WM009-60 Company Based Project
Introductory description
The dissertation enables students to engage in an extended piece of company-based independent research, answering a question of relevance to the programme of study and their chosen organisation.
Module aims
The dissertation enables students to engage in an extended piece of company-based independent research, answering a question of relevance to the programme of study and their chosen organisation.
This MA1 form covers the following courses:
Automotive Technology
The project should relate to existing or emerging technology applicable to individual organisations or groups of organisations operating primarily in the automotive sector.
Engineering Business Management
The project should normally be related to the management of:
- Companies in the engineering sector or
- The engineering function in a non-engineering company or
- The supply chain within the engineering sector.
Managing in Technology Based Industries
The project can address any area of business management within a technology based organisation such as operations, financial, human resources, supply chain, or strategic management issues. It could also investigate cross-functional business issues, or working with external organisations (e.g. supply chain partners, suppliers, or other interfaces).
Manufacturing Systems Engineering and Management
The project should relate to product or process technology, operations or management within a manufacturing context
Programme & Project Management
A suitable project should clearly and substantially relate to, or be applicable to, the management of projects or programmes. Topics can include project or programme methods, methodologies, tools, processes, human factors, multi-project scenarios, collaborative projects, in-company applications, or new product or service introduction. The application or research can be in any industry, including but not restricted to, engineering, service industry or IT
Supply Chain and Logistics Management
The project should relate to a logistics related topic.
Systems Engineering Technical Leadership (Aviation)
The project should normally be related to the exploration of technical leadership within a systems engineering environment.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
- The nature of research
- Research methods
- Ethical considerations in research
- Risk management of projects
- Planning, managing and monitoring a research project
- Structuring and writing a Masters dissertation
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Formulate a research question, consistent with the time and resource available to conduct the research and of significance to the chosen organisation.
- Critically evaluate the body of research, synthesising ideas into a referenced literature review.
- Select and apply appropriate research methods to suit the requirements of the defined research question.
- Devise and perform an ethically responsible investigation, informed by the findings of previous researchers and efficiently utilising available resource.
- Present findings in the dissertation with clarity, appropriately evaluating the confidence that should be placed in any findings and demonstrating the benefit of the work undertaken both academically and for the chosen organisation.
Indicative reading list
Bottomley, J., Academic Writing for International Students of Science; Routledge, 2014 ISBN-13: 978-0415832410
Biggam, J., Succeeding with your Master’s Dissertation: A Step-by-Step Guide, Open University Press, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, 2015, 3rd Edition, ISBN13 9780335264483.
Cottrell, S., Critical Thinking Skills: Developing Effective Analysis & Argument, Palgrave, 2011, 2nd Edition, ISBN-13: 978-0230285293
Dawson, C; Introduction to Research Methods; HowTo Books, 2009 (ISBN: 8601200757002)
Hamp-Lyons, L. and Heasley, B. Study Writing. Cambridge University Press, 2006 (ISBN: 9780521534963)
Pears, R. & G. Shields, Cite Them Right, The Essential Referencing Guide, Palgrave, 10th Edition, 2016 (ISBN: 9780230272316)
Wallace, M. and A Wray; Critical Reading and Writing for Postgraduates; Sage, 2011 (ISBN: 9781412961820)
Subject specific skills
These skills will depend on the nature of the project and the course undertaken
Transferable skills
Researching academic literature;
Critical analysis of sources;
Report writing;
Project planning and execution;
Meeting skills.;
Data analysis skills
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Project supervision | 30 sessions of 1 hour (5%) |
| Private study | 570 hours (95%) |
| Total | 600 hours |
Private study description
Independent student activity of approximately 600 hours.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A2
| Weighting | Study time | |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | 100% | |
|
A 20,000-word dissertation; a viva may be required in addition to this for certain situations (pass/fail only) |
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Feedback on assessment
Written and verbal feedback provided, following the viva. \r\n\r\n
Courses
This module is Option list E for:
- Year 1 of TESA-H7PD Postgraduate Taught Supply Chain and Logistics Management (Home Fees)