Summary of content

The Dissertation module follows from the module, Research Methods. Research Methods focuses on management research and consultancy design. The aim of this module is to conduct business research/consultancy and report on the findings.

Drawing on the proposal developed in Research Methods, the module focuses on the business research project, which involves an investigation of a substantial business issue or problem. Students are required to demonstrate critical awareness of business practice, relevant theories and research techniques and approaches. The project element of the module in particular offers students the opportunity to apply course concept, theories and techniques, draw on internationally published literature and good practice, and develop and interpret knowledge about management practice in their area of study. The project's subject matter involves the theoretical and empirical investigation of business and focuses upon topics covered in the student's programme of study. It requires students to demonstrate their ability to independently work. Each project will be supervised by an appropriate academic staff.

The research project can assume one of 3 forms: An Applied Research Project, an Inquiry Project or a Business Consultancy Project. The Applied Research project involves collection of secondary and primary dat. The Management Inquiry Project is secondary data based and can assume the form of an exploration of an aspect of the development of global trends in the relevant business literature and an assessment of its implications for local practice. The Management Consultancy project is normally primary data based and requires the student to adopt the role of a consultant. Students intending to choose this option are required to secure an agreement in principal from the client organisation prior to the finalisation of the first piece of coursework. Regardless of the nature of the output selected, the project is required to be theoretically robust and methodologically sound to meet the academic requirements of the module. Equivalence in the assessment of all three projects is maintained.

Module structure

Assessment methods