Hoo boy...

Just to make it clear - I am not making any money off of writing this dissertation. It is strictly an academically motivated work required to fulfill the requirements of my MBA degree.

And don't worry, my goal isn't to close loopholes, which I do not consider fraud. Fraud is something intended to deceive or deliberate trickery intended to gain an advantage. Using a loophole isn't deceptive. It is following the rules.

Submitting flight coupons for flights not flown for frequent flyer milage credit and then subsequently refunding the tickets is deceptive as it is against the agreed upon rules. Therefore it is an example of fraud.

I appreciate all of the comments from everyone so far. ^

I have sent a PM to Randy asking him if he could help out. However, I have not received a response to date. Therefore my question to everyone else:

Is anyone aware of any trade publication which deals with the administration of awards programs?

Thanks!

thanks for your clarification and also, of course, the above part of your post! You are absolutely right!!! My goal has been to try to use the loopholes and the idea is that if the marketers do a good job on promotions, etc, they wont have any problems.

MM

as for travel-related administrative articles:

I found this interesting thread:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=651352

enjoy! I have been.

actually, what would constitute fraud? Would things like buying other peoples upgrades,miles, etc be included in your paper?

Fellow FTr"s.

Smell rat here.

I respect and support the scepticism shown by pioneers like "pgary" and "Marathon Man" in earlier posts regarding dangers of open discussion of unquestionable AND questionable (gray areas) means of earning FF. No response by Randy is another indication that this thread should end right here! By discussing ALL different ways to earn miles in one single post - with or without loopholes, all FTer's will be jeopardizing the very reason why this forum exists.

MOD's please close this thread.

MBA's don't write a dissertation or even a thesis; this is some kind of paper, right?

Not a dissertation.

It sounds like nonsense to me too. A disseration for an MBA--titter, titter!

What a bunch of nonsense The topic was fraud aquired miles not loopholes and silence by a person does not mean agreement or perhaps all those who do not respond are in agreement with my view point - score 5.9999 billion to 1, I win. One of the most profitable areas for airlines is the selling of FF miles to secondary markets. If anyone is obtaining these miles by using fraud, it is the best interests of all (except the unethical person) to close that opportunity.

Well. My university does indeed require a dissertation. Please see the following link:

http://www.uol.ohecampus.com/program...html#Structure

Towards the bottom you will see the information about a required dissertation. I will also post the appropriate text and the end of this post.

This is not in any way a scam on my part ot get information about loopholes. I am not interested in loopholes. I am interested in fraud.

Regards,
cbellero

-------------------------------------------------------------

Dissertation

Aim

To provide an opportunity for you to produce a final, original piece of written work that demonstrates your originality in the application of theory gained during your study

Description

The culmination of your programme, this written project demonstrates your mastery and integration of all your previous learning.

The dissertation is the cornerstone of the UK university system. It is an original, scholarly work that applies your new knowledge and experience and allows you to prove your mastery of the techniques you have studied. It must have merit beyond the scope of your particular need. If you follow a Specialisation Track, it must be on an appropriate topic.

Required for: MBA programme and all its Specialisation Tracks

Randy's non-response is probably more of an indication that he is too busy to respond.

The topic of this thread is not loopholes but fraud as defined in my previous post. I tried to give an example of fraudulent activity to clarify the difference. If the difference is still unclear, please inform me.

If a program specifically forbids such practices and you have agreed to the membership conditions, then such things are indeed fraudulent. You are deceiving the company to get financial gain. That said, I personally view this as a lighter case of fraud the miles were legitimately earned by someone else.

Also if I were to buy an upgrade or miles from a program to which I do not have membership, I do not think it could constitute fraud since you have never agreed to any terms and conditions.

I am open for thoughts from others.

If something is againts the published rules of the program it does not make the activity fraudulen't, however.

fyi when I did my MBA several years ago, at an accredited Canadian University, I had to write a thesis as part of the degree requirements.

I know of other programs, at least in Canada, that do as well.