MMM084-Dissertation

Module Provider: Marketing and Reputation
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2018/9

Email: c.r.lages@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module enables students to conduct an original piece of academic research within the marketing discipline (digital, international or consumer), at master’s level, and report upon that effectively. The research should include the identification of a suitable research objective, critical evaluation of pertinent academic marketing literature, appropriate evaluation and use of research methodologies and the application of relevant data analysis to enable conclusions to be drawn.

Aims:

To provide students with an understanding of the main research skills necessary to undertake an original piece of research in Marketing (digital, international or consumer) at Masters level. To give students an awareness of the appropriate use of theory, literature review, data, methodology in original research in a Masters dissertation. To enable students to produce a piece of original research aligned to the MSc Marketing pathway you are enrolled in.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:



• Produce a research proposal outlining a research project suitable for a Masters level dissertation. 

• Critically analyse and synthesise relevant literature on a given topic. 

• Understand and critically evaluate the main methodological approaches in research within marketing and the social sciences.

• Assess the suitability and usefulness of alternative sources of data for the analysis of research questions.

• Analyse research data and place findings in the context of existing literature. 

• Produce an original dissertation, which critically analyses a particular research question and examines this question using appropriate data and methodology.

Additional outcomes:

Students will develop an understanding of the research process and the main challenges encountered in undertaking a research project. Skills regarding the review and synthesis of existing literature on a topic, the collection and analysis of data, the collection and analysis of data, and the preparation and production of substantial reports will be improved. Students will also enhance their project management and time management skills.

Outline content:
Students are exposed to a number of research topics as part of their Study and Research Skills Module. Topics covered include:

􀀕 The nature and practice of research
􀀕 The literature review process and the composition of a literature review
􀀕 The nature and role of methodology in management research
􀀕 The role and application of theory in management research
􀀕 Quantitative and qualitative data sources
􀀕 Data analysis and writing-up research findings

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching is comprised of lectures and a two-hour dissertation presentation seminar for each group of students. Students are also provided with one to one supervision for their dissertation over the spring and summer terms. Students are encouraged to apply the skills learned during the lectures to the development of an actual research project, for which they will produce a research proposal, a literature review and 12000 words dissertation. Students are expected to read a number of references provided for each lecture and to do further research on their own. They are also expected to actively participate in the lectures.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One 2,000 words (-+10% is not allowed) proposal (due in week 24).

One 12,000 words (-+10% is allowed) dissertation (due in week 50).





Relative percentage of coursework



The proposal has a 20% weighting in the overall assessment. The dissertation has a 80% weighting in the overall assessment.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A weighted average mark of all coursework components of 50%.

Note that it is a requirement of the award of the MSc that students pass this module.

Reassessment arrangements:
By resubmission of the dissertation (with the dissertation now carrying 100% weight). Students only have the right to be reassessed once.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Printing and binding: Students are required to submit two bound copies of their dissertation. Printing costs are as follows: Black and white printing per page A4 = 5p A3 = 10p Colour printing per page A4 = 30p A3 = 60p Prices correct at the time of publishing Students can get their projects bound for free in the ARC. 

Last updated: 25 June 2018