurement.
This is a sector where everything is inherently complex: projects are unique, highly technological, constantly evolving, and involve many different stakeholders. We often know where we want to go, but the path to getting there remains uncertain. In this context, every decision can have multiple repercussions.
Systems thinking offers a different way of approaching these situations. Rather than treating a problem in isolation, it encourages stepping back, understanding the interactions between different elements, and placing each decision within a broader context.
In procurement, which acts as a key interface between the company and its suppliers, this approach helps structure thinking, anticipate consequences of decisions, and build more informed scenarios.
Overall, my work proposes a more global framework for understanding complexity and supporting decision-making in a constantly evolving environment. “
“This topic emerged from my apprenticeship experience at Airbus Defence and Space. In a highly operational environment, I realized how important it is to place each task within a broader context in order to fully understand its purpose and impact.
My background in philosophy had already introduced me to more holistic ways of thinking, which naturally led me to connect these ideas with what I was experiencing in a corporate context.
For my research, I relied on academic literature on systems thinking, particularly in management, which I supplemented with a more practical approach, using modeling tools to analyze real-world situations.”
“I believe that systems thinking is already present, often intuitively, among experienced professionals who have developed a holistic view of situations over time.
The contribution of my work is more about proposing a way to structure this approach, making it more explicit and accessible. This can be particularly useful for professionals early in their careers or those in transition, to better grasp the complexity of the sector.
It is also a tool for personal growth: it encourages stepping back, organizing one’s thinking, and better understanding the interactions within such a demanding environment as aerospace.”
“I wasn’t expecting it at all. It came as a real surprise, but also as a great source of pride.
This thesis represents a significant part of who I am, because it reflects how I think and how I approach problems. I invested a lot of time and energy into it.
Receiving this award felt like a first real recognition after several years of study — a very meaningful moment in my journey.”
“This work has really shaped the way I think. Today, I regularly use systems thinking to approach complex topics, taking a step back and trying to understand how different elements interact.
It’s also a strong asset in my career. This approach brings a different perspective and often sparks interest in a professional context.
More broadly, I see it as a long-term investment that continues to influence how I work and evolve.”
“I would first advise them to choose a topic that truly resonates with them — one they can personally invest in rather than taking the easy way out.
The thesis should not be viewed solely as an academic exercise, but as a genuine personal project. It is a unique opportunity to explore a subject in depth and develop insights that will be useful long after graduation.
Even if the topic feels very theoretical, it has a real impact on how you think, analyze, and work. It’s an investment that makes a difference in the long run.”
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