Applied Dissertation
| Module title | Applied Dissertation |
|---|---|
| Module code | BEFM104 |
| Academic year | 2019/0 |
| Credits | 45 |
| Module staff |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 10 |
|---|
Module description
The dissertation module provides you with the opportunity to independently produce, original and academically rigorous research examining a topic, or task, offered by a company. In the course of the dissertation, you will: develop a project proposal; critically review the relevant literature; collect any appropriate data; undertake applied research and write up the results of your research in the form of a project summary for the client company and a dissertation. While the development and writing of the project and dissertation are largely independent pieces of work, you will have periodic meetings with your academic and company supervisors to discuss your progress.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This dissertational module will give you the opportunity to work with, though not necessarily in, a company on a clearly defined project addressing a real issue set by the organisation. It will give you the experience of working with a company. It is a practical experience designed to develop consultancy and other transferable skills. The module is organised around an individual applied project with a real client which the Business School may have sourced, or a project you may have sourced yourself. The module’s primary objective is to provide students with ‘real world’ work experience and enhance their employability.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. design a project proposal and time-plan for the project
- 2. complete a company project and dissertation, to a brief and timescale.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. assimilate and critically review academic literature that is relevant to the dissertation topic.
- 4. conduct research into an applied issue (including deciding on appropriate data collection methods, researching a topic, analysis, testing and interpretation, where relevant) and generate insights to inform recommendations.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. work independently, with limited supervision
- 6. clearly communicate and discuss complex ideas in writing, formulating and delivering logical and precise arguments.
- 7. manage the relationship with the client, including managing expectations and handling problems. Understand the protocols, expectations and outcomes of engaging with organisations as clients.
Syllabus plan
The dissertation process will involve the following stages:
Introduction lecture:
• Choice of dissertation topic
• Development of proposal and time plan
Guided by Supervision:
• Participate in an interview with the client (where necessary).
• Project proposal and time plan
• Literature search and review
• Depending upon the nature of the project, empirical analysis/ data collection/ research
• Submission of draft dissertation and project
• Feedback and correction
• Writing up of the project and dissertation
• Submission of final project and dissertation
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | 435 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Contact Hours | 2 | Introductory class |
| Contact Hours | 13 | Academic supervision |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation proposal and time plan | 1,000 words | 1 | Verbal or written feedback |
| Dissertation draft | 12,000 words | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | Verbal or written feedback |
| Project draft | To be determined by the client company, but between 2,000 - 5,000 words | 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 | Verbal or written feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | 90 | 12,000 words | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 | Written feedback |
| Client assessment of project | 10 | To be determined by the client company, but between 2,000 - 5,000 words | 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 | Written feedback |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | Re-submission (100%) | 6 weeks |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that you are expected to consult.Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener.
Basic reading:
As part of the dissertation, students will develop their own bibliography that is relevant to their particular research topic, under the guidance of their supervisor.
ELE – College to provide hyperlink to appropriate pages
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
Students will be introduced to the financial databases available in the business school via either in-house or online training sessions.
| Credit value | 45 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 22.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None. |
| Module co-requisites | None. |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 09/01/2016 |
| Last revision date | 20/12/2018 |