MMM089-Dissertation

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

Email: liz.houldsworth@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

To provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to work independently and in detail on a substantial piece of work in a specialist area of their choice.

Aims:

To provide students with an understanding of the main research skills necessary to undertake an original piece of research in Management Science at Masters level. To give students an awareness of the appropriate use of methodology, theory, data, literature review, and original research in a Masters dissertation. To enable students to produce a piece of original research which has academic and practical outcomes. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Assemble a literature review on a given topic which provides a synthesis and critical analysis of the relevant literature

• Understand the main methodological questions concerning research in management and the social sciences • Appreciate the different main approaches towards the integration of theory into a research project

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

• Compose a research proposal outlining a research project suitable for a Masters level dissertation

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

• Produce a reasoned set of practical and cost effective recommendations and action points

• Evidence of personal reflection upon the learning process including (where possible) input from the organisation being researched.

Additional outcomes:

Students will develop an understanding of the research process and the main challenges encountered in undertaking a research project. Their skills with regard to organising and executing such a project will be enhanced. Skills regarding the collection and analysis of data, the surveying and synthesis of existing literature on a topic, the application of theoretical models to practical questions, and the preparation and production of substantial reports will also be improved. They will also be able to produce a structured research proposal. 

Outline content:

• 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 done in 15 x 1 hour lectures/workshops 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 and workshops to the development of an actual research project, for which they will produce a research proposal, literature review and 12,000 word dissertation. Students are expected to read a number of references provided for each lecture and to do further work on their individual research projects. They are also expected to actively participate in the lectures/workshops and in their project presentation seminar. 

Summative assessment- Examinations:
None

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
One proposal and literature review (20%) and one dissertation (80%).

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 with 50%.

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 5) Computers and devices with a particular specification.

Last updated: 20 April 2018