MODULE SPECIFICATION FORM
Module Title:
Dissertation
Module code:
BUS744
Existing
Semester(s) in which to
be offered:
existing
Title of module being
replaced (if any):
Level
7
Credit Value:
1&2
With effect
from:
60
Sept.
2009
The Dissertation
Existing/New:
Originating Subject:
Module duration
(contact
hours/directed
private study:
Business
600
Module
Leader:
Status: core/option/elective
(identify programme where
appropriate):
Mike Green
core
50/550
Percentage taught by Subjects other than
originating Subject (please name other
Subjects):
0%
Programme(s) in which to be
offered:
Pre-requisites per
programme (between levels):
Co-requisites per programme
(within a level):
MBA, MA HRM
120 level 7 credits
-
Module Aims:
To provide participants with the opportunity to devise and undertake a personal programme
of academically based business research in order to enhance and utilise independent study
skills, develop conceptual thinking and problem-solving abilities to produce practical and
applicable conclusions of relevance to business.
Expected Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module the student should be able to:
1. Design a coherent, logical and methodically sound research proposal as a basis
for undertaking a researchable independent project.
2. Complete a practical or theoretical research project and to defend the purpose,
research methods and outcomes of the project.
3. Critically apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired during the
Dissertation module to other research questions, aims and objectives
4. Understand the key, critical concepts and application of Research Methods in real
life phenomena and demonstrate an ability to communicate complex problems and
their resolution in a clear and effective manner.
Transferable/Key Skills and other attributes:
1. Analytical and Critical Reasoning Skills including the ability to communicate clearly in
a variety of media.
2. Management Research Skills
3. Numeracy and quantitative skills
4. Effective use of CIT
Assessment (please indicate the type(s) of assessment (e.g. examination, oral, coursework,
project) and the weighting of each (%)
Assessment
number (use as
appropriate)
Type of assessment
Weighting
LO1 – 4
Written dissertation
100%
Duration (if exam)
Word count (if
coursework)
20,000 words
Learning and Teaching Strategies:
The student’s time will be divided between independent study and research, including the
collection of data and pre-arranged supervision sessions to obtain feedback and guidance.
In general terms, participants will be expected to select a topic, frame research questions,
aims and objectives, and undertake a programme of research in accord with the principles
and research methods learnt in completing the research report at year 2 (post graduate
diploma stage on the MAHRM) .
A wide range of research topics or questions may provide acceptable bases for
participants’ proposals. Although proposals may relate to ‘real-world’ situations or
problems, the work undertaken for this module must be of a primarily academic nature.
The research required will normally involve the generation of primary data. Substantial
and thorough (though not exhaustive) literature surveys will be expected and considerable
use of secondary data or information will be required.
The programme team will consider each proposal on grounds of academic integrity and
feasibility before agreeing to its suitability for this module.
Participants will be assigned an academic supervisor for the module and will be expected
to make regular progress reports and to accept guidance about the conduct of their work.
Syllabus outline:
20,000 word Dissertation
In particular, the following requirements must be met.
1. Dissertations should normally be substantially textual although the inclusion of
other types of material may be permitted when appropriate.
2. Dissertations will normally be expected to comprise original work of 20,000 words
or equivalent. In addition to this, records of data collected, illustrations of research
instruments, and other supporting documentary material, should be included in
appendices.
3. Two copies of the Dissertation must be submitted. Each must be bound in
accordance with University Regulations.
4. The Dissertation must contain the following components:
a. Title page;
b. A summary of no more than 300 words;
c. A contents page;
d. An introduction which includes statements of the research questions or
hypothesis and the aims and objectives of the work, and a description
of the background context and reasons for undertaking it;
e. A review of relevant literature (fully referenced using the Harvard
method);
f. A critical account of the research methods used, the rationale and
justification for this, and a description of the research instruments used;
g. A report of the findings of the work undertaken and the data or
information collected;
h. An interpretation or analysis of the findings and a critical discussion of
reliability, validity, generalisability, meaning and significance;
i. A critical discussion of conclusions drawn from the work as a whole;
j. A bibliography and a list of references;
k. Appendices of supporting material and evidential records.
Bibliography
Essential Reading:
Glyndŵr University – Business School – Masters Dissertation Handbook
Anderson, V. (2009) Research Methods in Human Resource Management (2nd edn),
London, UK: Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
Saunders, M, Lewis, P and Thornhill, A. (2007) Research Methods for Business
Students (4th edn) Harlow, Publisher: Financial Times / Prentice Hall.
Suggested Reading:
Bryman, A. (2008) Social Research Methods, New York, USA, Publisher: Oxford
University Press.
Binsardi, A. (2008) Research Methods for Management, Cambridge, International
Academic Press.
Coghlan, D. and Brannick, T. (2005) Doing Action Research in Your Own Organisation.
London, UK, Publisher: Sage Plc.
Collis, J. and Hussey, R. (2002) Business Research [2nd edn.] Basingstoke: Palgrave
Macmillan
Cousin, G. and Jenkins, D. (2006) Case Studies: On the Case an Introduction to Case Study
Research. Centre for the Study of Higher Education. Coventry University.
http://www.corporate.coventry.ac.uk/cms/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2929&a=18206
Denscombe, M. (2003) The Good Research Guide, Buckingham, UK, Publisher: Open
University Press.
Denzin, N. K. and Lincoln, Y.S. (2003) The Landscape of Qualitative Research [2nd edn.].
Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Denzin, N.K. and Lincoln, Y.S. (2005) The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research [3rd
edn.]. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Easterby-Smith, M. et al. (2008), Management Research (3 ed). London: Sage
Publications Ltd
Fisher, C. (2004) Researching and Writing a Dissertation for Business Students. Harrow: FT
Prentice Hall.
Flick, U. (2006) An Introduction to Qualitative Research [3rd edn.]. London: Sage.
Gill, J and Johnson, P. 2002. Research Methods for Managers, London, UK, Publisher:
Sage Plc.
Hart C (2005) Doing your masters dissertation: realizing your potential as a social scientist
Sage: London
Herr K, Anderson GL (2005) the action research dissertation: a guide for students and facility
Sage: Thousand Oaks CA
Jankowicz, A.D. (2005) Business Research Projects [4th edn.] London: Thomson Learning
Lee, N with Lings, I. ( 2008) Doing Business Research, A Guide to Theory and Practice
Laonond; Sage
Maylor, H. and Blackmon, K. (2005) Researching Business and Management. Basingstoke:
Palgrave Macmillan.
Rudestam KE and Newton RR (2007) Surviving Your Dissertation: a comprehensive guide to
content and process Sage: Los Angeles
Rugg, G and Petre, M. (2007) A Gentle Guide to Research Methods, Maidenhead, UK,
Publisher: Open University Press.
Silverman, D. (2004) Qualitative Research, Theory, Method and Practice, Second Edition,
London, UK, Publisher: Sage Plc.
Weinberg, D. (2002) Qualitative Research Methods, Malden, USA, Publisher Blackwell.
Yin, R.K. (2003) Case Study Research, Design and Methods [3rd edn.]. London: Sage