PLANNING THE MBA DISSERTATION

The final stage of the MBA programme is concerned exclusively with a written dissertation of approximately 15,000 words which provides details of individual research into an agreed finance issue. This dissertation will need to contain an extended Executive Summary/Abstract as well as more technical information relating to the study undertaken.

The dissertation will enable course members to undertake a sustained investigation in an area of their choice. The dissertation provides an opportunity for course members to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and competencies acquired during the taught elements of the course. For most students this will involve diagnosing a finance problem (most often with statistical techniques you will have covered in the various lectures), devising and evaluating solutions and producing realistic, acceptable recommendations for action. This does not, however, preclude the possibility of undertaking a more theoretically focused piece of work that analyses in detail an issue in finance thought.

The aim of this handbook is to help you to carry out your dissertation to the highest standards as well as facilitate your learning process. Please see part E of this handbook for more details and dates/times of the research methods sessions.

If you encounter problems whilst undertaking your dissertation research or are unsure about how to proceed with your project at any time you should consult this handbook. If you cannot find the answers you are looking for there, you should contact your supervisor to arrange a meeting.