| Unit name | The Management Research Project: Dissertation |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EFIMM0158 |
| Credit points | 60 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
| Unit director | Dr. Mahdi |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
The 120 credit taught component of the programme |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
none |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
none |
| School/department | School of Management - Business School |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
The dissertation is an extended report of an independent study that identifies and investigates a particular question and explores it systematically over a sustained period of time. It is anticipated that the area of research will be informed by the proposal coming out of the Management Research Methods unit.
The dissertation provides students with the opportunity to read extensively and apply research skills to a chosen area of study selected from a range of projects. Projects may be either empirical or library-based, and may include scope for adaptation in method or field of inquiry, depending upon the requirements of the particular programme being followed within the School. Student learning is supported by regular individual and/or small group supervision sessions, although the expectation is that the dissertation is primarily an individual piece of work.
On successful completion of the dissertation, students will demonstrate ability to:
1) frame a clear, central research question within the project topic chosen
2) identify and critically review literature relevant to the topic and central research question
3) understand and apply an appropriate research methodology to investigate the chosen topic including research ethics process and considerations
4) analyse data and/or evidence, where appropriate, and draw apposite conclusions that answer the central research question
5) integrate conclusions into wider academic debates
6) produce a dissertation in a clear, well-written and grammatically-correct style, that conforms to the conventions of academic presentation
The principal method of teaching is through supervision. This is carried out on an individual basis supported by small group supervision where appropriate. For some dissertation topics, additional seminars are provided, and for highly technical dissertation topics, a technical ‘help desk’ is provided during the main study period.
When appropriate, students will be able to participate in teaching workshops which cover all streams of the Management Research Project streams.
Formative Assessment:
Students will be encouraged to submit an outline literature review for review and comment by their supervisor
Summative Assessment:
The dissertation will assess students’ ability to: frame a research question in the context of a relevant literature; apply a suitable research strategy for either an empirical or a library-based research study; analyse resulting data and draw relevant conclusions and integrate these into wider academic debates. (ILOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
The dissertation will also assess students’ ability to produce a substantial piece of academic writing independently and by a deadline, and which conforms to the conventions of academic presentation (ILOs 6)
There is no required word count, but it assumed that to meet the ILOs the dissertation will be between 10,000 and 12,000 words.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EFIMM0158).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
