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

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.

Research element

Students undertake a company based research project.

Interdisciplinary

Depending on the nature of the project and the course undertaken, the research may encompass a combination of subjects and methods.

International

Depending on the nature of the project, the research may involve an analysis of company and/or industry practices in international contexts.

Subject specific skills

These skills will depend on the nature of the project and the course undertaken

Transferable skills

Academic Writing, Analysing data, Critical thinking, Searching the literature