University of Portsmouth
Business School
International University College
BA (Hons) Business Administration
BA (Hons) International Finance and Trade
Student Dissertation Manual:
Guidelines for submission 2013
Portsmouth Business School
International University College
Dissertation Co-ordinator- email address: dobrev@iuc.bg
IUC office – email address: office@iuc.bg
Contents
1 Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………………………..
3
2 Selecting an area of interest …………………………………………………………………………..
6
3 Dissertation Proposals …………………………………………………………………………………..
7
Dissertation Proposal Form …………………………………………………………………….
8
4 The role of the supervisor ………………………………………………………………………………
Primary data collection approval ……………………………………………………………..
5 Misconduct in research ………………………………………………………………………………….
6 Assessment guidelines …………………………………………………………………………………..
9
10
10
11
Grade criteria applicable for essay, reports and aspects
of projects and dissertations …………………………………………………………………
7 Notes for guidance on the preparation and presentation of dissertations ……… 13
Format ………………………………………………………………………………...... 13
Chapter structure …………………………………………………………………….. 13
Notes ………………………………………………………………………………........ 14
Referencing ……………………………………………………………………………. 14
Appendices …………………………………………………………………………….. 16
Page numbering ………………………………………………………………………. 17
Typing & Binding ……………………………………………………………………………………… 17
Literary Quality and editing ……………………………………………………………………… 18
The Form used for marking ……………………………………………………………………… 18
8 Undergraduate Dissertation Assessment Criteria ………………………………………..
18
9 Key dates for 2012/2013 ………………………………………………………………………………. 23
2
1
Introduction
This is an important document; you are encouraged to read it thoroughly.
The purpose of this manual is to help students complete their dissertations. It addresses many
of the concerns that students have, and provides answers to many of the frequently asked
questions about the final year dissertation.
The main objective of the dissertation is to provide an opportunity for students to undertake a
major academic piece of work. It also enables students to investigate an area of business, which
is of interest to them, in a detailed rigorous way.
When students start their dissertation they need to make clear in what academic subject area
they intend to work. For example the development of a new product at ICI could be explored
from an HRM perspective looking at teamwork. Alternatively the development of a new
product at ICI could be investigated from a marketing perspective, looking at branding issues.
The final dissertation must be of an appropriate standard for a University of Portsmouth
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree. To achieve this (see also the Dissertation Assessment elements,
p.22):
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
the aims of the investigation should be clearly specified;
the investigation should review, assess and draw on relevant previous research. The
literature review will bring you 30% of the final mark. Refer to the sources using APA
Harvard;
the investigation should use appropriate research methods to run primary research for
collection of data. The dissertations which do not contain primary research will not be
marked above 40;
present the findings from the research, both primary and secondary; the results should
be supported by appropriate evidence and arguments;
analyze the findings/results from the research. Use tables and charts! This will generate
40% of your final mark;
write conclusions and if possible – recommendations;
the dissertation should be clearly written and presented, and should not exceed
6000 words (excluding appendices).
Figure 1 overleaf offers an overview of the process that many students follow during the
construction of the dissertation. There are many different ways of producing a dissertation and
the process in Figure 1 is not intended to be a prescription.
3
Useful sources of information
Saunders, M., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A. (2009). Research Methods for business students. (5th ed.).
Harlow: FT/Prentice Hall.
Crowther, D. & Lancaster, G. (2009). Research Methods: a concise introduction to research in
management and business consultancy. (2nd ed.). Oxford: Elsevier Butterwoth –Heinemann.
Collis, J. & Hussey, R. (2009). Business Research: a practical guide for undergraduate and
postgraduate students. (3rd ed.). Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
McMillan, K. & Weyers, J. (2007). How to write Dissertations and Projects Reports. Harlow:
Pearson.
Cottrell, S. (2011). Critical Thinking: developing effective analysis and argument. (2nd ed.).
Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Hart, C. (1998). Doing a Literature Review: Releasing the social science research imagination.
London: Sage Publications
4
Figure 1. The process of developing a final year dissertations
1. Start with your Area of interest. If you do not have any – see
the previous dissertations for ideas and talk to your
prospective tutor
2. See if you could find and analyse Industrial situation or, applied problem,
something which came across during your internship or industrial placement
3. Talk to the lecturer you would like to be your tutor and ask if this topic
could be supported with primary research. Discuss the research questions.
Define the topic.
4. Make Literature review to cover at least 10 different sources, of them at
least 3 textbooks and 3 articles in academic journals, to cover the
academic/research achievements on this topic in the recent years. Include:
Theoretical developments; Concepts, Conflicting results, etc. Use APA Harvard
to refer to the used sources in the text!
5. Define the research questions (hypotheses / propositions ). Decide about
the methods for primary research. Draft your questionnaire. Consult your
dissertation tutor.
6. Collection of data
from secondary and
primary research
7. Find your findings from the
research
9. Compare findings
with previous studies
8. Analyse the data/ findings
10. Draw conclusions upon a thorough analysis of the
findings/data (also against a backcloth of previous
literature). If possible make recommendations.
11. Write your dissertation. Make sure that you have chapters
for each assessment element. Check for APA Harvard, justify,
entitle all tables and charts. Write the list of references to
correspond to the sources referred to in the text.
5
2
Selecting an Area of Interest
Dissertations require motivation; you will be judged by what you put into the dissertation. The
data/evidence for this will come from the quality and range of the information you present; e.g.
from secondary sources such as journals in the field, reports, books and websites; and from
primary sources such as your own interviews and questionnaire based surveys. It is important to
choose a title or subject area about which you can obtain adequate and reliable information.
2.1 Finding a Topic
2.1.1 Topic which interest you
The choice of a topic can be a relatively easy task. It goes without saying that if you choose to
study a topic that interests you, and then you are likely to be enthusiastic and well motivated.
However, there are several important points to realize.
(i)
The proposed dissertation must be analytical rather than purely descriptive or
narrative. For instance, a dissertation that describes the operations of an organisation such as
Tesco is inappropriate, but a dissertation which examines the impact of loyalty cards on the
performance of Tesco would be acceptable.
(ii)
The dissertation of your choice must use parts of your course content particularly
in the analysis of the material that you have obtained. For instance, a dissertation about the
effectiveness of performance related pay would need to be based upon such concepts as
workplace motivation, the "psychological contract" and other theories drawn from Social and
Organisational Behaviour or Human Resource Management.
(iii) When deciding on a dissertation title or area, discuss it with a member of staff or
supervisor who lectures in that subject, and seek advice about turning your idea into a proper
proposal (see Section 3; The Dissertation Proposal Form).
2.1.2 Topics arising from an Industrial Placement or Work Experience
Many dissertations are company-based or arise from a student's placement, or other work,
experience. In some instances, an organisation will ask a placement student to undertake a
particular piece of work or research, which would otherwise not get done, and this can be a
valuable basis for a dissertation. However, it is important to remember that there is a
significant difference between the type of report, which might be needed by an organisation,
and the academic requirements of a dissertation. It is very important to ensure you have
permission from an appropriate member of the organisation to carry out your investigation, and
that you discuss any research you intend to undertake with a member of staff before you start
collecting data. It is also worth being aware that, occasionally, organisations may withdraw
their co-operation.
2.1.3 Other Sources of Ideas
One of the quickest and simplest ways to get some ideas is to go to the Library and have a look
at Projects of IUC students from the previous years or to ask for the List of Project Titles from
the last years. Another option could be to contact the Lecturers, particularly the Subject leaders
listed on page 10. This may provide you with several ideas for your dissertation.
6
The next stage is to read around the area that interests you and then make contact with a
relevant member of staff to prepare a proposal.
Please note:
When you have firmly decided upon a dissertation title or subject area it is a good idea to
discuss it with a relevant member of staff. You should then complete the dissertation proposal
form (please see PBS sample on p. 9) and submit it to the Hand-In office.
The coordinator will discuss titles/subject areas with relevant academic subject group leaders. A
supervisor will be allocated to you based on the best match between staff expertise and your
topic. If a member of staff has already suggested that they might be prepared to supervise you,
please include their name in your proposal and ask the member of staff to confirm his or her
intention to supervise you by e-mail to the dissertation coordinator. It is possible to use a
supervisor who is not an IUC faculty member. Please inform the dissertation coordinator in any
such case and make sure that person knows very well the content of this manual.
3
Dissertation Proposals
Notes for the completion of your proposal form
Forms must be returned to the Hand-in Office by the key dates which are shown on the back
cover of this booklet.
There is nothing to stop you returning your form before this; indeed the earlier you return your
form, the sooner your supervisor will be allocated and therefore able to give you help and
advice.
As well as your name, the academic subject area involved and the working title of your
dissertation, the proposal should include the following type of information:
a)
What kind of published sources of information obtainable through libraries, the
internet, etc. you plan to obtain and what original data or information to test out particular
ideas or theories you plan to collect through primary research.
b)
Whether you plan to use your industrial placement experience as the basis for part
of your dissertation (this may be particularly relevant if you are planning an investigatory
dissertation, or hope to use your placement to provide a case history).
c)
The way in which you expect to collect the information for your dissertation.
Please note that the dissertations which use only secondary data cannot be marked over 49.
d)
The nature of any specific theories in the subject area which you plan to use and
apply; and a list of relevant texts you expect to consult.
e)
Any progress you have made to date with the work.
f)
An example is given overleaf.
This information will be used to ensure that you are allocated to a supervisor who has an
interest or specific expertise in the topic you have chosen. Please study carefully the sample on
p. 8. You can find more details about the dissertation proposal in the Library.
7
DISSERTATION PROPOSAL FORM
( PBS Sample )
NAME
DATE
SUBJECT AREA *
WORKING TITLE
Ivan Ivanov
October 14, 2012
Human Resource Management
Stress management strategies with the Sofia
Underground
PROPOSAL
The dissertation will be an investigation of the success and
evaluation of Sofia Underground's stress management
programme for its drivers.
Drivers of underground trains are sometimes witnesses to
suicides. In recent years, it has been seen that this leads to
stress related illness and drivers having long periods off sick or
even having to leave. I will investigate the recent initiatives
taken by management to help drivers suffering from "post
traumatic stress disorder" by interviewing the personnel
manager, selected other regional managers, the Trades Union
representatives and the occupational psychologists involved in
the new scheme. I also hope to send a questionnaire to a
sample of over 120 drivers to see what their opinions of the
scheme are.
RELEVANT THEORY &
LITERATURE
PROGRESS TO DATE
Cooper & Davidson (2009); various texts
H. Selye; Stress Without Distress
Arroba & James (2008); Reducing the Cost of Stress
Some reading completed
Initial interview with Personnel Manager to seek
permission for study completed and asking him to sign a
letter of permission
Writing the Ethical Form for this research
Starting to develop questionnaire
(For admin. use; please leave blank)
Name of supervisor
Signature of Supervisor
SUBJECT AREA; i.e. proposed academic area of study, e.g. Marketing; Strategic or Operations
Management; Information Technology (IT); Finance; Accounting; Economics; Human Resource
Management (HRM); Law; Management. This will enable us to assign you an appropriate
supervisor.
Return this Form to: Hand-In Office by 22 October 2012
8
For your information the current academic Subject Group Leaders are listed below:
Subject Group Leaders
Marketing//Operations mgmt/ Innovation mgmt/ MBR
Human Resource Management/Strategic management
Organisational Behaviour/ Culture
Finance/Accounting
Information Technology
Law
Statistics
4
V.Blagoev
E.Vachkova
M.Minkov
R. Gechev
B.Dobrev
P.Mateva
E.Varbanova
The Role of Supervisor and the supervision process
It is absolutely vital that you make and maintain contact with your supervisor once she/he has
been allocated to supervise your dissertation. Most students have fairly broad ideas about their
chosen topic and the initial discussions with your supervisor will help you focus your ideas into a
"manageable dissertation". Think of your supervisor as a sports coach and yourself as the
contestant. You are to compete in the sports event, while your coach will do her/his best to
guide you towards success. If you do not turn up on time, do not undertake sufficient
preparation or start with a hangover then you are unlikely to succeed. If, however, you plan,
prepare and give your best, you will have a good chance of collecting a medal for your
achievement.
At this stage you are likely to receive advice on the general approach to undertaking your
research, suitable research methods and possible sources of information you have not yet
explored yourself. You will also be asked to provide your supervisor with a structure and an
approximate time frame for your research work. The purpose of your initial meetings with your
supervisor is to "get you onto the right track" and to give you some clear objectives. Please note
that you are only permitted to start collecting your primary data after your research design
(including your questionnaire survey) has been approved by your supervisor and Ethics
Committee! For this purpose the Ethics Form has to be submitted to the Supervisor and signed
before to start to perform the primary survey. If addition to the questionnaire/survey you
want to interview people, the questions also have to be approved by the Ethics Committee. In
such a case you have provide signed consent forms.
It is your responsibility to write the actual dissertation and to conduct the necessary research.
Your supervisor`s role is essentially supportive and strictly advisory. Once you have started on
the dissertation your supervisor is there to offer further advice and constructive criticism of your
work in progress. You can also turn to your supervisor for help with suggestions should your
research run into problems. It is a supervisor`s duty to control the progress of your research.
You should also attempt to find your own solutions to research problems before you call for
help.
Please note that your supervisor has only a limited amount of time available for your
9
supervision. The most suitable form of supervision is by emailing your draft-text of the particular
elements (chapters) to get written comments which you after that will be able to provide as
evidence of your consultations/supervision.
Feedback during supervision:
During the course of your research on your dissertation and while writing up your results, your
supervisor will provide you with feedback and advice. You must submit drafts of certain
chapters of your dissertation and later the dissertation as a whole.
Feedback after submission of the dissertation:
In accordance with the assessment regulations of the university, the completed dissertation will
be marked by 2 members of academic staff, one of whom will be your supervisor.
Please refer to the university’s general criteria for projects and dissertations at level 3 and the
indicative descriptions of typical strengths and weaknesses of dissertations in the different
classification ranges on pp.22-24 of this manual. Your dissertation will be assessed according to
the criteria specified on the dissertation marking sheet.
Primary data collection and research ethics:
You are only permitted to start collecting your primary data after your supervisor and Ethics
Committee has approved your research design in all relevant aspects including approval of
Ethics form, actual questionnaire survey and interview questions. This requirement is imposed
in order to address a number of key ethical concerns with respect to the research process. In
your research, you must make sure that
 the well-being and privacy of potential respondents is safeguarded. This includes the
confidentiality of the data collected, making sure that no respondent can be
disadvantaged as a result of taking part and making sure that any participation in your
research is based on informed consent.
 the well-being of yourself and anyone assisting in the collection of data is safeguarded.
Your research must not endanger yourself or anyone else in any way.
 your research complies with all relevant university policies and requirements such as data
protection requirements
 your research does not in any way negatively affect the reputation of the university
5. Misconduct in research
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is not a “gentleman`s crime”. It is a serious offence against the University`s
regulations and will lead to grave consequences which can include the expulsion from the
University without a degree being awarded. Your supervisor and the second marker will
10
undertake every effort to uncover any act of plagiarism in association with your dissertation.
The most common forms of plagiarism are
- direct copying of textural material,
- the use of other people`s data without acknowledgement
- the use of ideas from other researchers without adequate attribution
Direct copying of textural material is any copy/paste text, which is taken from other source (text
or internet based), if it is not presented as quotation according to APA Harvard. The
dissertations which contain direct copying will be marked with zero and will not be sent to the
UoP. The case will be presented to the Disciplinary Board.
Technical plagiarism is the case of any students’ material which contains more than 10%
quotations. In this case it is considered that the student does not have enough personal input in
his/her work. Such dissertations cannot be marked over 49.
Falsification of Evidence
Similarly unacceptable misconduct in research includes the falsification or fabrication of data or
results.
This is not meant to be an exhaustive list. What is important is that misconduct in research will
not pay and is not worth taking the risk.
If you are in any doubt about potential transgressions you might be committing, ask your
supervisor for advice.
6
Assessment Guidelines
The final year dissertation provides you with a unique opportunity to demonstrate the subject
knowledge, skills and analytical abilities you have acquired and developed during the course of
your studies for your degree. By choosing to work on a particular aspect or problem in a subject
field of your choice (Marketing, Human Resource Management, Hospitality Management etc:),
you learn how to select the appropriate research methodology, how to find and analyze
relevant data, how to review critically your own findings in the light of the current academic
debate on your chosen topic, in short: everything required for constructive problem-solving in
the professional or academic context of your future career. The emphasis is on original and
independent research work and critical analysis; and such problem-solving ability demonstrated
in a final year dissertation is highly valued by future employers.
The following paragraphs will give some indication about the assessment criteria which your
supervisor and others will employ in marking the dissertation.
Layout and Submission
11
The dissertation must meet the formal presentation format explained in this manual. In
particular it must include a correctly formatted bibliography. It must be submitted by the
appropriate date (see back cover for this year's critical dates).
Meeting the formal presentation criteria is a prerequisite for achieving the pass mark and a high
quality of presentation will be expected from all dissertations submitted.
Assessment will take account of the differences between the nature of library-based as opposed
to placement-based dissertation topics. Primary data generation and analysis is of particular
importance for the quality of placement-based dissertations, while library-based dissertations
require special attention to the critical review and analysis of secondary sources.
Dissertation Assessment Criteria
Level 3: Grade criteria applicable for essays, reports and aspects of projects and dissertations
80% + As below plus (the reviewer must present detailed written material to support his view):
 Outstanding work - contains accurate, relevant material, demonstrates understanding of complex
subject matter & is able to view it in a wider context. Shows originality & confidence in analysing
and criticising assumptions, is aware of the limits of knowledge. Likely to add new insights to the
topic & approaches the quality of published material
 Evidence of extensive research, uses & presents references effectively
 Outstanding quality in terms of organisation, structure, use & flow of language, grammar, spelling,
format, presentation, diagrams, tables etc
70-79% As below plus:
 Outstanding work - contains accurate, relevant material, demonstrates understanding of complex
subject matter & is able to view it in a wider context. Shows originality & confidence in analysing
and criticising assumptions, is aware of the limits of knowledge
 Evidence of extensive research, uses & presents references effectively
 Excellent in terms of organisation, structure, use & flow of language, grammar, spelling, format,
presentation, diagrams, tables etc
60-69 % As below plus:
 Very good work - contains most of the information required, is accurate & relevant & demonstrates
understanding of the subject matter & attempts to view it in a wider context. Shows some originality
of thought with good critique & analysis assumptions, is aware of the limits of knowledge
 Well researched, good use & presentation of references
 Very good in terms of organisation, structure, use & flow of language, grammar, spelling, format,
presentation, diagrams, tables etc
50-59% As below plus:
 Work that attempts to address the topic with some understanding & analysis, key aspects of the
subject matter covered
 Research extends to primary sources. Appropriately cited and presented references
 Satisfactory presentation with respect to presentation, organisation, language, grammar, spelling,
format, presentation, diagrams, tables etc
 The majority of students might normally be expected to fall within this range.
40-49 %
 Adequate work which attempts to address the topic with limited understanding & analysis
12
Level 3: Grade criteria applicable for essays, reports and aspects of projects and dissertations

Some research using texts, Internet & key reference sources with reference citation and
presentation according to convention
 An attempt to follow directions regarding organisation, structure, use & flow of language, grammar,
spelling, format, diagrams, tables etc
30-39% FAIL
Anything which is inadequate in most or all of the following: length, content, structure, analysis,
expression, argument, relevance, research and presentation. Work in this range attempts to address the
question/problem but is substantially incomplete and deficient. Serious problems with a number of aspects
of language use are often found in work in this range
0-29% FAIL
No serious attempt to address the question or problem, and/or manifests a serious misunderstanding of
the requirements of the assignment. Acutely deficient in all aspects.
NOTA BENE:
Dissertations based on secondary research only cannot be marked above 49
7.
Notes for guidance on the preparation and presentation of dissertation
1.
Format
1.1
Title page
The precise title of the dissertation is to be typed on the cover and on the first page inside the
binding. Below this comes your name, the title of the degree for which the dissertation is
submitted and the year of presentation.
1.2
Statement of originality
On the second page the following statement should be typed in the centre of the page:
“I, the undersigned, declare that this dissertation is my own original work, and I give permission
that it may be used by the University for academic purposes.”
This should be signed and dated.
Please note: Your dissertation can be declared as confidential if it contains information which
should not be available in the public domain. In this case, clearly mark your dissertation as
confidential on the front cover.
1.3
Acknowledgment (if any)
1.4
Abstract
An abstract of about 100-150 words should be given.
1.5
Contents list
This should list all of the contents of the dissertation and their page numbers as well as the
number and title of each chapter and the number of the page beginning each chapter.
1.6
List of tables and figures (if any)
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1.7
Key to abbreviations (if any)
1.8
Preface
This is optional. If a preface is used it should contain a brief statement about the ideas and
concerns of the dissertation and a general introduction to the topic area and the contribution of
the dissertation to the understanding of the problems addressed in the discussion to follow. You
may prefer to establish these points in the introductory chapter.
2.
Chapter structure
2.1
Introductory chapter
This chapter will spell out the main issues addressed in the dissertation and might, for example,
establish the context of the dissertation and provide some background to the issues examined.
This may take the form of a statement of an hypothesis, or of a problem, and a general
discussion of the methodology and procedures used in the study as well as the sequence in
which these are discussed in subsequent chapters.
2.2
Substantive chapters
Each major issue should be presented in separate chapters and should be clearly supported by
relevant literature, references (please see more in section 4) and other evidence as appropriate.
Details of the reference system are given below. Each chapter should begin on a new page and
the chapter heading should be concise and descriptive of the contents of the chapter.
Chapters are recommended to follow the elements of the Assessment criteria as:
 Rationale & Research Questions ( more than 2-3 research questions are not
recommended)
 Literature Review – present the recent theoretical concepts and research findings related
to your topic/research, referring to the used sources. Use textbooks, articles from
academic journals, as well as internet sources and refer to them (use APA Harvard).
 Methodology – list the methods used in the work on. Describe your research approach,
as well as the sampling approach and sample size.Give explanations for your choice of
methods
 Findings. First present how you did the primary research and the results from it. The
usage
of
appropriate
charts
and
tables
is
highly
recommended.
Then – the secondary research and its results. Then underline the important findings.
 Analysis – compare the results (findings) from your secondary and primary research.
Critically analyze the differences (in results, findings, etc.) for the specific characteristics
of your objects of research. Use appropriate models for your analytical considerations.
Conclusions - The final chapter will summarise the entire study and state the conclusions
reached and their implications as well as any recommendations which may come out of the
dissertation. It is expected that it will give an explicit answer to the research questions based on
the analysis of the findings. As this is often the focal point of the dissertation you are advised to
give this chapter particular attention.
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 Recommendations (if any)
NOTA BENE: Please note that according to the assessment criteria (p.21) every missing
element (chapter) will be marked with zero
3.
Notes
You may wish to refer the reader to brief explanatory notes in order to avoid breaking the
continuity of the main text. These should be numbered consecutively and grouped at the end of
each chapter. The indicative number should be an Arabic numeral, either enclosed in brackets
or raised half a space.
4.
References
4.1
Citation
When citing the work of other writers in the text you are required only to refer to the author
and the date of publication. If an author has more than one publication referred to in the same
year these are differentiated by the use of the letters a, b, c ... after the date. These correspond
to the listing in the bibliography. Some examples are given below.
4.1.1 Direct reference
“ ...... It has been argued by Crouch (1984) that industrial conflict is an endemic feature of
society .....”
In this case the reader will simply refer to Crouch’s listing in the references for further details.
4.1.2 Indirect reference
“ ..... Many writers have argued that the corporate reports are an exercise in communication
(Smith & Taffler, 1984; Parker, 1982; Haggie, 1984) ......”
4.1.3 Direct Quotation
When direct quotation is used in the text then the passage quoted is immediately followed by a
reference to the author, the date of publication and the page in the original text.
“ ...... “Within the framework of Theory X the ability to provide or withhold economic rewards is
the prime means by which management exercises authority in industry”. (McGregor, 1960, p.91)
......”
4.1.4 Secondary reference and quotation
This is when you wish to refer to, or quote, the work of an author whom you have read only in
secondary texts. In this case you must attribute the reference or quotation to the text that you
have read. For example:
“ ...... as Mullins (1985) has pointed out, McGregor’s argument is based on several assumptions
on the nature of management ......”
or
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“ ...... McGregor’s argument has been summarised by Mullins (1985) in the following quotation;
......”
4.2
Presentation of references/bibliography/literature citations
The University Library has published a guide to constructing bibliographic references. Business
School dissertations should adopt the Harvard referencing style, where the name and year
should appear in the text and an alphabetical list at the end of the dissertation.
4.2.1 Author’s name
Surname in capitals followed by initials.
4.2.2 Date of publication (year only)
4.2.3 Title of work
If the work is a book or another single text then the title should be underlined. If it is part of
another work such as a chapter in an edited book or journal then the title should be noted in
single inverted commas and the source (either the book title or journal title) should be
underlined.
4.2.4 Publisher
The name of the publisher, if appropriate, should follow the title of the work cited. In the case of
unpublished work, such as reports or dissertations, the details of the source of the work should
be given. Where appropriate, the specific page numbers of the text cited should be given.
4.2.5 Order
All references should be placed in alphabetical order irrespective of whether it is a book or
journal etc.
4.3
Examples
4.3.1 Books
Kaplan, R. (1982). Advanced Management Accounting. Harlow: Prentice Hall.
Mock, T. J. & Grove, H. D. (1979). Measurement, Accounting and Organisational Information.
(3rd ed.). London: John Wiley.
4.3.2 Chapters in edited books
Macgregor, J. & Whyte, P. (1982) Financial Modelling on an in-house Mini Computer. In Bryant,
J. (Ed) Financial Modelling in Corporate Management (pp.345 - 367). London: John Wiley.
4.3.3 Journal articles
Tomassini, L. (1976) Behavioural Research on Human Resource Accounting; a Contingency
Framework. Accounting, Organisations and Society, 1 (2-3), 239 - 250.
4.3.4 Reports
CBI (1975) The provision of Information to Employees: Guidelines to Action. London:
Confederation of British Industries.
Stamp, E. (1979) The Future of Accounting and Auditing Standards (International Centre for
Research in Accounting). Lancaster: University of Lancaster.
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4.3.5 Theses and dissertations
Grove, H. (1975) Improving the Usefulness of Accounting Measurement of Information,
unpublished. D.B.A. dissertation, University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
Moorhouse, A. (1984) A Study of Fringe Benefits in the Hotel and Catering Industry, BA Hotel and
Catering Management Student Dissertation, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth.
4.3.6. Websites
These should be included alphabetically by address, and the date on which you accessed the site
should be included in the reference. Eg.
PsychNET [Online] http://www.apa.org
5.
Appendices
These may include tables, schedules, questionnaires, documents or long explanatory notes
which have been referred to in the text but which, if included there, would break the continuity
of the argument. All appendices should have a title and the source should also be given if
appropriate. Titles of appendices should be the same as those used in the text. It is also
important when preparing the dissertation to make sure that material is not included in the text
which should be placed in an appendix and vice versa.
6.
Page Numbering
6.1
Preliminaries
Pages up to the first page of substantive text should be numbered with small roman numerals
(ii, iii, iv, etc ...) centered at the bottom of the page. The numbering begins with (ii) as the title
page counts as the first page.
6.2
Substantive text
The substantive text should be numbered consecutively in Arabic numerals (1,2,3, etc...).
Any kind of appropriate binder may
7.
Typing and Binding
7.1
Number of Copies
Two copies of the complete dissertation should be delivered to the Business School Office by
the due date. It should be printed on good quality A4 paper and be contained in an acceptable
cover. Students may request that one of the two copies submitted shall be returned to them for
personal retention. One of the copies submitted may be deposited in the University Library after
assessment by the examiners.
7.2
Page Layout
The text should be in 12 point font size with 1.5 line spacing and margins of about 1" should be
allowed on all sides of the paper. Where quoted material is included which is in excess of a few
lines, the type should be indented above five spaces and typed in single space and the quotation
17
marks omitted. While practice varies regarding the beginning of paragraphs, an indentation of
about five spaces produces a pleasing appearance. It is important to ensure that layout is
consistent throughout the work.
7.3
Chapter Headings
Chapter headings should be typed in block capitals about 2" from the top of the page.
7.4
Tabulations, footnotes etc.
Lists of items, tabulations, footnotes etc should be single spaced. Space should be allowed
above and below tabulations, diagrams etc which are integrated into the text.
7.5
Binding
be used of at least card quality, provided the contents are safely contained and its appearance
sufficiently pleasing. No loose papers should be included in the submitted dissertation.
8.
Literary Quality and Editing
In addition to the quality of content of the dissertation, students are expected to achieve a high
standard of presentation. The work must be effectively and neatly arranged and written lucidly
in good style free from spelling and punctuation errors.
Responsibility for the finished dissertation rests entirely with the candidate and therefore every
aspect (including typing) must be carefully checked and thoroughly edited. A slipshod
dissertation containing spelling, punctuation and typing errors will lose mark.
18
THE FORM USED FOR MARKING
International University College
Undergraduate Dissertation Assessment
Degree Course:
................................................................................................
Student Name:
................................................................................................
Dissertation title:
................................................................................................
..................................................................................................
Name of Supervisor:
....................................
Signature: ...........................................
Name of Second Marker:
..................................
Signature: ...........................................
Agreed Mark
Date:
................%
.....................................................
COMMENTS: (please make brief comments referring to the following weighted criteria)
Literature review (30% weighting):
Rationale and research objectives/methodology/
Findings/results derived from empirical research (20% weighting):
Analysis, conclusions and recommendations (40% weighting):
Presentation quality, bibliography and referencing (10% weighting):
8. Undergraduate Dissertation Assessment
(Please indicate for each element)
Rationale/Research Questions/Objectives
Clear reasoning
/ explanation
No reasoning of
purposes
Literature Review
Excellent coverage of
contemporary material
19
Very poor
Methodology
Very clear explanation
of approach, methods
and sampling issues
Confused or
confusing
explanation
Findings
Very clear presentation of
survey and research results
Unclear
presentation
Analysis
Through analysis of
findings
Poor analysis
Conclusions
Conclusions flow from
analysis; relationship to
existing body of knowledge
considered
Conclusions not
based on analysis; no
reference to existing
knowledge
Recommendations (where appropriate)
Clear, feasible
recommendations
Impractical
recommendations made
Referencing
Excellent referencing
throughout
Very poor or no
referencing
Presentation
Excellent
Poor, including poor
use of English
20
Undergraduate Dissertation assessment criteria explained
Very good
Poor
Rationale:
Clear rationale for Some indication of No clear rationale why this
research
why this research topic has been chosen
might
be
interesting
/
important
Research
Questions
/Objectives
Clear
research
questions
that
relate
to
the
rationale and to
the
literature
outlined / should
be manageable for
an UG project
Review of
Literature:
Too many / few
research questions
but
some
indication
that
they present a
researchable issue
Research questions too
broad / suggestion that
this research will not be
practicable
the Excellent review of Moderate review Poor review
the literature
of the literature
literature
of
the
Clear
and
logical The literature is loosely No clear structure to the
structure / literature is focussed and does not literature, vague and unfocused
presented well
narrow to the research
agenda
Highlights
main Illustrates
a
few Few or no theoretical concepts
theoretical concepts
theoretical concepts
discussed
Shows relevance to the Some relevance to the Little apparent relevance
research
research
literature to research
Covers an extensive up to date
representative sample of other research
drawn from a variety of other sources
Presents an argument for Vague
the research
presented
research
of
Uses a few sources draws from limited sources
argument Leaves reader wondering why the
for
the literature is included
21
Methodology
Clear explanation
of methodology
The methodology links to
the proposed research
Methods
Some linkages to
proposed research
Good explanation
of methods
chosen
(advantages/disad
vantages / how
they will answer
research
questions)
Sampling Framework
Some explanation
of methodology
Sampling framework outlined with a
good explanation of who is to be
chosen, how and why.
No clear linkages to proposed
research
Some explanation
of methods
chosen (needs
more explanation
of why methods
were chosen and
how they >fit=with
the research)
Sampling strategy
appropriate for this
research
Confused or confusing
explanation of methodology
Very little explanation of
methods chosen (need much
more elaboration on how
they will find answers to
research questions and why
they were chosen)
Sampling strategy too broad /
narrow
Some explanation
of sampling but
lacking in some
elements
Very unclear sampling
strategy lacking in most
elements of who is to be
chosen, how and why
Findings
Clear presentation Some
minor Very unclear presentation of
of
findings
/ problems with the findings
appropriate
presentation
of
quantity
of the findings
research
undertaken
The findings appear Some weakness in the What is this research about? relate to the RQs
findings as they relate to findings don=t appear to relate to
RQs
anything
Analysis:
Good
consideration of
analysis which is
then
operationalised in
an
appropriate
way on the data
collected
Some consideration
given to analysis but
some
technical
difficulties - this
might relate to
inappropriate form
of analysis or simply
be a little on the
simplistic side
Little consideration given to
analysis - the data is just
there in its unadulterated
form.
22
Conclusions
Clear linkage with
analysis
/
literature
and
RQs
Some explicit linkage
with
analysis
/
literature and RQ but
some
missing
elements
Little
connections
between the analysis /
literature / RQs - may
even introduce new
elements at this point.
Recommendations
Clear
and A
few
basic either no recommendations
practicable
recommendations or
totally
impractical
recommendation
recommendations made
s
Referencing
Excellent
Some referencing Very
poor
referencing
referencing
errors (intext) (in (intext) (in bibliography)
throughout the bibliography)
proposal - both
in
the
bibliography and
within the body
of the proposal
9. KEY DATES: For dissertation submission 2013.
1. Selecting a Topic and submission of the Dissertation Proposal Form 22 Oct. 2012
2. Presenting a detailed structure and Work Plan to the Supervisor
26 Oct. 2012
3. Supervisor approval of the Research design approach (signed Ethics Form + questionnaire)
15 Nov. 2012
4. Submission of a First draft of Literature Review and Methodology to the Supervisor
30 Nov. 2012
5. Submission of the Dissertation paper draft to the Supervisor
05.Feb 2013
6. Submission of the Final Dissertation to the Hand-in Office 01 March 2013
You must hand in the following:

2 hard copies of your dissertation + approved Ethics Form

Electronic copy must be send before the duedate to handin@iuc.bg

All filled-in questionnaires

Correspondents with your supervisor
23
Dissertation Workshops* will be held on:
2 week October 2012
3 week October 2012
4 week October 2012
4 week November 2012
*Date,Time and Room will be announced a week in advance
Recommended Work Schedule:
15 October – 30 November 2012
- Work Plan
- Methodology
- Literature Review – first draft
- Design Questionnaires/ interview questions
- Submit Ethics Form
1 December – 22 December 2012
- Collecting primary data
- Presenting primary and secondary data (Findings)
- Analysis
- Conclusions
- Self Evaluation
5 January – 5 February 2013
- Presenting primary and secondary data (Findings)
- Analysis
- Conclusions
- Self Evaluation
- Draft your dissertation and present it to your Supervisor for comments and suggestions
15 February – 28 February 2013
- Revised version based of the Supervisor’s feedback
- Finalize Literature review
- Finalize references
- Finalize Appendixes
- Prepare for submission
24