Description
Business Based Dissertation
| Module title | Business Based Dissertation |
|---|---|
| Module code | INT3601A |
| Academic year | 2018/9 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff | Yvette Bryan (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 10 | 5 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 40 |
|---|
Description - summary of the module content
Module description
This module prepares students for conducting independent research. It provides an opportunity for the student to design a research project in a business area of interest, to collect and analysis data. The module includes secondary and primary research, consideration of ethical issues and academic criticism on the journey to producing an extended piece of written work (6000 words), as well as a presentation based upon the student experience of the process, this module helps prepare students for academic research and writing.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The module will prepare students for project proposal and dissertation writing. The dissertation itself brings together all the skills and knowledge students have gained in the taught programme. It gives students the opportunity to apply these skills to a specific business based programme. Students will be encouraged to develop independent study skills and be given an opportunity to develop their communication and preparation skills.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate understanding of how to make correct use of source material for study
- 2. Demonstrate skills in data collection and research for writing a dissertation
- 3. Give an oral presentation on your dissertation
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Analyse research data
- 5. Apply theory to a practical situation
- 6. Evaluate research material
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Demonstrate self- management skills including the ability to set personal objectives, manage time and tasks and evaluate your own performance
- 8. Learn effectively and be aware of your own learning strategies, learning independently and co-operatively
Syllabus plan
Syllabus plan
Research topic selection. Paradigms of research. Using the literature and the literature review. Research design, methodology and methods. Creating a research proposal. Primary and secondary data sources. Qualitive and quantitative data collection and analysis. Research ethics. Data reliability and validity. Reporting and presenting research.
Learning and teaching
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 270 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Contact Hour | 10 | Lectures |
| 10 | Seminars | |
| 10 | Tutorials | |
| Secondary Research | 120 | Collecting, evaluating and describing other published works on the chosen subject |
| Primary Research | 120 | Design, implementing and evaluating a small-scale research project |
| Presentationj preparation and rehersal | 30 | Summarising the research & dissertation, including critical reflection |
Assessment
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research topic choice support, review of project design, data collection methods, data analysis and project results. | Not specified | 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 & 8 | E-mail or verbal |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 80 | 0 | 20 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project Proposal including preliminary theoretical literature reviews | 20 | 1,500 | 1,2,5,6 | Written |
| 1 individual presentation of the dissertation findings | 20 | 15 Minutes | 1-6 | Verbal and Written |
| Dissertation | 60 | 6000 words | 1,2,4,5,6,7,8 | Written |
Re-assessment
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Proposal including preliminary theoretical literature reviews | Re-submission | 1,2,5,6,7,8 | 2 weeks after results publication |
| Presentation | Individual viva | 1-6 | Within 4 weeks of examination board. |
| Dissertation | Re-submission | 1,2,4,5,6 | Within 4 weeks of examination board |
Re-assessment notes
Deferrals - refer to course handbook.
Resources
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
Collis, J. & Hussey, R. (2014). Business Research, A Practical guide for undergraduate and postgraduate students (4th Ed.).Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan.
Saunders, M. & Lewis, P. (2014). Doing Research in Business and Management . London: Pearson. http://encore.exeter.ac.uk/iii/encore/plus/C__SDoing%20Research%20in%20Business%20and%20Management%20__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&suite=cobalt
Available online via DawsonEra please logon via Exeter IT if prompted.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=3294
Web based and electronic resources:
University of Exeter Library online catalogue
Module has an active ELE page
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| NQF level (module) | 6 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 2001 |
| Last revision date | 16/07/2018 |