Modules

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

The dissertation module enables you to develop research skills by undertaking a well-researched piece of critical analysis on a topic relevant to your programme. You will have the opportunity to explore a chosen topic in depth, relating it to the literature and previous research studies and to integrate your findings across subject disciplines. You will be allocated a supervisor who will support and guide you through your dissertation.

There will be a series of introductory lectures to explain the dissertation process. These will cover:
1. The research cycle; Choosing a research topic; How to develop research aims and objectives;
2. Library searching; The literature review process; Critique of the literature;
3. The differences between Primary research and Secondary research; Methods of data collection for both qualitative and quantitative research;
4. Analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data; Research integrity and ethics; The dissertation structure; Research in practice.

Students will plan their dissertations, read the literature, conduct the research, analyse the data collected and write up their findings.

There will also be several workshop sessions to cover:
1. Preparing the dissertation outline
2. Developing the outline into a full research proposal
3. A choice of research methods workshops e.g. library-based, surveys, interviews, case studies, quantitative data analysis, and qualitative data analysis.

12. Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module, you will be able to:

LO1: Identify a topic for systematic investigation, analysis and evaluation
LO2: Establish a research aim and research objectives
LO3: Select and justify appropriate research methodologies
LO4: Critically assess literature relevant to the research to be undertaken
LO5: Prepare a research proposal
LO6: Collect, analyse and evaluate primary and/or secondary data and produce conclusions and recommendations

T1: Research Methods for Graduate Business and Social Science Students, J. Adams, H. T. A. Khan, R. Raeside and D. White, Sage, London, Current Edition.
T2: Business Research Methods, A. Bryman and E. Bell, Oxford, Current Edition
T3: Your Undergraduate Dissertation, N. Walliman, Sage, London, Current Edition.
T4: Surviving Your Dissertation: A Comprehensive Guide to Content and Process, R. R. Newton,
Sage, London, Current Edition

Click here to view this module's reading list.