MWM015-Dissertation

Module Provider: International Business and Strategy
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: p.m.scott@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module enables the students to undertake a significant business research project (written up as an academic dissertation of 10,000-13,000 words).

Aims:
􀀕 To enable students to undertake an original piece of research in Management Science at Masters level.
􀀕
􀀕 To enable students to produce a piece of original research.

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 MBA level dissertation
􀀕 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. 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 develop the skills to conduct research and write up their results independently. They will also be able to produce a structured research proposal and an original dissertation.

Outline content:
The dissertation links to the Study Skills of Managers module, in which research skills and tools are provided.

􀀕 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:

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 10-13,000 word dissertation. Students are expected to read a number of references provided for the workshops in the Study Skills for Managers module and to do further work on their individual research projects. They are also expected to actively participate in the workshops.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

10,000 – 13,000 word dissertation, due in week 53.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the standard University policy. 

Assessment requirements for a pass:
50%

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment by dissertation (capped at 50%). Date of resubmission to be advised by Programme Admin.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 9 May 2018