TITLE: CODE: CREDITS: LEVEL: FACULTY: MODULE BOARD: PRE-REQUISITES: CO-REQUISITES: LEARNING HOURS:

MBA Dissertation PGBM73 60 4/MASTERS BUSINESS AND LAW POSTGRADUATE BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT NONE NONE 600 the exact nature of which is specified in the module guide

LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon successful completion of this module, students will have demonstrated Knowledge K1. That they can understand specific substantive problems or issues within an organisation or business sector placing them into a strategic context within the research investigation. K2. A critical understanding of valid research questions via a review of the academic literature; a critical review of the activities and operations of the organisation/sector and the environment in which it operates. K3. A clear understanding of different research methodologies and their limitations, and be able to critically explain when one might be more appropriate than another in the context of the chosen research topic. K4. That the project findings have been logically derived and that the conclusions/solutions and recommendations are fully supported by the evidence presented. K5. That the recommendations for strategic change in the organisation/business sector investigated are capable of implementation K6. How the personal and organisational learning that has taken place has affected the development of your skills and competences during the completion of your programme of study. Skills S1. The necessary skills to design and undertake appropriate qualitative and quantitative research as necessary to analyse your chosen organisation/business problem or task. S2. How to interpret, record and analyse data relating to the research topic. CONTENT SYNOPSIS Utilising an applied business research methodology the dissertation will include the following elements: A clear abstract. A clear account of the organisation/business sector being investigated. A review of relevant academic literature and derivation of valid research questions both from the literature and the organisation/business sector issues. A review of the methodological issues concerning the research question including critical evaluation of alternative research methodologies and their limitations. A review of the research method adopted and data collection techniques including interviews, observations, and participant observation and their implications and limitations. Interpretation and analysis of qualitative, and if appropriate quantitative data, using appropriate statistical and computational techniques. A clear presentation of empirical findings and implications for the activities and operation of the organisation/business sector. Reflection on the personal and organisational learning as a result of undertaking the project and how that learning relates to the programme as a whole.

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AMPLIFIED CONTENT By examining a specific problem or issue the student will be able to apply the knowledge and techniques learned during their studies. The purpose is to equip the students with some of the necessary tools and transferable skills which they can take with them into their subsequent careers. Part of the formal teaching input will incorporate a series of lectures which will signpost students to the key research issues. Themes for the lectures will be: Theme 1 Conducting a critical literature review in practice for applied research in business and management- Research question and research objectives, illustrative examples. Theme 2 Choosing and justifying a research framework and methodology for applied research in business and management. Illustrative examples. Theme 3. Ethical issues relating to doing applied research in business and management, types of business and management data and data sources. Theme 4. Qualitative data and applied qualitative business / management research. Data collection, data presentation and methods of data analysis. Illustrative examples. Theme 5. Quantitative data and applied quantitative business/ management research. Data collection, data presentation and methods of data analysis. Illustrative examples. Theme 6. Mixed methods for doing applied research in business and management- key issues and methodsIllustrative examples. The workshops will reflect and develop the lecture content to enable a research proposal of approximately 1500 words to be developed during the initial phase of the module and working with the academic supervisor, the student will identify the key issues to be analysed within the main body of the dissertation. Following the approval of the chosen topic the student will begin the dissertation phase and its constituent research process will involve a series of one-to-one meetings. During these meetings the academic supervisor will: aid the student with the strategic context in which the project is being set as well as determining the scope of the literature review to be undertaken by the student. help the student to clarify the research methodologies that will be used by the student in gathering data/ intelligence for the project. discuss with the student the findings arising in the project and help the student to reflect upon the conclusions and recommendations of the project. review with the student any final issues before submission.

TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS The project work will be conducted independently by the student, helped by an academic supervisor. The formal teaching component will be provided through the applied research methods element, which is scheduled to take place before commencement of the dissertation. In this element of the module a detailed research proposal will be developed by the student with support from the academic supervisor. The supervisor will assist the student to:

help to refine and finalise the research proposal

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provide academic expertise and advice on literature review and use of appropriate methodology to underpin the project monitor the student's progress during the period of the dissertation preparation keeping records of all meetings encourage student to keep appropriate records of action and progress which could subsequently be included in the dissertation provide general support, direction and guidance as required throughout the research process Lectures 6 x 1hour Workshops 6 x 2 hours Formal supervision: 6 hours Directed study: 576 hours

ASSESSMENT METHODS Assessment 001: As part of the development of the dissertation, the student will be required to complete a 1500 word research proposal which the academic supervisor will confirm as appropriate to enable the student to continue with the dissertation. Whilst this element will represent 20% of the final mark it is not intended that it will require a pass mark as it will contribute to the final mark awarded. Assessment 002: Each dissertation is assessed internally by two members of staff. A sample of dissertations are also sent to external examiners. Students will be required to submit one written report of approximately 15000 words, containing a literature review, methodology, data analysis and recommendations. The issue of how recommendations for change could be implemented given the studies undertaken and will be based on prior experience of the organisation or business sector which has been investigated. Within the recommendations an outline plan detailing the timescales, management interventions and resources that would need to be available to implement the recommendations will be included. There will also be a critical reflection upon the development of skills and competences derived from the experience of undertaking the project. This assessment will assess all learning outcomes. Sequence Assessment Type 001 Proposal 002 Dissertation Marking Scheme PCMS PCMS Weighting % 20 80 Qualifying Mark 1 1 Pass Mark 40 40

EXTENDED READING LIST Saunders, M.N.K., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2003) Research Methods for Business, 3rd Edition London, Pitman. Silverman, D. (ed) (1997) Qualitative Research: Theory, Method and Practice. Sage. De Wit, B and Meyer, R [2010] Strategy Process, Content and Context 4th Edition Thomson Easterby-Smith, M. , Thorp, R and Lowe, A, [2003] Management Research 1st Edition Sage Brewerton, P, and Millward, L ,[2004]Organisational Research Methods 1st Edition Sage Coghlan, D and Brannick, T , [2003] Doing Action Research in your own Organisation Sage Relevant journals will be consulted by the students depending upon the area of study and chosen topic The module will draw upon a range of printed and electronic sources suitable to reflect on the contemporary issues of the subject material. Some texts are regarded as key to understanding the development of the subject and may not therefore be the current edition of a particular text but the reading list will be reviewed annually to ensure its relevance and appropriateness.

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PROGRAMMES USING THIS MODULE AS CORE/OPTION: MBA (Core) MBA (Finance) (Core) MBA (Marketing) (Core) MBA (HRM) (Core) MBA (Supply Chain Management) (Core) MBA Final Stage (Core) Is the programme delivered On Campus or Off campus: College(s) Work based learning: Professional Accreditation: MODULE LEADER Charles Moss LEAD DELIVERER Charles Moss and Hamid Seddighi JACS CODE: N1 On and off campus Various Approved Colleges No No

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